II Kings 6 Commentary
And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.
And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.
So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.
And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.
Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.
Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.
And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.
Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?
And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.
And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.
Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
And it came to pass after this, that Ben–hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.
And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
And he said, If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?
And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.
So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.
And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.
Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.
But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him?
And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the Lord; what should I wait for the Lord any longer?
II Kings 6 presents a compelling narrative of God's providential care, miraculous power, and the importance of spiritual vision in the face of adversity. This chapter, rich in both historical context and spiritual lessons, reveals God's attentiveness to the seemingly small details of our lives and His ability to intervene in significant ways to protect and provide for His people. The key phrase for II Kings 6 is that God provides for the small concerns of his people, as well as the big concerns.
The Expanding School of the Prophets (II Kings 6:1-3)
The chapter opens with a scene of growth and expansion. The schools of the prophets, likely established and nurtured under Elisha's guidance, had grown to such an extent that their current accommodations were no longer adequate. This expansion is a testament to Elisha’s effective ministry and leadership. The prophets decided to relocate to a more spacious location near the Jordan River. Their request for Elisha to accompany them highlights their respect for and reliance on his spiritual leadership. This seemingly minor detail underscores the importance of community and discipleship in spiritual growth.
The Lost Ax Head (II Kings 6:4-7)
As the prophets were felling trees to build their new dwelling, a borrowed ax head fell into the water. The distress of the prophet who lost it is palpable, especially considering it was borrowed, and likely difficult for the poor student to replace. The loss of the ax head might seem insignificant, but it highlights God's concern for the practical needs of His people. Elisha's miraculous recovery of the ax head demonstrates God's care for even the smallest details of our lives. This miracle serves as a powerful reminder that no need is too small for God's attention and that He is intimately involved in the daily lives of those who trust in Him. It also shows that living as a spokesman for the true God during those dark days in Israel was not a profitable line of work.
Divine Intelligence and Aram's Failed Raids (II Kings 6:8-14)
The narrative shifts to a larger conflict between Israel and Aram. The king of Aram, likely the same king who sent Naaman for healing, was engaged in military incursions against Israel. These weren't full-scale wars but serious raids. Elisha, through divine revelation, was able to discern the Aramaeans' plans and relay them to the king of Israel, enabling him to thwart their attacks. This infuriated the king of Aram, who suspected treachery among his own ranks. Upon discovering that Elisha was the source of his foiled plans, the king dispatched a large army with horses and chariots to capture him. Ironically, this was the same prophet who healed the commander of Aram’s army, Naaman.
Spiritual Vision in the Face of Threat (II Kings 6:15-17)
The arrival of the Aramean army surrounding the city of Dothan filled Elisha's servant with fear. "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" (II Kings 6:15). Elisha's response is one of unwavering faith and profound spiritual insight: "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (II Kings 6:16). Elisha then prayed that the Lord would open his servant's eyes, and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. This powerful scene illustrates the reality of the unseen spiritual realm and God's protection over His people. It is a reminder that when we align ourselves with God, our enemy is always outnumbered. As the apostle John said, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Divine Intervention and the Blinded Army (II Kings 6:18-23)
God answered Elisha's prayer by striking the Aramean army with blindness, allowing Elisha to lead them into the heart of Samaria, Israel's capital. This miraculous intervention demonstrates God's power over the enemy and His ability to turn their plans against them. King Joram's eagerness to kill the blinded Arameans was met with Elisha's surprising command to feed them and send them home. This act of mercy and hospitality had a profound impact, causing the Aramean raiders to withdraw from Israel. Elisha’s actions demonstrated a higher calling, choosing compassion and a chance for peace over vengeance.
The Siege of Samaria and the Descent into Despair (II Kings 6:24-33)
The chapter takes a dark turn as King Ben-hadad of Aram again invaded the northern kingdom and laid siege to Samaria. The siege resulted in a severe famine, leading to horrific acts of cannibalism within the city. The desperation and suffering of the people are vividly portrayed, highlighting the consequences of their continued disobedience to God. The king, instead of seeking God's help, reacted with anger and blamed Elisha for their plight, even threatening his life. The king's messenger admitted that the siege and famine was from God. Yet, if that was really his belief, he should have been humbling himself before God rather than threatening his prophet.
The tragic events of the siege serve as a stark warning about the consequences of rejecting God's covenant and turning away from His ways.
