Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 19:17

17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael, shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu, shall Elisha slay .

Here the order of times seems to be perverted; for Elisha was Prophet before Iehu or Hazael were Kings, and Hazael was King before Iehu. But that is of no moment as to the substance of the thing threatned, which is onely this, That one or other of these should infallibly execute Gods Judgments upon the Apostatical Israelites. Elisha is said to slay them, either, because he slew those 42 Children, 2 King. 2. 24. besides others whom upon like occasions he might destroy; or, because he by Gods appointment inflicted the Famine, 2 King. 6. 31. or rather, by the Sword which came out of his mouth, as Isa. 49. 2. Revel. 1. 16. and 19. 15, 21. by his cutting-Prophecies and threatnings of Gods Judgments: the Prophets being said to pull down and to destroy what they onely declare and foretel shall be pulled down, &c. Hazael began to slay them before Iehu was King, 2 King. 8. 28. though his cruelty was much increased afterward, 2 King. 10. 32. and 13. 1, 2, 3. and Iehu destroyed those whom Hazael did not, as King Ioram himself, and Ahaziah, and his 42 Brethren, 2 King. 9. 24, 27. and 10. 14. all the near Relations of wicked Ahab.