2 Kings 12:17

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

אז יעלה חזאל מלך ארם וילחם על גת וילכדה וישם חזאל פניו לעלות על ירושלם:

What Does This Mean?

The verse tells us that Hazael, the king of Syria, conquered the city of Gath and then planned to attack Jerusalem. It describes the military actions of Hazael and his intentions.

Explained for Children

Imagine if a big, strong kid in your school came and took over another kid's lunch spot. Then he decided to go after your favorite playground spot next. That's kind of what Hazael did, but with whole cities!

Historical Background

This verse is part of the Book of Kings, written by prophets around 550 BCE to record the history of Israel and Judah. It describes the actions of kings and their conflicts, aiming to teach the importance of following God's laws.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can think of this verse as a reminder to be prepared for challenges. Just as Jerusalem had to prepare for an attack, we should be ready to face difficulties in our lives with courage and faith.

Topics

• war
• leadership
• preparation
• protection
• conflict
• judgment

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 15:20
• 2 Kings 6:24
• 2 Kings 13:3
• Isaiah 9:4
• Luke 4:25

Recommended Reading

Commentary 2 Kings Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Hazael attack Gath?

Hazael likely attacked Gath to expand his territory and power, as many kings did in that era. It was a common strategy to conquer neighboring territories for dominance.

What happened after Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem?

While this verse doesn't explicitly state what happened next, historically, Jerusalem managed to resist Hazael's attack, likely due to fortifications and preparations made by King Joash.

How does this relate to the larger narrative of the Book of Kings?

This event is part of a larger narrative showing the ongoing conflicts between Israel, Judah, and their neighbors. It highlights the challenges faced by Israelite kings in maintaining their sovereignty.

What can we learn from this about leadership?

Leadership involves not only making strategic decisions but also being prepared for potential threats. Hazael's actions remind us of the importance of foresight and readiness in leadership roles.