Above: King Hazael of Aram
Image in the Public Domain
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READING 1-2 SAMUEL, 1 KINGS, 2 KINGS 1-21, 1 CHRONICLES, AND 2 CHRONICLES 1-33
PART LXXXVII
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2 Kings 8:1-15
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If you do a kindness, know to whom you do it,
and you will be thanked for your good deeds.
Do good to a godly man, and you will be repaid–
if not by him, certainly by the Most High.
–Ecclesiasticus/Sirach 12:1-2, Revised Standard Version–Second Catholic Edition (2002)
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King Ben-Hadad I of Aram (Reigned 880-842 B.C.E.)
King Hazael of Aram (Reigned 842-806 B.C.E.)
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2 Kings 8:1-6 is a sequel to 2 Kings 4:8-37. The juxtaposition of the two stories in 2 Kings 8:1-15 reveals (not uniquely–see 2 Kings 6:1-23, too) Elisha’s concern for individuals and geopolitics alike.
Back in 1 Kings 19:15, God had commanded Elijah to anoint Hazael as King of Aram. Elisha fulfilled that order in 2 Kings 8:7-15. God’s choice grieved Elisha, properly. King Hazael came to the throne via murder and went on to oppress Israel from 2 Kings 9 to 2 Kings 13.
The second story invites us to ponder uncomfortable questions about divine purposes. In following that lead, I seek to strike a balance. On one hand, I want to acknowledge that God refuses to fit into human theological boxes and categories. Any God concept that does fit into them is merely an idol and an example of creating God in one’s own image. On the other hand, I strike to be careful not to depict God as a callous figure. Whenever I hear many people’s statements that a terrible event must have been the will of God, I cringe at the God of their faith. No wonder many people reject belief in God! If I thought that God was like that, I would seek solace in atheism, too.
Theological balance is essential. I strive for it without knowing where it is sometimes. Fortunately, I need not rely on my own powers in these matters; grace abounds. Besides, I doubt that one must pass a canonical examination to receive salvation. Faith and false certainty are opposites. Faith leaves much room for many unanswered questions.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
OCTOBER 30, 2020 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF HUGH O’FLAHERTY, “SCARLET PIMPERNEL OF THE VATICAN”
THE FEAST OF SAINTS MARCELLUS THE CENTURION AND CASSIAN OF TANGIERS, ROMAN CATHOLIC MARTYRS, 298
THE FEAST OF SAINT OLEKSA ZARYTSKY, UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC PRIEST AND MARTYR, 1963
THE FEAST OF WALTER JOHN MATHAMS, BRITISH BAPTIST THEN PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER, AUTHOR, AND HYMN WRITER
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BLOGA THEOLOGICA 
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