מלכים ב, פרק ח׳, פסוק י״ד

Returning from his encounter with the prophet, Hazael faces his master, Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram. The ailing king eagerly asks for the prophet's response regarding his illness. Hazael replies that he will live, a response carrying a distinct double meaning. On the surface, Hazael delivers an encouraging report to his master, assuring him that he will recover from his sickness [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Internally, however, Hazael directs the prophet's words toward himself. He understands the true nature of the prophecy: it is actually he, Hazael, who will live and ultimately inherit the royal throne [חומת אנך].

The encouraging news delivered to the king quickly proves empty. The very next day, in an attempt to soothe his severe fever, Ben-Hadad dips a cloth in water and spreads it across his own face. Rather than providing relief, this cooling method backfires. It drives the fever deeper into his body, resulting in his rapid death. Through this unexpected chain of events, Elisha effectively completes the command God originally gave to Elijah at Mount Horeb, fulfilling the anointing of Hazael as the new king over Aram [אברבנאל].