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Hazael, a prominent king of Syria (also known as Aram) during the ninth century B.C.E., is a significant figure in the biblical narrative. His interactions with Israel and Judah, as well as his prominence in extra-biblical records, provide crucial insights into the historical reliability of Scripture and the geopolitical climate of the ancient Near East. The Bible presents Hazael as an instrument of divine judgment against Israel, while archaeological discoveries have corroborated his existence and his role in the region.

This article explores the historical and biblical portrait of Hazael, examines his role in fulfilling divine prophecy, and considers the archaeological evidence that supports his existence and reign.

The Biblical Introduction to Hazael

Hazael is introduced in 1 Kings 19:15-17, where Jehovah commands Elijah to anoint him as the next king of Aram. The divine directive highlights Hazael’s future role in God’s plan to discipline Israel. The text states:

“Jehovah said to him, ‘Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.’”

This passage establishes Hazael’s prominence as an instrument of divine judgment, alongside Jehu and Elisha. Importantly, Elijah does not personally anoint Hazael, but the prophecy remains central to understanding his rise to power.

Hazael’s Ascension to Power

The narrative of Hazael’s rise to kingship is detailed in 2 Kings 8:7-15. Ben-Hadad II, the reigning king of Aram, falls ill and sends Hazael to inquire of Elisha, the prophet of Jehovah, whether he will recover. Elisha delivers a startling prophecy:

“Elisha answered, ‘Go and say to him, “You will certainly recover.” Nevertheless, Jehovah has revealed to me that he will in fact die.’ He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael was embarrassed. Then the man of God began to weep. ‘Why is my lord weeping?’ asked Hazael. ‘Because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites,’ he answered. ‘You will set fire to their fortified places, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women.’ Hazael said, ‘How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?’ Elisha said, ‘Jehovah has shown me that you will become king of Aram.’” (2 Kings 8:10-13).

Following this prophecy, Hazael assassinates Ben-Hadad and seizes the throne. This act fulfills Elisha’s prediction and demonstrates Hazael’s determination to establish himself as king. His reign begins with violence, foreshadowing his military campaigns against Israel and Judah.

Hazael as an Instrument of Divine Judgment

Hazael’s military exploits against Israel align with the biblical depiction of him as a tool of Jehovah’s judgment. In 2 Kings 10:32-33, his actions against Israel are explicitly linked to divine discipline:

“In those days Jehovah began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael overpowered the Israelites throughout their territory east of the Jordan in Gilead—the land of the Gadites, Reubenites, and Manassites—from Aroer by the Arnon Gorge through Gilead to Bashan.”

These verses highlight the extent of Hazael’s conquests, which resulted in the loss of significant Israelite territory. His campaigns fulfilled the warnings given by earlier prophets regarding Israel’s unfaithfulness to Jehovah. Hazael’s role in reducing Israel’s power is reiterated in Amos 1:3-4, where his cruelty is condemned:

“This is what Jehovah says: ‘For three sins of Damascus, even for four, I will not relent. Because she threshed Gilead with sledges having iron teeth, I will send fire on the house of Hazael that will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.’”

While Hazael was an instrument of divine judgment, his brutality did not escape divine notice, as Jehovah promised eventual retribution against Aram.

Hazael’s Interactions with Judah

Hazael also played a significant role in Judah’s history. In 2 Kings 12:17-18, he launched an attack against Judah during the reign of King Jehoash (Joash):

“About this time Hazael king of Aram went up and attacked Gath and captured it. Then he turned to attack Jerusalem. But Joash king of Judah took all the sacred objects dedicated by his predecessors—Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah—and the gifts he himself had dedicated, and all the gold found in the treasuries of the temple of Jehovah and of the royal palace, and he sent them to Hazael, who then withdrew from Jerusalem.”

Hazael’s incursion into Judah demonstrates his far-reaching influence and military strength. Jehoash’s decision to pay tribute rather than resist underscores the threat Hazael posed to the southern kingdom.

Hazael Oppresses Israel

Hazael’s oppression of Israel is a significant theme in his biblical narrative, underscoring his role as an instrument of divine judgment and a formidable adversary in the region. Shortly after ascending to the throne of Aram, Hazael waged war against both Israel and Judah. One notable engagement occurred at Ramoth-gilead (Ramah), where he clashed with King Jehoram of Israel. While the outcome of this specific battle is not explicitly detailed, it set the stage for Hazael’s continued military campaigns against Israel and Judah. The account in 2 Kings 8:25-29 and 2 Chronicles 22:1-6 also mentions that Jehoram was wounded during this battle, highlighting the intensity of the conflict.

Following this encounter, Hazael’s focus shifted toward territorial expansion at the expense of Israel. During the reign of King Jehu of Israel, Hazael began systematically capturing Israelite territories east of the Jordan, including Gilead and Bashan. This strategic conquest is described in 2 Kings 10:32-33:

The loss of these territories was a devastating blow to Israel, weakening its position and exposing it to further attacks. Hazael’s success in these campaigns evidently paved the way for his later incursion into Judah.

