King James Version
2 Kings 6
33 verses with commentary
The Floating Ax Head
And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**VI.
THE HISTORY OF ELISHA’S MIGHTY WORKS CONTINUED.**
(1-7) The prophet causes an iron ax-head to float ın the Jordan.
(1) **And the sons of the prophets said.**—The form of the verb implies connection with the preceding narrative; but as the section refers to Elisha’s activity among the sons of the prophets, it was probably connected originally with 2Kings 4:44. The compiler may have transferre...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Obadiah was in the way ... Elijah met him--**Deeming it imprudent to rush without previous intimation into Ahab's presence, the prophet solicited Obadiah to announce his return to Ahab. The commission, with a delicate allusion to the perils he had already encountered in securing others of God's servants, was, in very touching terms, declined, as unkind and peculiarly hazardous. But Elijah ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The sons of the prophets enlarge their habitations, Iron made to swim.(1-7)
Elisha discloses the counsels of the Syrians.(8-12)
Syrians sent to seize Elisha.(13-23)
Samaria besieged, A famine, The king sends to slay Elisha.(24-33)
**Verses 1-7**
There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can make those who listen to them...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithful...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Take thence every man a beam.**—The Jordan valley was well wooded. Its present bed is still “overarched by oleanders, acacias, thorns, and similar shrubbery.” If all were to take part in felling the trees, the work would soon be done.
**Where we may dwell.**—Literally, *to sit* (or, *dwell*) *there*. The reference seems still to be to* sitting* in the hall of instruction.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Obadiah was in the way ... Elijah met him--**Deeming it imprudent to rush without previous intimation into Ahab's presence, the prophet solicited Obadiah to announce his return to Ahab. The commission, with a delicate allusion to the perils he had already encountered in securing others of God's servants, was, in very touching terms, declined, as unkind and peculiarly hazardous. But Elijah ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The sons of the prophets enlarge their habitations, Iron made to swim.(1-7)
Elisha discloses the counsels of the Syrians.(8-12)
Syrians sent to seize Elisha.(13-23)
Samaria besieged, A famine, The king sends to slay Elisha.(24-33)
**Verses 1-7**
There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can make those who listen to them...
Read full commentary →And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **One.**—Heb., *the one*, whoever it was.
**Be content.**—*Consent,* or, *be willing.*
**Go with thy servants.**—To superintend their work, and help them in case of unforeseen difficulty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Obadiah was in the way ... Elijah met him--**Deeming it imprudent to rush without previous intimation into Ahab's presence, the prophet solicited Obadiah to announce his return to Ahab. The commission, with a delicate allusion to the perils he had already encountered in securing others of God's servants, was, in very touching terms, declined, as unkind and peculiarly hazardous. But Elijah ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The sons of the prophets enlarge their habitations, Iron made to swim.(1-7)
Elisha discloses the counsels of the Syrians.(8-12)
Syrians sent to seize Elisha.(13-23)
Samaria besieged, A famine, The king sends to slay Elisha.(24-33)
**Verses 1-7**
There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can make those who listen to them...
Read full commentary →So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Wood.**—Heb., *the timber: scil.*, which they required.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Obadiah was in the way ... Elijah met him--**Deeming it imprudent to rush without previous intimation into Ahab's presence, the prophet solicited Obadiah to announce his return to Ahab. The commission, with a delicate allusion to the perils he had already encountered in securing others of God's servants, was, in very touching terms, declined, as unkind and peculiarly hazardous. But Elijah ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The sons of the prophets enlarge their habitations, Iron made to swim.(1-7)
Elisha discloses the counsels of the Syrians.(8-12)
Syrians sent to seize Elisha.(13-23)
Samaria besieged, A famine, The king sends to slay Elisha.(24-33)
**Verses 1-7**
There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can make those who listen to them...
Read full commentary →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. axe head: Heb. iron
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **But.**—Heb., *and it came to pass, the one was felling the beam.* Not necessarily “the one” of 2Kings 6:3, but the one (whoever it was) to whom the mishap occurred, as presently related.
