But Hazael, like his predecessor, was soon called upon to face an Assyrian army.

Year after year the Assyrians invaded the territories of Damascus, and though they never succeeded in capturing the capital, the country was devastated, and a countless amount of booty carried away.

The Syrian kingdom was utterly exhausted, and in no condition to resist the attacks of the Israelitish kings Jehoash and Jeroboam II.

Jehoash, we are told, gained three victories over his hereditary enemy, while Jeroboam occupied its cities.

When an Assyrian army once more appeared at the gates of Damascus in B.C.797, its king Mariha was glad to purchase peace by rich presents and the offer of homage.