1 Kings 19:15
And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
1 Kings 19:15 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Bible, God instructs the prophet Elisha to anoint Hazael as king over Syria. This command from the Lord is significant as it not only reveals God's divine plan for the kingdoms of the world, but also demonstrates His sovereign control over the affairs of men. The act of anointing a king was a common practice in the Bible, symbolizing a divine appointment and imparting authority from God. By anointing Hazael as king, God is positioning him to fulfill a specific role in His greater plan for the region. This verse reminds us of God's omnipotence and His ability to use even earthly rulers to accomplish His purposes. It serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God's sovereign will and to follow His guidance, even when it may seem unexpected or unconventional.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the LORD instructs the prophet Elijah to go anoint Hazael as king over Syria. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals the divine intervention in the political affairs of nations. God is shown to be sovereign over all rulers and kingdoms, directing the rise and fall of leaders according to His plan. The anointing of Hazael also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Elijah is instructed to carry out this task without question. Additionally, the word study of "anoint" in this passage signifies consecration and empowerment by God for a specific role or task. The act of anointing a king in ancient times symbolized God's endorsement of that individual's leadership. Thus, this verse serves as a reminder of God's authority over worldly powers and the significance of aligning oneself with His divine will.
1 Kings 19:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehovah said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, thou shalt anoint Hazael to be king over Syria;
World English Bible
Yahweh said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord said to him: Go, and return on thy way, through the desert, to Damascus: and when thou art come thither, thou shalt anoint Hazael to be king over Syria;
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Lord said vnto him, Goe, returne by the wildernes vnto Damascus, and when thou commest there, anoint Hazael King ouer Aram.