Hazael Azael
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(vision of God) — the name of the following persons: a) (1 Kings 19:15) king of Syria, contemporary of Ahaziah and Jehoram. While Hazael was still a servant of Ben-hadad, king of Syria, the prophet Elijah received a command from God to anoint him king of Syria, and, together with him, Jehu king of Israel. Eleven years afterward, Ben-hadad, then living in Damascus, having fallen ill, sent Hazael to take gifts to the prophet Elisha and ask him about the outcome of his illness. The prophet told Hazael that Ben-hadad’s illness was not fatal, but that he would nevertheless soon die, and then, with tears, foretold to him that he would occupy the throne of the king of Syria and would bring many calamities upon the children of Israel.
Hazael, having brought the king a favorable answer concerning his illness, on the next day smothered him: “he took a thick cloth,” says the sacred writer, “and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died” (2 Kings 8:15). He then occupied his throne. The prophet’s further predictions were fulfilled exactly. He waged many wars with the kings of Judah and Israel, and did indeed bring upon them many calamities.