2 Kings, Chapter 8
Synopsis: Elisha’s miracle, healed young man and his mother leave their home to avoid a famine. This is in obedience to Elisha’s instruction. They return after 7 years and ask the King for their land back. When the King learns that this is the young man who was bought back from the dead and his mother he grants them their property and properties income for the period they were gone.
Then there is a murder. Elisha knew that this murder was going to happen. The King of Aram, Ben-Hadad, is murdered by someone called Hazael. I get the impression that Hazael, who Elisha tells that the King will feel better but will then die, is an opportunist and uses Gods word for evil. Perhaps that’s the lesson?
There are then two passages which seem to be mainly historical record keeping. Jehoram becomes King of Judah, and he is evil. The Lord did not destroy Judah because of his agreement/promises to David. That’s a useful reminder of how God keeps his promises. Jehoram is succeeded by his son, Ahaziah, also evil.