2 Kings 8:9

So Hazael went. This was a marked act of deference and shows the esteem in which Elisha was held at this time in an enemy land. The prophet had at this time taken up his abode somewhere within or near Damascus, and it was to this place that Hazael was sent.

Every good thing. Damascus was in those days an important trading center and had in it some of the greatest treasures of the East. Among its wares might be listed beautiful vessels of brass, silver, and gold, rich brocaded robes of silk and satin, rare and delicious foods, jewels of great wealth and beauty, and articles of furniture of fragrant and costly woods.

Forty camels’ burden. The East was given to ostentation and display, and the king would probably wish to make every possible show of the magnificent gift being offered the prophet. Forty camels loaded with their precious wares and parading slowly through the streets would make a great impression upon the people and would at once reveal to the citizens the generosity and wealth of their king as well as the esteem in which the prophet was held.

Thy son Ben-hadad. This was a term of respect, similar to the expression “father” used by disciples when addressing their teachers (ch. 2:12), and servants their lords (ch. 5:13). Joram used this term toward Elisha (ch. 6:21) on an occasion when he had for Elisha a feeling of the highest respect and the deepest regard. It was thus that Joash addressed Elisha at the time of the prophet’s last illness (ch. 13:14). Benhadad had no doubt instructed Hazael to employ such a term in addressing the prophet in order to reveal to Elisha the high regard in which he was held.