Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
HAZ'AEL, (God sees), an officer in the court of Syria, and subsequently its powerful king. Elijah was commanded to anoint him king but left this duty to Elisha; and so when Hazael was despatched by his king, Benhadad, to Elisha to inquire about the results of the disease with which he was afflicted, the prophet predicted the elevation of Hazael to the throne of Syria, and a series of the most horrible cruelties of which he would be guilty toward the children of Israel,1 Kgs 19:15.
Hazael expressed the utmost abhorrence of such conduct, but on the next day he smothered Benhadad to death and ascended the throne, 2 Kgs 8:7-16. He warred against the kingdom of Israel, 2 Kgs 10:32, and against Judah. He took Gath, and was averted from entering Jerusalem only by a rich bribe,2 Kgs 12:17-18. He reigned forty-six years, and was succeeded by his son, Benhadad. The conquests of Hazael's reign were lost during that of his son and successor, 2 Kgs 13:25.