2 Kings Chapter 8

2 Kings 8 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 29 Bible verses from 2 Kings and discover their timeless wisdom.

ShareTweetShare
Verse card
Ask AI about this chapter
Size

Select text within one numbered verse, then choose Compare Versions.

1. Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed a seven-year famine, and it has already come to the land.” 2. So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines. 3. At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land. 4. Now the king had been speaking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done.” 5. And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life.” 6. When the king asked the woman, she confirmed it. So the king appointed for her an officer, saying, “Restore all that was hers, along with all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the country until now.” 7. Then Elisha came to Damascus while Ben-hadad king of Aram was sick, and the king was told, “The man of God has come here.” 8. So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” 9. So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” 10. Elisha answered, “Go and tell him, ‘You will surely recover.’ But the LORD has shown me that in fact he will die.” 11. Elisha fixed his gaze steadily on him until Hazael became uncomfortable. Then the man of God began to weep. 12. “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.” 13. “But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.” 14. So Hazael left Elisha and went to his master, who asked him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he replied, “He told me that you would surely recover.” 15. But the next day Hazael took a thick cloth, dipped it in water, and spread it over the king’s face. So Ben-hadad died, and Hazael reigned in his place. 16. In the fifth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab over Israel, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat succeeded his father as king of Judah. 17. Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. 18. And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD. 19. Yet for the sake of His servant David, the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah, since He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever. 20. In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. 21. So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. His troops, however, fled to their homes. 22. So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled at the same time. 23. As for the rest of the acts of Jehoram, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 24. And Jehoram rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. And his son Ahaziah reigned in his place. 25. In the twelfth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab over Israel, Ahaziah son of Jehoram became king of Judah. 26. Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri king of Israel. 27. And Ahaziah walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab, for he was a son-in-law of the house of Ahab. 28. Then Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead, and the Arameans wounded Joram. 29. So King Joram returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds that the Arameans had inflicted on him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael king of Aram. Then Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to Jezreel to visit Joram son of Ahab, because Joram had been wounded.

Jump to a verse

29 verses
2 Kings 8:12 Kings 8:22 Kings 8:32 Kings 8:42 Kings 8:52 Kings 8:62 Kings 8:72 Kings 8:82 Kings 8:92 Kings 8:102 Kings 8:112 Kings 8:122 Kings 8:132 Kings 8:142 Kings 8:152 Kings 8:162 Kings 8:172 Kings 8:182 Kings 8:192 Kings 8:202 Kings 8:212 Kings 8:222 Kings 8:232 Kings 8:242 Kings 8:252 Kings 8:262 Kings 8:272 Kings 8:282 Kings 8:29

Today's verse of the day

When you want one passage to carry out of this chapter, read the daily Bible verse with its reflection and prayer.

Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 29 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 29 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 29 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 29 Bible verses from 2 Kings, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 29 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

Verse-by-verse Study
Get detailed AI breakdown
Pray this Chapter
Guided prayer session
Previous
Chapter 7
All Chapters
Next
Chapter 9

Related Guides from the Hub

View all

10 Powerful Opening Prayers for Bible Study: Simple Examples & Group Templates

Need help starting your Bible study? Discover 10 powerful opening prayers for Bible study, including simple examples, group templates, and quick guides.

PrayerBible Study

From Tool to Companion: Why the Future of Bible Study is Conversational

Discover why an AI spiritual companion changes how you connect with Scripture. Move from basic keyword search to deep, personalized conversations.

AIBible Study

5 Biblical Prayers for Anxiety: Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed

Anxiety can feel paralyzing. Here are 5 scripture-based prayers to help you trade panic for God's peace today.

AnxietyPrayer

Related Topics to Explore

View all

Anxiety & Peace

Comforting scriptures and prayers for worry, fear, and stress.

Sleep & Rest

Bedtime verses and calming prayers to quiet your mind.

Gratitude

Build a thankful heart with verses and simple practices.

Popular Chapters

Psalms 23
The Lord is My Shepherd
John 3
For God So Loved the World
Romans 8
More Than Conquerors
1 Corinthians 13
The Love Chapter
Philippians 4
Rejoice in the Lord
Proverbs 3
Trust in the Lord