**The ax head fell.**—Heb., *and as for the iron, it fell.* The subject of the verb is made prominent by being put first in the accusative. It is thus implied that something *happened to* the iron. Perhaps, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-16. Obadiah was in the way ... Elijah met him--**Deeming it imprudent to rush without previous intimation into Ahab's presence, the prophet solicited Obadiah to announce his return to Ahab. The commission, with a delicate allusion to the perils he had already encountered in securing others of God's servants, was, in very touching terms, declined, as unkind and peculiarly hazardous. But Elijah ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The sons of the prophets enlarge their habitations, Iron made to swim.(1-7)
Elisha discloses the counsels of the Syrians.(8-12)
Syrians sent to seize Elisha.(13-23)
Samaria besieged, A famine, The king sends to slay Elisha.(24-33)
**Verses 1-7**
There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can make those who listen to them...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prop...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Where.—***Whereintof? *or,* Where fell it in?*
**The iron did swim.**—He *caused the iron to float. *(Comp. Deuteronomy 11:4 for the verb.) The iron ax-head did not swim, but simply rose to the surface. It had fallen in near the bank. Elisha’s throwing in the stick was a symbolical act, intended to help the witnesses to realise that the coming up of the iron was not a natural, but a supernat...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-18. Art thou he that troubleth Israel--**A violent altercation took place. Ahab thought to awe him into submission, but the prophet boldly and undisguisedly told the king that the national calamity was traceable chiefly to his own and his family's patronage and practice of idolatry. But, while rebuking the sins, Elijah paid all due respect to the high rank of the offender. He urged the king t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The sons of the prophets enlarge their habitations, Iron made to swim.(1-7)
Elisha discloses the counsels of the Syrians.(8-12)
Syrians sent to seize Elisha.(13-23)
Samaria besieged, A famine, The king sends to slay Elisha.(24-33)
**Verses 1-7**
There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can make those who listen to them...
Read full commentary →Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idol...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Therefore.—***And he said.*
(8–23) Elisha baffles several predatory attempts of the Syrians, and strikes with blindness those sent to seize him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-18. Art thou he that troubleth Israel--**A violent altercation took place. Ahab thought to awe him into submission, but the prophet boldly and undisguisedly told the king that the national calamity was traceable chiefly to his own and his family's patronage and practice of idolatry. But, while rebuking the sins, Elijah paid all due respect to the high rank of the offender. He urged the king t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
The sons of the prophets enlarge their habitations, Iron made to swim.(1-7)
Elisha discloses the counsels of the Syrians.(8-12)
Syrians sent to seize Elisha.(13-23)
Samaria besieged, A famine, The king sends to slay Elisha.(24-33)
**Verses 1-7**
There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can make those who listen to them...
Read full commentary →Elisha Traps Blinded Arameans
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. camp: or, encamping
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry ser...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Then the king of Syria warred.**—Rather, *Now the king of Syria *(Aram)* was warring, i.e.,* continually. The time intended cannot be the reign of Jehoahaz, for here the Syrians achieve nothing of importance. (Comp. 2Kings 6:32.)
**Took counsel with.**—Comp. 2Chronicles 20:21.
**Such and such.**—The compound Hebrew expression (*pělônî ’almônî*) means “a certain one, I will not mention which;...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. gather ... the prophets of Baal ... the prophets of the groves--**From the sequel it appears that the former only came. The latter, anticipating some evil, evaded the king's command.
**which eat at Jezebel's table--**that is, not at the royal table where she herself dined, but they were maintained from her kitchen establishment (see on 1Sa 20:25 and 1Ki 4:22). They were the priests of Asta...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
The king of Israel regarded the warnings Elisha gave him, of danger from the Syrians, but would not heed the warnings of danger from his sins. Such warnings are little heeded by most; they would save themselves from death, but will not from hell. Nothing that is done, said, or thought, by any person, in any place, at any time, is out of God's knowledge.
