In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;
During that time, the LORD began to reduce Israel's territory. Hazael attacked and defeated them throughout all the borders of Israel.
God began allowing Israel's enemies to defeat them and take away parts of their land as judgment for their disobedience.
📚 Historical Context
During the time of the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah, the northern kingdom of Israel was plagued by unfaithful kings who promoted idolatry and turned away from God's commands. God had previously used the prophet Elisha to anoint Jehu as king to purge the evil house of Ahab, but Israel's ongoing rebellion led to divine consequences. As a result, the Lord began to allow Hazael, the king of Aram (Syria), to attack and weaken Israel's borders as a form of judgment for their sins.
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