2 Kings 6

33 verses

TL;DR

Elisha performs miracles to aid Israel against Syrian invasion, uses prophetic power to protect the king, and the narrative ends with a moral crisis during a siege.

Summary

Elisha and his prophets leave their cramped dwelling, cross the Jordan and perform a miracle where an iron axe falls into the water and floats. The Syrian king plans a campaign against Israel; Elisha warns the Israeli king to avoid Syrian positions. After the Syrians invade, Elisha protects the king’s men, blinds the enemy, and leads them to Samaria. The king refuses to kill the Syrians, feeds them, and they leave. Later, the Syrian king besieges Samaria, causing famine; a desperate woman offers her son to feed her family. The king weeps in humiliation, and Elisha confronts him about his actions. The chapter ends with the king’s lament and Elisha’s rebuke.

Outline

Elisha’s miracle at the Jordan and the prophet’s warning to Israel about Syrian moves
Elisha’s protection of the king, divine blindness of the Syrians, and the king’s refusal to harm them
Siege of Samaria, famine, the woman’s desperate offer, the king’s sorrow and Elisha’s confrontation

Themes

Divine intervention in warfareProphetic authority versus royal powerCompassion and moral responsibility in crisis

Keywords

ElishaprophecySyrian warIsraelJordanSamariablindnessfaminecompassionjudgment

People

ElishaSons of the prophetsKing of SyriaKing of IsraelBenhadadDothan (as a place, but also a person)Woman who offered her son

Places

JordanDothanSamariathe wallthe citythe mountain

Things

Iron axeStickHorses and chariots of fireBlindnessBread and waterSackclothAss's headDove's dung

Key Verses

2 Kings 6:17: Elisha opens the young man’s eyes to reveal the supernatural armies.
2 Kings 6:18: Elisha blinds the Syrian forces, demonstrating divine judgment.
2 Kings 6:23: The king’s mercy and decision to feed the Syrians marks a pivotal moral choice.
2 Kings 6:25: The extreme famine conditions underscore the siege’s severity.
2 Kings 6:29: The woman’s horrific offer of her son reveals the desperation of the people.

Questions

How does Elisha’s use of divine power influence the outcome of the Syrian invasion?
What does the king’s decision to feed the Syrians reveal about his character?
In what ways does the narrative depict the tension between prophetic authority and royal authority?
How does the woman’s desperate act of offering her son illustrate the human cost of war?
What lessons can be drawn about compassion versus retaliation in times of crisis?

Sentiment

mixed
The passage contains both acts of divine mercy and harsh judgment, reflecting conflict and compassion.