When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, "O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see." Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria. When they had entered SamariaThe phrase "entered Samaria" refers to the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Historically, Samaria was a significant city, established by King Omri and later fortified by his son Ahab. It was a center of political and military activity. The context here is a miraculous event orchestrated by God through the prophet Elisha, where the Aramean army, blinded by divine intervention, is led into the heart of Israel's territory. This highlights God's sovereignty and the protection He provides for His people, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Elisha said
Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, is a central figure in this narrative. His name means "God is salvation," which is fitting given his role in delivering Israel from its enemies. Elisha's life and ministry were marked by numerous miracles, demonstrating God's power and presence among His people. His words and actions in this verse underscore his faith and reliance on God, serving as an example of spiritual leadership and trust in divine intervention. O LORD, open the eyes of these men
The invocation "O LORD" is a direct appeal to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. Elisha's prayer for the opening of the men's eyes is both literal and spiritual. In the Hebrew context, "open the eyes" signifies a revelation or enlightenment, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture where God reveals truth and reality to His people. This request is a reversal of the earlier blinding, showing God's control over perception and understanding, and it serves as a metaphor for spiritual awakening and insight. so they may see
The ability "to see" in this context is a divine gift, allowing the Aramean soldiers to perceive their true situation. This moment of revelation is crucial, as it transforms their understanding and leads to a peaceful resolution rather than conflict. In a broader spiritual sense, seeing is often associated with understanding God's will and purpose, a recurring theme in biblical narratives where physical sight parallels spiritual insight. Then the LORD opened their eyes
The phrase "the LORD opened their eyes" emphasizes God's direct intervention. It is a reminder of His omnipotence and the ease with which He can alter human circumstances. This act of opening eyes is symbolic of God's ability to bring clarity and truth, dispelling confusion and fear. It reflects the biblical principle that true understanding and wisdom come from God alone. and they looked around and discovered they were in Samaria
The realization that they "were in Samaria" is a moment of profound awareness for the Aramean soldiers. It signifies a turning point, where they recognize their vulnerability and the futility of their aggression against Israel. This discovery is not just geographical but also spiritual, as it leads to a change in their intentions and actions. It serves as a powerful testament to God's protective hand over His people and His ability to turn potential threats into opportunities for peace and reconciliation. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet of God, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. 2. The ArameansThe army of Aram, enemies of Israel, who were blinded by God at Elisha's request. 3. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the blinded Aramean soldiers were led. 4. The LORDThe God of Israel, who performed the miracle of blinding and then opening the eyes of the Aramean soldiers. 5. The King of IsraelThe ruler of Israel at the time, who was involved in the events surrounding the capture of the Aramean soldiers. Teaching Points Divine InterventionGod is sovereign and can intervene in miraculous ways to protect and guide His people. Spiritual Blindness and SightJust as God opened the physical eyes of the Arameans, He can open our spiritual eyes to see His truth and purpose. Trust in God's PlanElisha's calmness in the face of danger demonstrates trust in God's plan and power, encouraging us to rely on God in our own challenges. Mercy Over JudgmentInstead of destroying the Arameans, Elisha led them to a place of safety, teaching us about mercy and the potential for reconciliation. Awareness of God's PresenceThe opening of eyes serves as a reminder to be aware of God's presence and activity in our lives, even when we cannot see it initially. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Elisha and the Arameans challenge our understanding of God's power and protection in our lives? 2. In what ways can we experience spiritual blindness today, and how can we seek God's help to open our eyes? 3. How does Elisha's response to the Arameans' capture reflect the teachings of Jesus on loving our enemies? 4. What are some situations in your life where you need to trust in God's plan, even when the outcome is uncertain? 5. How can we cultivate an awareness of God's presence and activity in our daily lives, similar to the opening of the Arameans' eyes? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19:11The blinding of the men of Sodom parallels the blinding of the Arameans, showing God's power to protect His people. Acts 9:18Saul's (Paul's) physical and spiritual blindness and subsequent sight restoration echo the theme of divine intervention and revelation. Luke 24:31The disciples' eyes were opened to recognize Jesus, similar to the Arameans' eyes being opened to their surroundings. Psalm 146:8This verse speaks of the LORD opening the eyes of the blind, reinforcing God's power to give sight both physically and spiritually. Ephesians 1:18Paul prays for the eyes of the heart to be enlightened, connecting to the theme of spiritual insight and understanding. People Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, SyriansPlaces Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, SyriaTopics Behold, Elisha, Eli'sha, Entered, Inside, Middle, Midst, O, Open, Opened, Openeth, Pass, Samaria, Sama'riaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 6:20 5134 blindness, natural 2 Kings 6:18-23 1416 miracles, nature of 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 6:20 NIV2 Kings 6:20 NLT2 Kings 6:20 ESV2 Kings 6:20 NASB2 Kings 6:20 KJV
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