2 Kings 8:14

So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master, who saide to him, What said Elisha to thee? and hee answered, He told me that thou shouldst surely recouer. 2 Kings 8:14 (KJV)

Before examining the verse, it helps to see its setting. Earlier in the chapter (2 Kings 8:1‑6) the prophet Elisha restores a dead child to life for a Shunammite woman. After this miracle, the king of Syria sends his servant Hazael to the king of Israel to ask after the latter’s health. Hazael then goes to Elisha, receives a reply, and returns to his master. The exchange recorded in verse 14 records the Syrian king asking Hazael whether the man he sent—Elisha—was well, and Hazael confirming that he was.

In this verse the servant Hazael reports back to the king of Syria that Elisha said the king would surely recover. The passage highlights the accuracy of Elisha’s prophetic ministry, as his words came to pass just as he had foretold. This demonstrates God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge; the Lord knew what would transpire and used Hazael as a means to execute His divine purpose.

Later verses (2 Kings 8:15‑19) reveal that Hazael will rise to become king of Syria and will act as an instrument of judgment against Israel, fulfilling the warning Elisha had previously given the Syrian king. The events show that God’s plans unfold despite human actions, and that both restoration and judgment are part of His sovereign design.

The passage reminds believers of the importance of heeding the words of God’s prophets and messengers. It underscores that God’s Word is trustworthy and His promises reliable. It also highlights the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God’s commands, as seen in the impending judgment on Israel. In summary, 2 Kings 8:14 records Hazael’s report that Elisha assured the Syrian king of his recovery, confirming the prophet’s reliable declaration and setting the stage for Hazael’s future role as an agent of divine judgment, thereby emphasizing divine sovereignty and the reliability of God’s word.