Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 12 - Verse 17

In this verse from the book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament, we see the account of Hazael, the king of Syria, going up to fight against Gath and successfully taking it over. After this victory, Hazael sets his sights on Jerusalem, intending to continue his conquest. Hazael's actions were part of the broader political landscape of the ancient Near East, where kings and rulers frequently engaged in military campaigns to expand their territory and power. The mention of Hazael's campaign against Gath and his subsequent plan to attack Jerusalem highlights the constant threats faced by the kingdom of Judah and the need for strong leadership and wise decision-making to ensure their safety and security. This verse serves as a reminder of the turbulent times in which these ancient kingdoms existed, where warfare and conquest were common occurrences.

In this verse, Hazael, the king of Syria, is depicted as a powerful and ambitious ruler who successfully conquered the city of Gath. The phrase "set his face to go up to Jerusalem" suggests that Hazael had set his sights on attacking the capital city of Judah. This event serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat of war and aggression faced by the people of Israel and Judah during this time. The theological interpretation of this verse could highlight the importance of relying on God for protection and guidance in the face of such external threats. It could also serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and turning away from God, as the actions of foreign powers like Hazael were often seen as a form of divine punishment for the sins of the Israelites. A word study of terms like "went up" and "fought against" could provide deeper insight into the military tactics and strategy employed by Hazael and his army during their campaign against Gath and their planned assault on Jerusalem.