2 Kings 8:8

Hazael. — See Note on 2 Kings 8:15. In 1 Kings 19:15; 1 Kings 19:17 the name is written Hăzâh’êl; here it is spelt with an etymological allusion, Hăzâh’êl, i.e., “El hath seen” (foreseen). Hazael appears to have been the highest officer in Ben-hadad s court; Josephus says, “the trustiest of his domestics.”

Take a present in thine hand. — Comp. Numbers 22:7; 1 Samuel 9:7; 2 Kings 5:5; 1 Kings 14:3.

Go, meet the man of God. — Literally, go to meet him. This does not imply, as some have supposed, that Elisha was still on the road to Damascus, nor even that he happened to be at the time on his way to the palace, for how could Ben-hadad know that? What is meant is “Go to the place where the prophet is to be found; seek an interview with him.”

Enquire of the Lord by him. — A different construction is used in 2 Kings 1:2.

By him. — Literally, from with him. (Comp. Note on 2 Kings 1:15.)

Shall I recover of this disease? — Comp. 2 Kings 1:2.