2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 18
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּֽרְדוּ֮
And when they came down
H3381
וַיֵּֽרְדוּ֮
And when they came down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 17
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֨ל
prayed
H6419
וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֨ל
prayed
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
3 of 17
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
יְהוָה֙
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיַּכֵּ֥ם
And he smote
H5221
וַיַּכֵּ֥ם
And he smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
8 of 17
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
נָ֥א
H4994
נָ֥א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
9 of 17
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַגּוֹי
this people
H1471
הַגּוֹי
this people
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
11 of 17
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
וַיַּכֵּ֥ם
And he smote
H5221
וַיַּכֵּ֥ם
And he smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
14 of 17
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Acts 13:11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.John 12:40He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.Genesis 19:11And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.John 9:39And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
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
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.
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 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.