Hazael of Damascus

Hazael was a king of Damascus (modern-day Syria) who ruled around the 9th century BCE. He began as a servant or official under the monarchy and later seized power, becoming king. Hazael is known for expanding his kingdom’s territory and for his military campaigns, which often involved attacking neighboring regions, including Israel and Judah. His reign marked a period of significant political and military activity in the ancient Near East. Historically, Hazael is also mentioned in biblical texts, where he is portrayed as a powerful and sometimes ruthless leader who influenced regional politics.