When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, "Oh, my master, what are we to do?" When the servant of the man of GodThis phrase refers to the assistant or attendant of Elisha, the prophet. In Hebrew, the word for "servant" is "na'ar," which can mean a young man or a servant. This highlights the role of discipleship and service in the life of a prophet. The "man of God" is a title often used for prophets, emphasizing their divine calling and authority. This relationship between Elisha and his servant is reminiscent of the mentorship seen between Elijah and Elisha, underscoring the importance of spiritual guidance and leadership. got up and went out early in the morning
The act of rising early signifies diligence and readiness, a common theme in biblical narratives where early rising often precedes significant events or divine encounters. This phrase sets the stage for the unfolding drama, indicating that the servant was about to witness something extraordinary. In a spiritual sense, it suggests the importance of being vigilant and prepared for God's revelations and interventions in our lives. an army with horses and chariots
The presence of an army with horses and chariots signifies a formidable and intimidating force. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, chariots were a symbol of military strength and technological advancement. This imagery conveys the overwhelming odds faced by Elisha and his servant, setting up a contrast between human power and divine intervention. Historically, the Arameans were known for their military prowess, and their presence here underscores the real threat to Israel. had surrounded the city
The city being surrounded indicates a siege, a common military tactic in ancient times aimed at cutting off supplies and forcing surrender. This situation reflects the dire circumstances and the feeling of being trapped with no apparent escape. Spiritually, it can symbolize the moments in life when believers feel besieged by trials and adversities, yet it also sets the stage for God’s deliverance. So he asked Elisha
The servant's immediate reaction is to seek guidance from Elisha, demonstrating his trust in the prophet's wisdom and connection to God. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking godly counsel in times of distress. Elisha, as a prophet, represents the voice of God, and turning to him signifies turning to divine wisdom and understanding. Oh, my master, what are we to do?
This question reveals the servant's fear and uncertainty in the face of overwhelming odds. The Hebrew expression here conveys a sense of urgency and desperation. It is a natural human response to crisis, yet it also opens the door for faith to be strengthened. The servant's plea is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His plan, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. This moment sets the stage for the revelation of God's power and protection, encouraging believers to rely on divine strength rather than their own. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaThe prophet of God, known for his miracles and guidance to the people of Israel. He is the central figure in this account, demonstrating faith and reliance on God. 2. The ServantThe unnamed servant of Elisha, who represents the human tendency to fear and doubt when faced with overwhelming circumstances. 3. The Aramean ArmyThe military force sent by the king of Aram to capture Elisha, illustrating the physical threats that often confront God's people. 4. DothanThe city where Elisha and his servant were staying, symbolizing a place of divine revelation and protection despite being surrounded by enemies. 5. The King of AramThe antagonist who seeks to capture Elisha, representing opposition to God's plans and people. Teaching Points Faith Over FearElisha's response to his servant's fear teaches us to trust in God's unseen protection rather than be overwhelmed by visible threats. Spiritual VisionThe account encourages believers to pray for spiritual insight to see God's hand at work in their lives, even when circumstances seem dire. Divine ProtectionGod's protection is often invisible but very real. Believers can take comfort in knowing that God surrounds them with His presence and power. Prayer as a ResponseWhen faced with fear or uncertainty, turning to God in prayer should be our first response, as demonstrated by Elisha's calm assurance. God's SovereigntyThe account underscores God's control over all situations, reminding us that no earthly power can thwart His plans for His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the servant's reaction to the Aramean army reflect our natural human response to overwhelming situations? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a faith like Elisha's that sees beyond the immediate physical threats to the spiritual realities? 3. How does the concept of divine protection in this passage encourage you in your current life circumstances? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to develop spiritual vision and discernment in your daily walk with God? 5. How can the assurance of God's sovereignty and protection influence the way you approach challenges and decisions in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 34:7This verse speaks of the angel of the Lord encamping around those who fear Him, providing a spiritual parallel to the protection Elisha and his servant experience. Ephesians 6:12This passage reminds believers that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, similar to the unseen protection Elisha reveals to his servant. Philippians 4:6-7Encourages believers not to be anxious but to present their requests to God, aligning with Elisha's calm response to the servant's fear. People Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, SyriansPlaces Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, SyriaTopics Alas, Army, Attendant, Behold, Carriages, Chariot, Chariots, Circling, Compassed, Early, Force, Forth, Got, Horse, Horses, Host, Master, Morning, O, Oh, Risen, Riseth, Rose, Round, Servant, Surrounded, Surrounding, Town, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 6:15 4954 morning 2 Kings 6:14-15 4657 horse 2 Kings 6:14-17 8787 opposition, to God 2 Kings 6:15-17 1449 signs, purposes
8027 faith, testing of
8319 perception, spiritual
9412 heaven, worship and service Library Young Man! a Prayer for You
THIS YOUNG MAN waited upon a prophet: he could not have had a more instructive occupation; yet his eyes needed to be opened. He was well disposed towards good things, for the tone of his language to his master shows that he was heartily at one with him; but his eyes were not yet half opened. Being in great alarm for his master's safety, he ran to him to warn him: good servants should be their master's best friends. In return, his believing master prays for him. If we desire the good of our servants, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891Of the Practice of Piety in Fasting.