Hazael’s Invasion of Judah and the Siege of Jerusalem

Hazael’s ambitions extended beyond Israel, as he turned his attention to Judah. In an aggressive military campaign, Hazael captured the city of Gath in Philistia and then prepared to advance on Jerusalem. This move is recorded in 2 Kings 12:17-18:

King Jehoash (Joash) of Judah, recognizing the imminent threat posed by Hazael, opted for a diplomatic solution rather than risking the destruction of Jerusalem. By offering valuable treasures from the temple and royal palace, Jehoash successfully averted a direct attack on the city. This account illustrates both the extent of Hazael’s power and the desperation of Judah’s leadership in the face of his military might.

The Fulfillment of Elisha’s Prophecy

Hazael’s campaigns against Israel and Judah reflect the fulfillment of the grim prophecy delivered by Elisha. In 2 Kings 8:12-13, Elisha foresaw the atrocities Hazael would commit against Israel, describing him as a ruthless oppressor. This prophecy came to fruition during the reign of King Jehoahaz of Israel, Jehu’s son, when Hazael became a great burden to the Israelites.

The extent of Hazael’s cruelty is vividly described in 2 Kings 13:3 and 22, which recount his oppressive measures:

“So the anger of Jehovah burned against Israel, and for a long time he kept them under the power of Hazael king of Aram and Ben-hadad his son.”

The description in 2 Kings 8:12 of burning fortified places, killing men, and committing atrocities against women and children paints a picture of the devastating impact Hazael had on the Israelite population. Yet, even in the midst of this suffering, Jehovah’s mercy toward Israel remained evident. As recorded in 2 Kings 13:4-5:

“Then Jehoahaz sought Jehovah’s favor, and Jehovah listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. Jehovah provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram. So the Israelites lived in their own homes as they had before.”

This deliverance underscores the principle that while Jehovah used Hazael to discipline Israel, He did not allow Hazael to utterly destroy the nation.

The Decline of Hazael’s Power

Hazael’s dominance began to wane after his death, as his son Ben-Hadad III proved less capable of maintaining the same level of control over Israel. Under the leadership of King Jehoash of Israel, Israel experienced a resurgence. In three decisive victories, Jehoash recaptured cities that Hazael had taken from his father, Jehoahaz. This restoration of territory is recorded in 2 Kings 13:23-25:

“But Jehovah was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence. Hazael king of Aram died, and Ben-Hadad his son succeeded him as king. Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz recaptured from Ben-Hadad son of Hazael the towns he had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Three times Jehoash defeated him, and so he recovered the Israelite towns.”

This account illustrates the cyclical nature of Israel’s fortunes and the continued faithfulness of Jehovah to His covenant promises, despite Israel’s repeated disobedience.

Archaeological Evidence Supporting Hazael’s Reign

Archaeological discoveries have provided tangible evidence of Hazael’s reign and corroborate the biblical record. The Tel Dan Stele, discovered in northern Israel, is a particularly significant artifact. The inscription, attributed to an Aramean king (likely Hazael or his successor), celebrates the defeat of the “king of Israel” and the “house of David.” This inscription provides independent confirmation of Hazael’s military campaigns and interactions with Israel and Judah.

Other archaeological findings, such as inscriptions from the city of Arslan Tash and references in Assyrian records, further attest to Hazael’s prominence. The Assyrian king Shalmaneser III mentions Hazael in his annals, describing him as a formidable adversary who resisted Assyrian advances in the region.

Hazael in Ancient Inscriptions

Hazael’s historical presence is further validated through inscriptions discovered at various archaeological sites, which provide an external perspective on his reign and confirm the biblical narrative. These inscriptions not only corroborate the details of Hazael’s life as recorded in the Bible but also shed light on his conflicts with other powerful figures in the ancient Near East, such as Shalmaneser III of Assyria.

The basalt statue of Shalmaneser III is a striking testament to the power dynamics of ancient history. It bears an intriguing inscription that names Hazael as the “son of a nobody.” Today, this remarkable artifact can be found at the Museum of the Ancient Orient in Istanbul.

The Afis Inscription and Succession by Ben-Hadad III

An inscription found at Afis, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Aleppo, mentions Hazael and his son Ben-Hadad III (referred to in the inscription as “Barhadad”). This reference aligns with the biblical account of Hazael’s death and the subsequent reign of his son, as noted in 2 Kings 13:24:

“Hazael king of Aram died, and Ben-hadad his son succeeded him as king.”

The Afis inscription provides a valuable independent witness to the historical continuity of Hazael’s dynasty, affirming the accuracy of the biblical chronology regarding the succession of kings in Syria.

The Melqart stele, also known as the Ben-Hadad or Bir-Hadad stele is an Aramaic stele which was created during the 9th century BCE and was discovered in 1939 in Roman ruins in Bureij Syria (7 km north of Aleppo).

