The ruler of Damascus who became the powerful and fearful king of Syria,Hazael shook all th e nations in the 9th century B.C. by his victories.he came to power when sent by King Benhada d to Elisha to ask whatBenhadad's chances of recovering from illness were. Seeing anopportun ity to bring haughty, irreligious Israel to heel by being humbledby Syria, Elisha secretly an ointed Hazael king. Hazael took the cue,murdered Benhadad, and embarked on along period of r aking Israel, Judah,and other kingdoms with a series of invasions. (Everyone in the Bible,b y William P. Barker, 1966)