Definition: And Hazael said, But what, [is] thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou [shalt be] king over Syria.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 8:13. It’s a really significant and surprising part of the story of King Ahab and Jezebel! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Ahab is Messing Up: King Ahab, who was known for his arrogance and bad decisions, had made a terrible mistake – he had angered God by marrying an Israelite woman. This angered God greatly, leading to a devastating punishment. Elisha Intervenes: Elisha, a prophet, arrives and sees the consequences of Ahab’s actions. He knows that God is about to punish Ahab severely. A Challenge from God: God sends Elisha to challenge Ahab. He asks, “What can I do?” He’s essentially saying, "You've done something wrong, and now you need to face the consequences." The Verse Explained: “And Hazael said, But what, [is] thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou [shalt be] king over Syria.” Hazael: This is the leader of the northern tribes of Israel. “But what, is thy servant a dog…” This part is a bit tricky. It’s not literally saying Ahab's servant is a dog. It’s a metaphor – Elisha is saying that Ahab’s actions (his arrogance and bad choices) are so significant, they’ve caused God to send him a powerful message. “That he should do this great thing?” Elisha is asking, "What incredible task or action can a person accomplish with such a terrible situation?" “And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou [shalt be] king over Syria.” This is the crucial part. Elisha says: “The LORD has shown me that you will become king over Syria!” What it Means – A Big Revelation: This verse speaks of a dramatic shift in God's plan. It’s saying that God, through Elisha, is sending Ahab to become king over Syria. This isn’t just about him being a ruler; it’s about being king – wielding power and authority over a region. Why it's Important: This story is a foundational moment in the Old Testament. It shows that God can intervene and work miracles, even when people are deeply flawed. It highlights that God’s judgment isn’t always about punishment; sometimes, it’s about sending someone to do something extraordinary – to become a powerful leader. In short: This verse describes a pivotal moment where God sends Ahab to Syria as a consequence of his actions, and Elisha reveals that he will ultimately become king over that land. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about the historical context? Would you like me to explain a particular part of the story in more detail?