It's striking that Elisha doesn't just see future evil, but the specific, gruesome methods of cruelty Hazael will employ. This isn't a vague prophecy of defeat, but a chillingly detailed revelation of the character of the man he's speaking to, highlighting God's intimate knowledge of human hearts and their capacity for depravity.
And Hazael said, “Why does my lord weep?” He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel. You will set on fire their fortresses, and you will kill their young men with the sword and dash in pieces their little ones and rip open their pregnant women.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elisha the prophet has come to Damascus to visit Hazael, who is being told by the Lord that he will become king of Aram. Elisha then reveals a grim prophecy of the future destruction Hazael will inflict upon Israel, weeping as he describes the terrible violence that will take place. This moment sets the stage for Hazael's rise to power and the brutal oppression of God's people that is about to unfold.
Imagine knowing, with absolute certainty, the horrific acts someone is about to commit. Elisha the prophet has this devastating knowledge, and it breaks his heart.
A Prophet's Grief
Elisha's weeping isn't just sadness; it's a profound grief over impending suffering. He sees the future actions of Hazael, a man who would become king of Aram (Syria).
Specificity of Evil
The details Elisha provides are chilling and specific: burning fortresses, slaughtering young men, crushing infants, and ripping open pregnant women. This isn't vague foreboding; it's a clear, brutal picture of war crimes and immense cruelty.
The Weight of Knowledge
Elisha's sorrow stems from knowing the immense pain and destruction that will befall the people of Israel. This knowledge is a heavy burden, demonstrating that God grieves over the sin and suffering of His people.
Hazael is baffled by Elisha’s tears, asking, “Why does my lord weep?” This reveals a striking contrast between the prophet’s foreknowledge and Hazael’s current perspective.
Unsuspecting Future Tyrant
At this moment, Hazael is likely unaware of the extent of his own future cruelty. His question suggests a genuine lack of understanding or denial about the capacity for evil within himself or the path he is on.
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The Seed of Future Action
Elisha's prophecy, though shocking to Hazael, plants the seed for the actions to come. Sometimes, foreknowledge or even the articulation of potential evil can, tragically, pave the way for its fulfillment, especially if a person doesn't actively resist.
God's Sovereignty and Human Choice
This passage touches on the deep mystery of God's foreknowledge and human responsibility. God knew what Hazael would do, and Elisha revealed it. Hazael would later become king and fulfill this brutal prophecy, demonstrating the interplay between divine knowledge and human decisions.
Understand the original words
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
A moral or ethical category denoting wickedness, corruption, or calamity. In this context, it refers to the destructive actions that oppose the will of God and cause harm to His people.
This prophecy reveals God's foreknowledge of future atrocities, highlighting that even in a world of brutal kings and shifting alliances, God sees the end from the beginning and holds nations accountable.
c. 885 BC
Reign of King Ahab
Ahab, king of Israel, had made an alliance with the king of Judah, but his reign was marked by conflict and idolatry, setting a stage for later turmoil.
c. 853 BC
Battle of Qarqar
Assyrian records mention a great battle where King Ahab of Israel fought alongside other Levantine rulers against the advancing Assyrian Empire. This highlights the geopolitical pressures of the time.
c. 842 BC— this verse
Elisha Anoints Hazael
The prophet Elisha, sent by God, anoints Hazael as king of Aram-Damascus, foretelling his future cruelty towards Israel. This is the pivotal moment described in the verse.
c. 842 BC
Hazael's Usurpation and Reign
Hazael seizes the throne, likely by murdering his predecessor, Ben-Hadad II (the 'lord' who wept). He then begins a brutal reign, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy.
c. 841 BC - 801 BC
Hazael's Wars Against Israel and Judah
Hazael wages relentless war against the Israelites, capturing cities, inflicting heavy losses, and dominating the region. This period of oppression severely weakened the Northern Kingdom.
c. 734-732 BC
Assyrian Invasions Begin
The growing power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire led to subsequent invasions of the region, further devastating Israel and Judah.
This passage shows David inquiring of the Lord about an impending threat, much like Elisha knows the future threat Hazael will bring, highlighting God's foreknowledge of evil.
Jeremiah 21:4This verse echoes the prophecy of destruction against Jerusalem by siege and sword, paralleling the specific acts of violence Elisha predicts Hazael will inflict upon Israel.
Amos 1:13This prophetic judgment describes brutal acts of violence against the Ammonites, similar to the graphic depiction of destruction Elisha foresees for Israel at the hands of Hazael.
Psalm 137:8This Psalm speaks of divine retribution against Babylon for their cruelty, reflecting the theme of judgment for wicked actions that Elisha's prophecy against Hazael conveys.
It's striking that Elisha doesn't just see future evil, but the specific, gruesome methods of cruelty Hazael will employ. This isn't a vague prophecy of defeat, but a chillingly detailed revelation of the character of the man he's speaking to, highlighting God's intimate knowledge of human hearts and their capacity for depravity.
Elisha the prophet has come to Damascus to visit Hazael, who is being told by the Lord that he will become king of Aram. Elisha then reveals a grim prophecy of the future destruction Hazael will inflict upon Israel, weeping as he describes the terrible violence that will take place. This moment sets the stage for Hazael's rise to power and the brutal oppression of God's people that is about to unfold.
Elisha the prophet has come to Damascus to visit Hazael, who is being told by the Lord that he will become king of Aram. Elisha then reveals a grim prophecy of the future destruction Hazael will inflict upon Israel, weeping as he describes the terrible violence that will take place. This moment sets the stage for Hazael's rise to power and the brutal oppression of God's people that is about to unfold.
"And Hazael said, “Why does my lord weep?” He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel. You will set on fire their fortresses, and you will kill their young men with the sword and dash in pieces their litt…" — It's striking that Elisha doesn't just see future evil, but the specific, gruesome methods of cruelty Hazael will employ. This isn't a vague prophecy of defeat, but a chillingly detailed revelati…
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Last reviewed October 2026
