2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 11
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?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסָּעֵר֙
was sore troubled
H5590
וַיִּסָּעֵר֙
was sore troubled
Strong's:
H5590
Word #:
1 of 20
to rush upon; by implication, to toss (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
לֵ֣ב
Therefore the heart
H3820
לֵ֣ב
Therefore the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 20
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
H758
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
4 of 20
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַדָּבָ֖ר
for this thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֖ר
for this thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 20
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
and he called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
and he called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
8 of 20
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הֲלוֹא֙
H3808
הֲלוֹא֙
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַּגִּ֣ידוּ
unto them Will ye not shew
H5046
תַּגִּ֣ידוּ
unto them Will ye not shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מִ֥י
H4310
מִ֥י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
16 of 20
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
מִשֶּׁלָּ֖נוּ
H7945
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 6 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Miracles and Siege) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 6 regarding god's protection and provision for his servants?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
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?
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 means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.