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Pass**.—*Pass over, across, or through.****
Such a place.*—*This place.*
**Thither.**—*There.*
**Come down.**—Coming down. Another anomalous Hebrew form (*nĕhittîm*). Some would recognise here again a corruption of the same verb as in 2Kings 6:8, and render, “for there the Syrians are *about hiding*” (*nehbîm, i.e., nehbĕ’îm*). This is supported by the LXX., “ὅτι ἐκεῖ Συρία κέκρυπται;” the S...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. mount Carmel--**is a bold, bluff promontory, which extends from the western coast of Palestine, at the bay of Acre, for many miles eastward, to the central hills of Samaria. It is a long range, presenting many summits, and intersected by a number of small ravines. The spot where the contest took place is situated at the eastern extremity, which is also the highest point of the whole ridge. I...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
The king of Israel regarded the warnings Elisha gave him, of danger from the Syrians, but would not heed the warnings of danger from his sins. Such warnings are little heeded by most; they would save themselves from death, but will not from hell. Nothing that is done, said, or thought, by any person, in any place, at any time, is out of God's knowledge.
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Sent**.—A sufficient force to hold the place, so that the Syrians had to return unsuccessful.
**Warned**.—Ezekiel 3:19; 2Chronicles 19:10.
**Saved himself.**—*Was wary; on his guard *(2Kings 6:9).
**Not once nor twice** refers to the statement of the entire verse. On more than one occasion, and in regard to different inroads of the Syrians, Elisha gave the king forewarning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
The king of Israel regarded the warnings Elisha gave him, of danger from the Syrians, but would not heed the warnings of danger from his sins. Such warnings are little heeded by most; they would save themselves from death, but will not from hell. Nothing that is done, said, or thought, by any person, in any place, at any time, is out of God's knowledge.
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?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to Go...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Troubled.**—Literally, storm-tost. The phrase is not found elsewhere in the Old Testament. (Comp. the use of the same verb in Jonah 1:11; Jonah 1:13; Isaiah 54:11.)
**Which of us is for the king of Israel?**—“Which of us?” is an expression only found here (*mishshellānû*). Pointed differently, the word would give the sense of the LXX., τίς προδίδωσί με βασιλεῖ Ίσραήλ —“Who betrays me to the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
The king of Israel regarded the warnings Elisha gave him, of danger from the Syrians, but would not heed the warnings of danger from his sins. Such warnings are little heeded by most; they would save themselves from death, but will not from hell. Nothing that is done, said, or thought, by any person, in any place, at any time, is out of God's knowledge.
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 . None: Heb. No
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **One of his servants.**—The old interpreters thought of *Naaman,* but Elisha’s fame may have been otherwise known at Damascus.
**None.**—*Nay.*
**The words.**—The LXX. and Vulg.,”all the words.”
**Telleth.**—From time to time, as the Hebrew form denotes.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-12**
The king of Israel regarded the warnings Elisha gave him, of danger from the Syrians, but would not heed the warnings of danger from his sins. Such warnings are little heeded by most; they would save themselves from death, but will not from hell. Nothing that is done, said, or thought, by any person, in any place, at any time, is out of God's knowledge.
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Is...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Fetch.**—*Take.*
**Dothan.**—A contracted dual (equivalent to Dothain LXX., Dothaim). It lay on a hill, twelve Roman miles north-east of Samaria, in a narrow pass (Judith 4:5; Judith 7:3; Judith 8:3), on the caravan route from Gilead to Egypt (Genesis 37:17). The old name survives in a *Tell,* covered with ruins, south-west of the modern *Jenîn*.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. great: Heb. heavy
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Isra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **A great host.**—Of infantry. Not, however, an *army* but a *company*. (See 2Kings 6:23.)
**They came by night.**—So as to take the city by surprise.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →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? the servant: or, the minister
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Isr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **The servant of the man of God.**—*One waiting on* (*i.e.*, a minister of) *the man of God*. Not Gehazi, who is never called Elisha’s *minister*, and is usually mentioned by name.
