2 Kings 8
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10. Go, say . . . Thou mayest certainly recover--There was no contradiction in this message. This part was properly the answer to Ben-hadad's inquiry [ 2 Kings 8:9 ]. The second part was intended for Hazael, who, like an artful and ambitious courtier, reported only as much of the prophet's statement as suited his own views (compare 2 Kings 8:14 ).
11. he settled his countenance stedfastly until he was ashamed--that is, Hazael. The steadfast, penetrating look of the prophet seemed to have convinced Hazael that his secret designs were known. The deep emotions of Elisha were justified by the horrible atrocities which, too common in ancient warfare, that successful usurper committed in Israel ( 2 Kings 10:32 , 2 Kings 13:3 2 Kings 13:4 2 Kings 13:22 ).
15. took a thick cloth, &c.--a coverlet. In the East, this article of bedding is generally a thick quilt of wool or cotton, so that, with its great weight, when steeped in water, it would be a fit instrument for accomplishing the murderous purpose, without leaving any marks of violence. It has been supposed by many that Hazael purposely murdered the king. But it is common for Eastern people to sleep with their faces covered with a mosquito net; and, in some cases of fever, they dampen the bedclothes. Hazael, aware of those chilling remedies being usually resorted to, might have, with an honest intention, spread a refreshing cover over him. The rapid occurrence of the king's death and immediate burial were favorable to his instant elevation to the throne.
2 Kings 8:16-23 . JEHORAM'S WICKED REIGN.
16. Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat . . . began to to him two years before his death.
18. daughter of Ahab--Athaliah, through whose influence Jehoram introduced the worship of Baal and many other evils into the kingdom of Judah (see 2 Chronicles 21:2-20 ). This apostasy would have led to the total extinction of the royal family in that kingdom, had it not been for the divine promise to David ( 2 Samuel 7:16 ). A national chastisement, however, was inflicted on Judah by the revolt of Edom, which, being hitherto governed by a tributary ruler ( 2 Kings 3:9 , 1 Kings 22:47 ), erected the standard of independence ( 2 Chronicles 21:9 ).
2 Kings 8:24 . AHAZIAH SUCCEEDS HIM.