Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 8:12

"And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strongholds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash in pieces their little ones, and rip up their women with child." — 2 Kings 8:12 (ASV)

The evil that you will do to the children of Israel. —Fulfilled in 2 Kings 10:32–33; 2 Kings 13:3–4. The cruelties enumerated here were the ordinary accompaniments of warfare in that age (Amos 1:13; Hosea 10:14; Hosea 13:16; 2 Kings 15:16).

Set on fire. —Literally, send into the fire (Judges 1:8).

Young men. —Chosen warriors.

Dash. —Dash in pieces.