**Was risen early.**—For the Hebrew construction, comp. Psalm 127:2; Isaiah 5:11; Hosea 6:4.
**Gone forth.**—To the outside of the house, which commanded a view of the valley below, where the Syrians lay.
**And his...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with pe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **They that be with us . . . with them.**—Comp. Numbers 14:9; Psalm 3:6, “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about”; and 2Chronicles 32:7-8, with Notes.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw.**—Just as the Lord had opened Elisha’s own eyes to see the like vision of unearthly glory when his master was taken away (2Kings 2:10; 2Kings 2:12). (Comp. also Numbers 22:31.)
**The mountain.**—On which Dothan stood.
**Horses and chariots of fire.**—Literally, *horses and chariots*, to wit, *fire*. Fire was the well-known symbol of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovere...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **And when they came down to him.**—This would mean that the *Syrians came down* to Elisha. But the prophet was, to begin with, in the city, which lay on the top of the hill; and the heavenly host intervened between him and his enemies, so that the latter must have occupied the lower position. The reading of the Syriac and Josephus ıs, “and they (*i.e.*, Elisha and his servant) went down to *...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →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. follow: Heb. come ye after me
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **This is not the way, neither is this the city.**—These words pre-suppose, according to Josephus, that the prophet had asked them whom they were seeking, and that they had replied, “The prophet Elisha.” Thenius and Bähr accept this. Keil says, “Elisha’s words contain a falsehood, and are to be judged of in the same way as every ruse by which an enemy is deceived.” Thenius declares that “ther...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant rela...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Behold, they were in the midst of Samaria**.—Michaelis wonders how such a host could be led *into* the city without putting themselves on their guard. He overlooks the supernatural bewilderment which had fallen upon them. When their eyes were opened, and they realised their whereabouts, dismay and astonishment would paralyse their energies.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary me...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **My father.**—Comp. 2Kings 2:12; 2Kings 8:9 (“Thy son Ben-hadad”), 2Kings 13:14.
**Shall I smite them,? shall I smite them?**—Or, *May I smite? may I smite, my father?* The repetition expresses the king’s eagerness to slay his powerless enemies. He asks the prophet’s permission. (Comp. 2Kings 4:7.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary mean...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Thou shalt not**.—Or, *thou must not*.
**Wouldest thou smite . . . thy bow?**—The Hebrew order is, “An quos ceperis gladío et arcu percussuruses?” (Comp. Genesis 48:22.) Elisha says, “These men are virtually prisoners of war, and therefore are not to be slain in cold blood.”
The LXX., Targum, Syriac, and Vulg., ignore the interrogative particle. The Targum and Syriac render, “Lo those whom ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, call...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **He.**—The king of Israel.
**Prepared great provision.**—Or, *a great feast*. The Hebrew verb (*kārāh*) occurs nowhere else in this sense. The noun (*kērāh*) is cognate with it, and the root meaning seems to be *union*: such as takes place at a common meal. Thenius renders *kērāh *by “das Gastrund”—*i.e.*, the *circle* of guests.
**So the bands of Syria came no more.**—The stress lies on the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-23**
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our fai...
Read full commentary →The Siege of Samaria
And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24-7:20) **THE SIEGE OF SAMARIA AND THE FAMINE. THE DELIVERANCE, AS FORETOLD BY ELISHA.**
(24) **After this.**—*Afterwards.* The term plainly implies *chronological* sequence.
**Ben-hadad.**—Ben-hadad II., who had besieged Samaria in the reign of Ahab (1Kings 20:1). He is mentioned on the monuments of Shalmaneser II., now in the British Museum, under the designation of *Rammânu-hidri*, or idri. N...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **And there was**.—*There arose*. In consequence of the siege.
