Hazael (hăz'a-el or hâ'za-el), whom God beholds, i.e., cares for. A king of Syria. 1 Kings 19:15; 1 Kings 19:17. Jehu was to extirpate the authors of idolatry, Hazael to chastise the whole nation of Israel, and Elisha to slay with the quick and powerful sword of the divine word. Comp. Jeremiah 1:10. When Elisha visited Damascus, and Ben-hadad, who was sick, had sent Hazael, a trusted servant, to inquire whether he should recover, Elisha intimated his approaching sovereignty. Hazael was astonished. The next day, however, Ben-hadad died, apparently by Hazael's hand, though some question this; and Hazael succeeded as king; and his reign, with the exception of the time when he was called on to defend himself against the Assyrian power, was occupied with continual wars upon Israel and even against Judah. 2 Kings 8:7-15; 2 Kings 8:28-29; 2 Kings 9:14-15; 2 Kings 10:32-33; 2 Kings 12:17-18; 2 Kings 13:3; 2 Chronicles 22:5-6. Hazael is supposed to have reigned about 46 years, 886-840 b.c. He was succeeded by his son, Ben-hadad II. 2 Kings 13:22-25; Amos 1:4