And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

1 KINGS 19:15KJV
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1 Kings 19:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 19:15 mean?

1 Kings 19:15 describes God instructing Elijah to travel back through the wilderness toward Damascus and, upon arrival, to anoint Hazael as king over Syria. This command signals a new mission for Elijah, involving political change beyond Israel’s borders.

In this verse, the LORD (God) is speaking directly to Elijah, who is a prophet feeling discouraged and isolated after fleeing from Queen Jezebel. God’s instruction redirects Elijah’s focus from his personal fears to a specific task: traveling a long, difficult route and carrying out God’s will by appointing a new foreign king. This marks a turning point in Elijah’s story, showing that God’s plans include influencing other nations, not just Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 19:15

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the command comes from the highest authority.
  • anoint (מָשַׁח, mashach): To "anoint" means to pour oil on someone as a sign of being chosen for a special role, often as king or priest. Here, it highlights that God, not human rulers, decides who will lead—even in other nations.
  • wilderness (מִדְבָּר, midbar): The "wilderness" is a harsh, empty place, showing that Elijah’s journey will be difficult and lonely, yet it is the path God chooses for him.
  • Hazael (חֲזָאֵל, Chaza’el): Naming Hazael specifically shows that God knows and directs the future leaders of other nations, not just Israel.

Why 1 Kings 19:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s authority and plans extend beyond Israel, involving the fate of neighboring kingdoms like Syria.
  • The instruction to anoint a foreign king is unusual and shows that God can use prophets to shape international events, not just local ones.
  • The verse shifts Elijah’s focus from his personal struggles to a broader mission, reminding readers that God’s purposes often reach further than individual concerns.

Where else these words appear

“Hazael” Hebrew H2371 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
  • 2 Kings 8:28 And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
  • 2 Kings 13:3 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.

“Damascus” Hebrew H1834 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 2 Kings 16:11 And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.
  • Isaiah 17:3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

“anoint” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 6:15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

“Syria” Hebrew H758 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • 2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.