**Besieged.**—*Were besieging.***
Fourscore pieces**.—Eighty shekels—*i.e., *about £10. Ass’s flesh would not ordinarily be eaten at all, and the head of any animal would be the cheapest part. Plutarch mentions that during a famine among the Cadusians an ass’s head could hardly be got for sixty drachms (about £2. 10s.), though ord...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
Read full commentary →And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's pri...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **The king . . . was passing by upon the wall.**—On the broad rampart of the city, which was like that which we see at such old places as Chester. The king went round to encourage the garrison and to superintend the defence. A woman in the street below, or perhaps on a housetop near the rampart, appeals to him for justice against her neighbour.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
Read full commentary →And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? If: or, Let not the LORD save thee
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **If the Lord do not help thee.**—This is right. The marginal rendering, “Let not the Lord help thee!”—i.e., “May the Lord destroy thee!” would be possible in another context. Another rendering is, “Nay (i.e., do not supplicate me), let the Lord help thee!”
**Out of the barnfloor.**—Comp. Hosea ix 2.: “The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall fail in her.” Jehor...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate king...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **And the king said.**—When she had explained what she wanted. With the hideous facts here recorded, comp. Deuteronomy 28:56, seq. Similar things were done during the sieges of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar (1Samuel 4:10; Ezekiel 5:10), and by Vespasian and Titus (Josephus, Bell. Jud. vi. 3, 4).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
Read full commentary →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. next: Heb. other
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **she hath hid her son.**—Perhaps to save him. (Comp. 1Kings 3:26.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21-40. Elijah said unto all the people, How long halt ye?--**They had long been attempting to conjoin the service of God with that of Baal. It was an impracticable union and the people were so struck with a sense of their own folly, or dread of the king's displeasure, that they "answered not a word." Elijah proposed to decide for them the controversy between God and Baal by an appeal, not to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **And he passed.**—*Now he was passing*. The people in the streets below would see him well as he passed along the rampart.
**Looked.**—*Saw*.
**He had sackcloth.**—Rather, *the sackcloth was*. “The sackcloth”—*i.e.*, the well-known garb of penitence and woe (1Kings 21:27). Jehoram had secretly assumed this ascetic garment in order to appease the wrath of Jehovah. That the king should wear sa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as G...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Then he said.**—*And he *(*i.e.,* the king), *said.****
God do so . . . to me.*—Literally, *So* *may God do to me, and so may he add*: a common form of oath. (Comp. Ruth 1:17; 1Samuel 3:17; 1Kings 2:23.)
**If the head of Elisha . . . this day.**—The king’s horror at the woman’s dreadful story is succeeded by indignation against Elisha, who had probably counselled an unyielding resistance to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**42. Ahab went up to eat and to drink--**Ahab, kept in painful excitement by the agonizing scene, had eaten nothing all the day. He was recommended to refresh himself without a moment's delay; and, while the king was thus occupied, the prophet, far from taking rest, was absorbed in prayer for the fulfilment of the promise (1Ki 18:1).
**put his face between his knees--**a posture of earnest supp...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
Read full commentary →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?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **But Elisha sat . . . with him.**—Rather, *Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him.* This shows the important position which the prophet occupied at the time. The elders, who were the nobles and chiefs of Samaria, were gathered round him in his house to learn the will of Jehovah, and to receive comfort and counsel from his lips. (Comp. the way in which Zedek...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**43. Go up now, look toward the sea--**From the place of worship there is a small eminence, which, on the west and northwest side, intercepts the view of the sea [Stanley; Van De Velde]. It can be ascended in a few minutes, and presents a wide prospect of the Mediterranean. Six times the servant went up, but the sky was clear--the sea tranquil. On the seventh he described the sign of approaching ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
Read full commentary →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?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **Yet talked.**—*Was still speaking.*
**The messenger.**—Ewalďs correction, “the king” (*melek for maľāk*), is certainly right. In the rapid progress of the story, the arrival and momentary exclusion of the messenger is understood. The approach of the king may have been seen from the upper part of Elisha’s house.
**Came down.**—*Was coming down*, to the prophet’s house, from the ramparts. (Co...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44. Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand--**The clearness of the sky renders the smallest speck distinctly visible; and this is in Palestine the uniform precursor of rain. It rises higher and higher, and becomes larger and larger with astonishing celerity, till the whole heaven is black, and the cloud bursts in a deluge of rain.
**Prepare thy chariot, and get ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 24-33**
Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat the flesh o...
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