Shalmaneser III’s Annals: A Commoner’s Rise to Power

The Assyrian king Shalmaneser III records his campaigns against Syria in his annals, where Hazael is prominently mentioned. These inscriptions describe Hazael as a formidable adversary who resisted Assyrian advances, although he is derisively referred to as a “son of nobody.” This characterization likely reflects Hazael’s non-royal origin and his rise to power through the assassination of King Ben-Hadad II, as described in 2 Kings 8:15:

“But the next day he took a thick cloth, soaked it in water and spread it over his face, so that he died. Then Hazael succeeded him as king.”

Shalmaneser III’s annals detail his military encounters with Hazael, highlighting a significant campaign in the eighteenth year of his reign. One notable inscription reads:

“In the eighteenth year of my rule I crossed the Euphrates for the sixteenth time. Hazael of Damascus (Imerisu) put his trust upon his numerous army and called up his troops in great number, making the mountain Senir (Sa-ni-ru), a mountain, facing the Lebanon, to his fortress. I fought with him and inflicted a defeat upon him, killing with the sword 16,000 of his experienced soldiers. I took away from him 1,121 chariots, 470 riding horses as well as his camp. He disappeared to save his life (but) I followed him and besieged him in Damascus (Di-mas-qi), his royal residence. (There) I cut down his gardens (outside of the city, and departed). I marched as far as the mountains of Hauran (sadee matHa-u-ra-ni), destroying, tearing down and burning innumerable towns, carrying booty away from them which was beyond counting.” (Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by J. B. Pritchard, 1974, p. 280)

Shalmaneser’s campaign adds:

Hazael of Damascus trusted in the massed might of his troops; and he mustered his troops in great numbers.… I fought with him. I decisively defeated him.… In order to save his life he ran away. I pursued after him. I confined him to Damascus, his royal city. (COS 2:267)

This detailed account illustrates the intensity of the Assyrian campaign and the scale of the conflict between Shalmaneser III and Hazael. Despite suffering significant losses, Hazael managed to survive the campaign by retreating to Damascus, where he withstood a siege.

Hazael’s Resilience Against Shalmaneser III

Although Shalmaneser III inflicted heavy damage on Hazael’s forces and the surrounding territories, the Assyrian king ultimately failed to capture Damascus. This suggests that Hazael’s leadership and fortifications were sufficient to withstand one of the most powerful military forces of the era. Shalmaneser’s inability to fully subjugate Damascus testifies to Hazael’s resilience and underscores his reputation as a tenacious ruler.

The biblical and historical accounts converge on the aftermath of Hazael’s reign. While Shalmaneser III weakened Hazael’s position, the prophecy through Amos regarding the eventual fall of Damascus was fulfilled later during the reign of Tiglath-pileser III. Amos 1:4-5 records Jehovah’s declaration:

“I will send a fire onto the house of Hazael, and it must devour the dwelling towers of Ben-hadad. And I will break the bar of Damascus.”

This prophecy highlights the divine orchestration of events and the ultimate judgment upon Hazael’s dynasty, fulfilled when Tiglath-pileser III captured Damascus during the reign of King Rezin, as noted in 2 Kings 16:9.

The Enduring Impact of Hazael’s Reign

Hazael’s legacy, as preserved in both biblical and extra-biblical records, reflects his significance as a major player in the ancient Near Eastern geopolitical landscape. The inscriptions from Afis and Shalmaneser III’s annals provide independent verification of his existence, his rise to power, and his conflicts with surrounding nations. These records confirm the biblical depiction of Hazael as a powerful and ambitious king who shaped the history of Israel, Judah, and Syria during his reign.

The Zakkur Stele, an ancient artifact featuring inscriptions and commemorating the victory of King Zakkur, provides a fascinating glimpse into the historical events and interactions between powerful city-states during the time of Hazael. This captivating monument can be further appreciated by examining the photo above.

Moreover, the fulfillment of prophecy concerning Hazael’s rise and the eventual downfall of his dynasty serves as a reminder of Jehovah’s sovereignty over the nations. While Hazael’s actions brought suffering to Israel and Judah, they also demonstrated Jehovah’s ability to use even foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes, ultimately preserving His covenant people and holding their enemies accountable.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Hazael in Biblical and Historical Context

Hazael’s life and reign serve as a vivid reminder of the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency. His rise to power, prophesied by Elisha, and his subsequent role in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East underscore the reliability of the biblical narrative. While Hazael was a tool of divine judgment, his brutality did not escape Jehovah’s notice, as evidenced by the prophetic condemnations of his actions.

The convergence of biblical and archaeological evidence regarding Hazael’s reign strengthens confidence in the historical accuracy of Scripture. His story illustrates the fulfillment of prophecy and the consequences of rebellion against Jehovah, both for Israel and the nations surrounding it.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).