2 Kings 8:8

the king said unto Hazael Josephus says Hazael was the most trusted of Benhadad's household. He was evidently one of his chief ministers, and must have been in some prominent position at the time when God's message came to Elijah to anoint him as future king.

in thine hand The Hebrew expression for -with thee". So in the next verse the literal -in his hand" (see margin) is rendered -with him". The Oriental notion of sending a present is to make it seem as grand as possible, by committing each portion to a separate servant, or placing it on a separate beast of burden.

inquire of the Lord It was not for information only that Benhadad sent, but with the hope that for such a gorgeous present the prophet might intercede with the God of Israel for his recovery.