Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. Some time laterThis phrase indicates a passage of time since the previous events recorded in the narrative. In the Hebrew text, the phrase suggests a continuation of the historical account, emphasizing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram. This temporal marker sets the stage for a new chapter in the struggle, reminding readers of the persistent challenges faced by the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of conflict and the need for vigilance and faithfulness in the face of recurring trials. Ben-hadad king of Aram
Ben-hadad was a common name for the kings of Aram, a powerful kingdom located in present-day Syria. The name "Ben-hadad" means "son of Hadad," with Hadad being a storm and rain god worshiped in the region. This highlights the cultural and religious backdrop against which the events unfold. The mention of Ben-hadad underscores the political and military might of Aram, setting up a formidable adversary for Israel. Historically, the Arameans were known for their military prowess and frequent skirmishes with neighboring nations, including Israel. mobilized his entire army
The mobilization of the entire army signifies a significant military campaign, indicating the seriousness of Ben-hadad's intentions. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such mobilization involved gathering troops, supplies, and resources, reflecting a strategic and well-planned effort. This phrase highlights the scale of the threat facing Samaria and the determination of Aram to achieve its objectives. It serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual battles that God's people often face, requiring reliance on divine strength and guidance. marched up
The phrase "marched up" conveys movement and intent, as the Aramean army advances toward its target. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here often implies a purposeful ascent, suggesting both geographical and metaphorical elevation. This movement toward Samaria symbolizes the impending confrontation and the challenges that lie ahead. It serves as a call to readiness and trust in God's providence, even as adversaries approach with seemingly overwhelming force. laid siege to Samaria
The act of laying siege involves surrounding a city to cut off supplies and force surrender. Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was a fortified city, making it a strategic target for Ben-hadad. Historically, sieges were common in ancient warfare, often resulting in prolonged hardship for the besieged. This phrase highlights the dire situation faced by the inhabitants of Samaria, emphasizing their vulnerability and need for divine intervention. It serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual sieges believers may encounter, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and prayer. Persons / Places / Events 1. Ben-hadadThe king of Aram (Syria) who led his army to besiege Samaria. His actions set the stage for the events that follow in the account. 2. AramA kingdom located in modern-day Syria. Historically, Aram was often in conflict with Israel, as seen in this passage. 3. SamariaThe capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It was a significant city both politically and religiously during this period. 4. SiegeA military blockade and assault on a city to force it to surrender. The siege of Samaria led to severe famine and desperation among its inhabitants. 5. IsraelThe Northern Kingdom, distinct from Judah, often found in conflict with surrounding nations, including Aram. Teaching Points The Reality of Spiritual WarfareJust as Samaria faced a physical siege, believers today face spiritual battles. Recognize the enemy's strategies and stand firm in faith. Dependence on God in Times of CrisisThe siege of Samaria highlights the importance of turning to God in desperate times. Trust in His provision and deliverance. The Consequences of DisobedienceIsrael's situation serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Reflect on personal areas of disobedience and seek repentance. God's Sovereignty Over NationsDespite the power of earthly kings like Ben-hadad, God's sovereignty prevails. He can use any situation for His purposes and glory. Hope in God's DeliveranceThe continuation of the account in 2 Kings 7 shows God's ability to deliver His people. Hold onto hope and faith in God's promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the siege of Samaria reflect the spiritual battles we face today, and what strategies can we use to overcome them? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate dependence on God during times of personal crisis, drawing from the example of Samaria's siege? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did you seek reconciliation with God, and what was the outcome? 4. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and events impact your view of current world affairs? 5. What are some promises of God's deliverance found in other parts of Scripture, and how can they encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 20Provides background on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram, including previous encounters with Ben-hadad. 2 Kings 7Continues the account of the siege, detailing God's miraculous intervention and deliverance of Samaria. Deuteronomy 28Discusses the blessings and curses for Israel, including the consequences of disobedience, which often manifested as sieges and famines. Isaiah 7Offers insight into the political and military tensions between Israel, Aram, and other nations during this period. People Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, SyriansPlaces Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, SyriaTopics Afterward, Afterwards, Aram, Army, Attack, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Ben-ha'dad, Besieged, Camp, Entire, Forces, Gathered, Gathereth, Got, Host, Laid, Layeth, Marched, Mobilized, Mustered, Pass, Samaria, Sama'ria, Shutting, Sides, Siege, Syria, TownDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 6:21-24 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah 2 Kings 6:24-25 4823 famine, physical
5214 attack
7233 Israel, northern kingdom 2 Kings 6:24-27 4546 winepress 2 Kings 6:24-29 4438 eating
5529 sieges
6702 peace, destruction
7326 cannibalism 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 6:24 NIV2 Kings 6:24 NLT2 Kings 6:24 ESV2 Kings 6:24 NASB2 Kings 6:24 KJV
2 Kings 6:24 Commentaries
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