And it came to pass on the morrow
In such haste was Hazael to be king, as the prophet said he would
be:
that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and
spread it on
his face, so that he died;
not that Benhadad took or ordered such a cloth to be dipped and
laid on his own face, to allay the violent heat in him; but
Hazael did this, and perhaps under such a pretence; but his real
design was to strike in the heat, or suffocate him; for such a
thick cloth, one of the bedclothes, made of goats' hair, as is
supposed, being dipped in water, would suck in a great deal; and
being laid on his face, would press hard, and he not able to
throw it off, it would let in much water into his mouth and
nostrils, and suffocate him, without leaving any marks of
violence, which might render his death suspicious:
and Hazael reigned in his stead;
having an interest in the army, of which he was general, and
perhaps had done some exploits which had recommended him to the
regard of the people.