◄ 2 Kings 6:21 ►
And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, "My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?"
Study Bible
When the king of Israel saw them
This phrase sets the scene for a moment of decision and potential conflict. The king of Israel, likely King Jehoram, is confronted with a group of Aramean soldiers who have been led into Samaria by the prophet Elisha. The historical context here is significant; Israel and Aram were often at odds, and the presence of enemy soldiers in the capital city would naturally provoke a defensive reaction. The Hebrew root for "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies not just physical sight but also understanding or perceiving a situation. This moment is pivotal as it tests the king's discernment and reliance on divine guidance through Elisha.

he asked Elisha
The king's decision to consult Elisha highlights the prophet's respected position as a spiritual advisor and intermediary between God and the king. In ancient Israel, prophets were often seen as the mouthpiece of God, and their counsel was sought in times of crisis. This reflects a theocratic element in Israel's monarchy, where divine will was considered paramount. The act of asking Elisha underscores the king's recognition of the prophet's authority and the need for divine wisdom in handling the situation.

My father
This term of respect and endearment indicates the close relationship and high regard the king has for Elisha. In the Hebrew culture, calling someone "father" was a sign of honor and submission to their wisdom and authority. It reflects the king's acknowledgment of Elisha's spiritual leadership and his dependence on the prophet's guidance. This phrase also suggests a level of humility on the king's part, as he seeks counsel rather than acting impulsively.

shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?
The repetition of the question emphasizes the urgency and gravity of the situation. The king is faced with a moral and strategic dilemma: whether to execute the captured enemy soldiers or to spare them. The Hebrew verb for "kill" (הָרַג, harag) is direct and forceful, indicating the potential for immediate and decisive action. This moment is a test of the king's character and his willingness to follow God's will as revealed through Elisha. The repetition also reflects the king's internal struggle and the weight of the decision before him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The King of Israel
Likely King Jehoram, son of Ahab, who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. He is depicted here as seeking guidance from Elisha regarding the captured Aramean soldiers.

2. Elisha
A prophet of God, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. He plays a central role in advising the king on how to handle the captured enemy soldiers.

3. The Arameans
The enemy soldiers who were miraculously blinded and led into Samaria by Elisha. They represent the threat against Israel but are now at the mercy of the king.

4. Samaria
The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, where the captured Aramean soldiers were brought.

5. The Event
The miraculous capture of the Aramean army, which was blinded by God at Elisha's request, leading to a situation where the king of Israel must decide their fate.
Teaching Points
Mercy Over Judgment
Elisha's response to the king highlights the importance of showing mercy rather than seeking vengeance. This reflects God's character and calls us to act with compassion even towards our enemies.

Seeking Godly Counsel
The king's inquiry to Elisha underscores the value of seeking wisdom from godly leaders. In our lives, we should seek guidance from Scripture and mature believers when faced with difficult decisions.

God's Sovereignty in Conflict
The miraculous blinding of the Arameans demonstrates God's control over situations that seem insurmountable. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace in times of conflict.

Transformative Power of Kindness
By choosing to feed the enemy rather than kill them, the king of Israel, following Elisha's advice, exemplifies how acts of kindness can transform relationships and potentially turn enemies into allies.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the king of Israel's question to Elisha reflect his understanding of justice and mercy? How can we apply this understanding in our own conflicts?

2. In what ways does Elisha's response to the king align with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about loving our enemies?

3. How can we seek and apply godly counsel in our decision-making processes today? What are some practical steps to ensure we are listening to wise and biblical advice?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced a conflict. How might the principles of mercy and kindness have changed the outcome?

5. How does the account of the Arameans' capture and release illustrate God's sovereignty? How can this encourage us in situations where we feel powerless?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, which connects to Elisha's advice to show mercy rather than kill the captured soldiers.

Romans 12:20
Paul instructs believers to feed their enemies if they are hungry, echoing the mercy shown by Elisha in advising the king to feed the Arameans.

Proverbs 25:21-22
This passage advises showing kindness to one's enemy, which aligns with Elisha's counsel to the king.
Sermons
A Bootless InvasionJ. Orr 2 Kings 6:8-23
Elisha At DothanMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 6:8-23
Elisha's DefendersGeorge W. Brown.2 Kings 6:8-23
Elisha's SafeguardJ. Murray.2 Kings 6:8-23
Our AlliesW. Hoyt, D. D.2 Kings 6:8-23
Secure Amid PerilsL. A. Banks, D. D.2 Kings 6:8-23
The Encompassing Defence of the FaithfulJ. G. Greenhough, M. A.2 Kings 6:8-23
The King of Syria and ElishaD. Thomas 2 Kings 6:8-23
Within the Circle of FlameJ. Dunk.2 Kings 6:8-23
Eyes Closed, and Eyes OpenedC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 6:17-23
People
Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, Syrians
Places
Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, Syria
Topics
Elisha, Eli'sha, Kill, Seeing, Slay, Smite, Strike, Sword
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 6:18-23

     1416   miracles, nature of

2 Kings 6:21-24

     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

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: 1891

Of 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

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