For this reason the king of Aram became enraged and called his servants to demand of them, "Tell me, which one of us is on the side of the king of Israel?" For this reasonThis phrase sets the stage for the king of Aram's reaction. The context here is crucial; the king is responding to the repeated thwarting of his plans against Israel. The Hebrew root for "reason" (דָּבָר, davar) often implies a matter or thing, indicating that the king's anger is based on a specific, repeated issue. Historically, this reflects the tension between Aram and Israel, where divine intervention through the prophet Elisha was a significant factor. the king of Aram
The king of Aram, likely Ben-Hadad II, represents the political and military power opposing Israel. Aram, known today as Syria, was a significant regional power. Understanding the historical enmity between Aram and Israel provides insight into the king's frustration and suspicion. The Arameans were often in conflict with Israel, and this verse highlights the ongoing struggle for dominance in the region. became enraged
The Hebrew word used here (סָעַר, sa'ar) conveys a sense of intense anger or agitation. This is not a mild irritation but a deep-seated fury. The king's rage is understandable given the repeated failures of his military plans, which he attributes to betrayal. This emotional response underscores the human tendency to react with anger when plans are thwarted, especially when divine intervention is not recognized. and called his servants
The king's immediate response is to summon his inner circle, indicating the seriousness of the situation. In ancient Near Eastern courts, "servants" often referred to high-ranking officials or advisors. This action reflects the king's desperation to find the source of his military failures. It also shows the hierarchical nature of ancient monarchies, where the king relied heavily on his advisors for counsel and information. to demand of them
The king's demand is forceful, reflecting his authority and the urgency of the situation. The Hebrew root (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a strong request or inquiry, often used in contexts where the asker expects a definitive answer. This highlights the king's suspicion and the pressure on his servants to provide an explanation. 'Tell me, which of us
The king's question reveals his suspicion of betrayal within his ranks. The phrase "which of us" suggests an internal threat, a common concern in ancient courts where loyalty was paramount. This suspicion reflects the king's inability to comprehend the true source of his military failures—divine intervention through Elisha. is on the side of the king of Israel?'
The king of Aram assumes that his plans are being leaked to the king of Israel, Jehoram, due to espionage. This reflects the common practice of espionage in ancient warfare, where intelligence was crucial. However, the true "spy" is the prophet Elisha, who receives divine insight. This misunderstanding underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the futility of human plans against God's will. The phrase also highlights the ongoing conflict between Aram and Israel, emphasizing the political and military tension of the time. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of AramThe ruler of Aram (modern-day Syria), who is frustrated by his military plans being thwarted. 2. Servants of the King of AramThe king's advisors and military officers who are questioned about the leaks of their plans. 3. ElishaThe prophet of Israel, who, through divine revelation, informs the king of Israel about the Aramean plans. 4. King of IsraelThe ruler of Israel, who benefits from Elisha's prophetic insights. 5. AramA region and kingdom located in present-day Syria, often in conflict with Israel during this period. Teaching Points Divine Insight and GuidanceGod provides wisdom and insight to His people, often through His chosen servants, to protect and guide them. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe plans of nations and rulers are subject to God's will. He can intervene in human affairs to accomplish His purposes. The Role of ProphetsProphets in the Bible serve as God's mouthpieces, delivering messages that can alter the course of history and protect God's people. Trust in God's ProtectionBelievers can trust that God is aware of all circumstances and can provide protection and guidance in times of trouble. The Importance of Spiritual DiscernmentJust as Elisha discerned the plans of the enemy, Christians are called to seek spiritual discernment through prayer and the Holy Spirit. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of Elisha in this passage demonstrate the importance of spiritual leadership in times of crisis? 2. In what ways can we seek God's guidance and protection in our own lives, similar to how the king of Israel benefited from Elisha's insights? 3. How does the concept of God's sovereignty over nations in this passage encourage us to trust in His control over current world events? 4. What are some practical ways we can develop spiritual discernment to recognize God's guidance in our daily decisions? 5. How can the account of Elisha and the king of Aram inspire us to be bold in our faith and trust in God's provision, even when facing opposition? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 6:12This verse reveals that Elisha is the one who informs the king of Israel about the Aramean plans, highlighting the role of divine revelation. 1 Kings 19:15-16This passage describes the anointing of Elisha as a prophet, establishing his authority and role in Israel. Psalm 33:10-11These verses speak of the Lord's ability to thwart the plans of nations, aligning with how God reveals the Aramean plans to Elisha. Hebrews 4:13This verse emphasizes that nothing is hidden from God's sight, paralleling how God reveals hidden plans to Elisha. People Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, SyriansPlaces Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, SyriaTopics Aram, Calleth, Clear, Declare, Demanded, Enraged, Greatly, Heart, Helping, Mind, Officers, Servants, Shew, Sore, Summoned, Syria, Tossed, Troubled, Won'tDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 6:8-10 7773 prophets, role 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 6:11 NIV2 Kings 6:11 NLT2 Kings 6:11 ESV2 Kings 6:11 NASB2 Kings 6:11 KJV
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