2nd Kings Chapter 8 verse 28 Holy Bible

Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerse 28. - And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael King of Syria in Ramoth-Gilead. Some translate, and Joram himself went; but this is a very rare use of אָת, and one which would be unnatural in this place - for why "Joram himself," when "Joram" alone would have been quite sufficient? - and still more unnatural in 2 Chronicles 22:5, where the same phrase occurs. It is best, therefore, to follow our translators, who are in accord both with the Septuagint and with the Vulgate. Ahaziah followed the example of his grandfather Jehoshaphat, who had accompanied Ahab to Ramoth-Gilead (1 Kings 22:29), to fight against the Syrians in the time of Benhadad. That the city was still disputed shows the importance which it possessed in the eyes of both parties. And the Syrians wounded Joram. It appears that Hazael, soon after his accession, with the ardor of a young prince anxious to distinguish himself, made an expedition against Ramoth-Gilead, which had been recovered by the Israelites between the death of Ahab and the time of which the historian is now treating. Joram went to the relief of the town with a large force, and, being received within the walls, maintained a gallant defense (2 Kings 9:14), in the course of which he was wounded severely, though not fatally. Thereupon he and his brother king quitted the town and returned to their respective capitals, leaving a strong garrison in Ramoth-Gilead under Jehu and some other captains. Joram needed rest and careful nursing on account of his wounds, and Ahaziah would naturally withdraw with him; since he could not serve under a mere general.

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(28) And he went with Joram.--By the persuasion of his mother and her family (2Chronicles 22:4). Ewald would omit the preposition with, on the assumption that Ahaziah took no part in the war at Ramoth, but only, as 2Kings 8:29 relates, visited Jehoram wheu lying ill of his wounds at Jezreel. But (1) all the MSS. and versions have the preposition; (2) if this verse related only to Joram king of Israel we should expect at the end of the verse, and the Syrians wounded him," rather than "wounded Joram;" and in 2Kings 8:29, "and he went back," rather than "and king Joram went back;" (3) the chronicler (2Chronicles 22:5) expressly states that Ahaziah accompanied Joram to Ramoth.Against Hazael . . . in Ramoth-gilead.--Which strong fortress Ahab had vainly tried to wrest from Ben-hadad (1Kings 22:6 seqq.). . . .