And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.
And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.
So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.
And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.
Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.
Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.
And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.
Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?
And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.
And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.
Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
And it came to pass after this, that Ben–hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.
And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
And he said, If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?
And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.
So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.
And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.
Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.
But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him?
And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the Lord; what should I wait for the Lord any longer?
II Kings 6 presents a compelling narrative of God's providential care, miraculous power, and the importance of spiritual vision in the face of adversity. This chapter, rich in both historical context and spiritual lessons, reveals God's attentiveness to the seemingly small details of our lives and His ability to intervene in significant ways to protect and provide for His people. The key phrase for II Kings 6 is that God provides for the small concerns of his people, as well as the big concerns.
The Expanding School of the Prophets (II Kings 6:1-3)
The chapter opens with a scene of growth and expansion. The schools of the prophets, likely established and nurtured under Elisha's guidance, had grown to such an extent that their current accommodations were no longer adequate. This expansion is a testament to Elisha’s effective ministry and leadership. The prophets decided to relocate to a more spacious location near the Jordan River. Their request for Elisha to accompany them highlights their respect for and reliance on his spiritual leadership. This seemingly minor detail underscores the importance of community and discipleship in spiritual growth.
The Lost Ax Head (II Kings 6:4-7)
As the prophets were felling trees to build their new dwelling, a borrowed ax head fell into the water. The distress of the prophet who lost it is palpable, especially considering it was borrowed, and likely difficult for the poor student to replace. The loss of the ax head might seem insignificant, but it highlights God's concern for the practical needs of His people. Elisha's miraculous recovery of the ax head demonstrates God's care for even the smallest details of our lives. This miracle serves as a powerful reminder that no need is too small for God's attention and that He is intimately involved in the daily lives of those who trust in Him. It also shows that living as a spokesman for the true God during those dark days in Israel was not a profitable line of work.
Divine Intelligence and Aram's Failed Raids (II Kings 6:8-14)
The narrative shifts to a larger conflict between Israel and Aram. The king of Aram, likely the same king who sent Naaman for healing, was engaged in military incursions against Israel. These weren't full-scale wars but serious raids. Elisha, through divine revelation, was able to discern the Aramaeans' plans and relay them to the king of Israel, enabling him to thwart their attacks. This infuriated the king of Aram, who suspected treachery among his own ranks. Upon discovering that Elisha was the source of his foiled plans, the king dispatched a large army with horses and chariots to capture him. Ironically, this was the same prophet who healed the commander of Aram’s army, Naaman.
Spiritual Vision in the Face of Threat (II Kings 6:15-17)
The arrival of the Aramean army surrounding the city of Dothan filled Elisha's servant with fear. "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" (II Kings 6:15). Elisha's response is one of unwavering faith and profound spiritual insight: "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (II Kings 6:16). Elisha then prayed that the Lord would open his servant's eyes, and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. This powerful scene illustrates the reality of the unseen spiritual realm and God's protection over His people. It is a reminder that when we align ourselves with God, our enemy is always outnumbered. As the apostle John said, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Divine Intervention and the Blinded Army (II Kings 6:18-23)
God answered Elisha's prayer by striking the Aramean army with blindness, allowing Elisha to lead them into the heart of Samaria, Israel's capital. This miraculous intervention demonstrates God's power over the enemy and His ability to turn their plans against them. King Joram's eagerness to kill the blinded Arameans was met with Elisha's surprising command to feed them and send them home. This act of mercy and hospitality had a profound impact, causing the Aramean raiders to withdraw from Israel. Elisha’s actions demonstrated a higher calling, choosing compassion and a chance for peace over vengeance.
The Siege of Samaria and the Descent into Despair (II Kings 6:24-33)
The chapter takes a dark turn as King Ben-hadad of Aram again invaded the northern kingdom and laid siege to Samaria. The siege resulted in a severe famine, leading to horrific acts of cannibalism within the city. The desperation and suffering of the people are vividly portrayed, highlighting the consequences of their continued disobedience to God. The king, instead of seeking God's help, reacted with anger and blamed Elisha for their plight, even threatening his life. The king's messenger admitted that the siege and famine was from God. Yet, if that was really his belief, he should have been humbling himself before God rather than threatening his prophet.
The tragic events of the siege serve as a stark warning about the consequences of rejecting God's covenant and turning away from His ways.