In thosedaysthe LORDbeganto cutoff[portions] from Israel;and Hazaeldefeatedthem throughoutthe territoryof Israel:
"It shall comeabout, the one who escapesfrom the swordof Hazael,Jehushall putto death,and the one who escapesfrom the swordof Jehu,Elishashall putto death.
ThenHazaelkingof Aramwentup and foughtagainstGathand capturedit, and Hazaelsethis faceto goup to Jerusalem.
Now Hazaelkingof Aramhad oppressedIsraelallthe daysof Jehoahaz.
Then Jehoashthe sonof Jehoahaztookagainfrom the handof Ben-hadadthe sonof Hazaelthe citieswhichhe hadtakenin warfrom the handof Jehoahazhis father.ThreetimesJoashdefeatedhim and recoveredthe citiesof Israel.
He restoredthe borderof Israelfrom the entranceof Hamathas faras the Seaof the Arabah,according to the wordof the LORD,the Godof Israel,whichHe spokethroughHis servantJonahthe sonof Amittai,the prophet,whowas of Gath-hepher.
Hazaelsaid,"Whydoes my lordweep?"Then he answered,"BecauseI knowthe evilthat you will doto the sonsof Israel:their strongholdsyou will seton fire,and their youngmenyou will killwith the sword,and their littleonesyou will dashin pieces,and their womenwith childyou will ripup."
When they are diminishedand boweddownThroughoppression,miseryand sorrow,
