WHEN GOD WEEPS

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In this article, we’re diving into a passage that reveals a moment of deep sorrow. It’s a rare moment where we see Elisha, a prophet known for his confidence and strength, break down in tears. This leads us to an important question: Does God weep?

Let’s explore 2 Kings 8:7-14 and understand what made a prophet cry—and ultimately, what moves the heart of God.

2 Kings 8:7-8
“Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, ‘The man of God has come all the way up here,’ he said to Hazael, ‘Take a gift with you and go to meet the man of God. Consult the LORD through him; ask him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?“

Elisha’s journey takes him to Damascus, into the land of Aram—Israel’s enemy. This is the same king who had previously sought to destroy Israel and even Elisha himself. So why is Elisha going to see him now?

The answer reveals an important truth—God’s purpose extends beyond nations, beyond enemies, and beyond human understanding. Even the wicked king Ben-Hadad, on his deathbed, is now seeking answers from the God of Israel.

At the end of life, power, wealth, and status no longer matter. Death is the great equalizer. Psalm 39:4-7 captures this reality:

“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.” (Psalm 39:4-7)

2 Kings 8:9-11
“Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him forty camel-loads of the finest wares of Damascus. He stood before him and said, ‘Your son Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” Elisha answered, ‘Go and say to him, ‘You will certainly recover’; but the LORD has revealed to me that he will in fact die.’ He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael felt ashamed. Then the man of God began to weep.”

This passage presents a strange interaction. Elisha tells Hazael that Ben-Hadad would recover, yet at the same time, God had revealed that he would die. Was Elisha lying?

Not at all. The truth was that Ben-Hadad’s illness was not fatal, but Elisha saw something else—a dark future where Hazael would be the cause of his death.

Elisha stares deeply into Hazael, seeing the evil in his heart. The weight of this vision causes Elisha, a man of unshakable faith, to break down and weep.

2 Kings 8:12-15
“Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites,” he answered. “You will set fire to their fortified places, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women.” Hazael said, “How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?” “The LORD has shown me that you will become king of Aram,” answered Elisha.

Elisha weeps because he sees the horrific destruction that Hazael will bring upon Israel. Hazael pretends to be humble, acting as if he could never commit such atrocities. But soon after, he murders the king and takes the throne, proving Elisha’s prophecy true.

So what made Elisha weep? It wasn’t just the physical destruction that was coming—it was the spiritual condition of Israel. His people had turned from God, and now God was allowing judgment to fall upon them through the hands of a wicked man.

Elisha’s tears show us something profound: God’s heart breaks when His people turn away from Him.

If Elisha, God’s prophet, wept over coming judgment, what about God Himself?

The best way to answer this is by looking at Jesus—God in human form.

1. The Lord Jesus Wept at Lazarus’ Death

John 11:32-36
“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ he asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied. Jesus wept.”

Jesus wept not only because of Lazarus’ death, but because of the sorrow, pain, and suffering that sin had brought into the world. Even knowing He would raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus was moved by human grief.

2. The Lord Jesus Wept Over Jerusalem

Luke 19:41-44
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls.
They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.“

Jesus wept over the city because He knew that despite His love for them, they would reject Him. He longed to gather them like a mother hen gathers her chicks, but they refused (Matthew 23:37).

God’s tears are not tears of weakness—they are tears of love, compassion, and sorrow for those who reject Him.

So what made Elisha weep? The same thing that made Jesus weep—the brokenness of people who turn away from God.

God is not distant, unemotional, or indifferent. He grieves when people reject Him. The Holy Spirit is also grieved when believers stray from His guidance (Isaiah 63:10, Ephesians 4:30).

This leads to an important question: What about you?

Does your heart break for those who don’t know God? Would the Holy Spirit be jealous for your attention, or would your life bring joy to God?

Only you and God know the answer to these questions. But may we strive to be people who bring God joy rather than grief. May we seek to love Him deeply, follow Him faithfully, and reflect His heart in all that we do.