Elisha and Hazael

Finally, on recovery from the siege of Ben-Hedad, Israel once again faces famine. But before it hits the land in full force, Elisha goes to warn the Shunemite family he used to sojourn with. After seven years of living outside of Israel, she returns just as Gehazi is telling her story to the King. Meanwhile, the King of Syria, who was critically ill, sent his servant Hazael to the prophet Elisha to see if he would recover. When he finds him, Elisha breaks down in tears because God has made known to him the damage Hazael will do.

In our previous episode, we heard about the severe famine in Samaria and how people turned to desperate acts to survive. We also heard how the king and many others blamed God for their troubles. But Elisha spoke God’s promise to restore them, bringing abundant food into the city. And just as He’d promised, God rescued His people. He scattered the enemy, ending their attack on Samaria, and brought food and riches from their camp into Israel. Today we will learn about another famine that swept through Israel, and how God once again rescued a family we’ve met before. We’ll also hear of the death of one of Israel’s enemies and the new foe that rises up, even worse than the last.