There are divers kinds of fasting--First, A constrained fast, as when men either have not food to eat, as in the famine of Samaria (2 Kings vi. 25;) or, having food, cannot eat it for heaviness or sickness, as it befel them who were in the ship with St. Paul (Acts xxvii. 33.) This is rather famine than fasting. Secondly, A natural fast, which we undertake physically, for the health of our body. Thirdly, A civil fast, which the magistrate enjoins for the better maintenance of the commonwealth. Fourthly, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Whether a Mann is Bound to Correct his Prelate?
Objection 1: It would seem that no man is bound to correct his prelate. For it is written (Ex. 19:12): "The beast that shall touch the mount shall be stoned," [*Vulg.: 'Everyone that shall touch the mount, dying he shall die.'] and (2 Kings 6:7) it is related that the Lord struck Oza for touching the ark. Now the mount and the ark signify our prelates. Therefore prelates should not be corrected by their subjects. Objection 2: Further, a gloss on Gal. 2:11, "I withstood him to the face," adds: "as …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration
God not only created everything, but everything which He created is subject to His immediate control. God rules over the works of His hands. God governs the creatures He has made. God reigns with universal dominion. When He pleased, the sun and moon stood still (Josh. 10:12, 13); and at a word from Him the sun went backward ten degrees on the dial of Ahaz (Is. 38:8). At His command the Red Sea ceased to flow, and at His command it resumed its normal course (Ex. 14). In response to the prayer of Elisha, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Godhood of God The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those Discouragements which He must Expect to Meet when Entering on a Religious Course.
1. Christ has instructed his disciples to expect opposition and difficulties in the way to heaven.--2. Therefore a more particular view of them is taken, as arising from the remainder of indwelling sin.--3. From the world, and especially from former sinful companions.--4. From the temptations and suggest ions of Satan.--5, 6. The Christian is animated and encouraged, by various considerations, to oppose them; particularly by the presence of God; the aids of Christ; the example of others, who, though …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods.
1. The mere fact of creation should lead us to acknowledge God, but to prevent our falling away to Gentile fictions, God has been pleased to furnish a history of the creation. An impious objection, Why the world was not created sooner? Answer to it. Shrewd saying of an old man. 2. For the same reason, the world was created, not in an instant, but in six days. The order of creation described, showing that Adam was not created until God had, with infinite goodness made ample provision for him. 3. The …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Helpless State of the Sinner under Condemnation.
1, 2. The sinner urged to consider how he can be saved from this impending ruin.--3. Not by any thing he can offer.--4. Nor by any thing he can endure.--5. Nor by any thing hr can do in the course of future duty.--6-8. Nor by any alliance with fellow-sinners on earth or in hell.--9. Nor by any interposition or intercession of angels or saints in his favor. Hint of the only method to be afterwards more largely explained. The lamentation of a sinner in this miserable condition. 1. SINNER, thou hast …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 6:15 NIV2 Kings 6:15 NLT2 Kings 6:15 ESV2 Kings 6:15 NASB2 Kings 6:15 KJV
2 Kings 6:15 Commentaries
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