2 Kings 13:3
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.
2 Kings 13:3 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of 2 Kings, we see the consequences of the Israelites' disobedience to God. The anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel because they turned away from Him and worshipped other gods. As a result, God allowed their enemies, Hazael king of Syria and Benhadad son of Hazael, to overpower and oppress them. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and following His commandments. When we stray from His path, we open ourselves up to the consequences of our actions. The deliverance of the Israelites into the hands of their enemies highlights the severity of God's judgment against sin and the need for repentance and turning back to Him. This verse serves as a lesson for us to stay committed to God and His ways, lest we face the consequences of our disobedience.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the concept of divine punishment for disobedience. The anger of the LORD towards Israel is a recurring theme in the Bible, indicating God's displeasure with the actions of his people. The delivery of Israel into the hands of their enemies, Hazael king of Syria and Benhadad his son, serves as a form of discipline to correct the wrongdoing of the Israelites. This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences that may result from disobedience. It also underscores the sovereignty of God in using foreign nations to carry out his judgment. By studying the context of this verse and exploring the original Hebrew text, we gain insight into the nature of God's justice and his expectations for his people.
2 Kings 13:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, continually.
World English Bible
Yahweh’s anger was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, continually.
Douay-Rheims
And the wrath of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael, the king of Syria, and into the hand of Benadad, the son of Hazael, all days.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Lord was angry with Israel, and deliuered them into the hand of Hazael King of Aram, and into the hand of Ben-hadad the sonne of Hazael, all his dayes.