2 Kings 8:12
And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.
2 Kings 8:12 · King James Version
Meaning
When Hazael asks Elisha why he is weeping, Elisha responds with a heavy heart, knowing the evil that Hazael will bring upon the children of Israel. This verse from the Book of Kings illustrates the prophetic insight of Elisha, as he foresees the destruction and suffering that Hazael will inflict upon the people of Israel. The imagery used in this verse, such as setting strongholds on fire, slaying young men with the sword, and dashing children and ripping up pregnant women, depicts the brutality and violence that will be brought upon the Israelites. It serves as a warning of the grave consequences that will result from Hazael's actions, highlighting the importance of staying faithful to God and avoiding the path of destruction and harm towards others. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of yielding to evil temptations and the importance of righteousness in the eyes of God.
Theological Overview
In this verse from 2 Kings 8:12, we see Hazael asking the prophet Elisha why he is weeping. Elisha responds by outlining the great evil that Hazael will bring upon the children of Israel, including burning their strongholds, killing their young men, dashing their children, and ripping up their pregnant women. This exchange serves as a warning of the destruction and suffering that will come upon Israel due to Hazael's actions. The portrayal of such brutality highlights the consequences of turning away from God and following the path of evil. From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's will and the dire consequences of straying from His commandments. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to remain faithful and seek forgiveness in order to avoid the judgment and punishment that come with disobedience.
2 Kings 8:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strongholds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash in pieces their little ones, and rip up their women with child.
World English Bible
Hazael said, “Why do you weep, my lord?” He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel. You will set their strongholds on fire, and you will kill their young men with the sword, and will dash in pieces their little ones, and rip up their women with child.”
Douay-Rheims
And Hazael said to him: Why doth my lord weep? And he said: Because I know the evil that thou wilt do to the children of Israel. Their strong cities thou wilt burn with fire, and their young men thou wilt kill with the sword, and thou wilt dash their children, and rip up their pregnant women.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Hazael sayde, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I knowe the euill that thou shalt do vnto the children of Israel: for their strong cities shalt thou set on fire, and their yong men shalt thou slay with the sworde, and shalt dash their infantes against the stones, and rent in pieces their women with child.