2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 21
And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
כִּרְאֹת֖וֹ
when he saw
H7200
כִּרְאֹת֖וֹ
when he saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אוֹתָ֑ם
H853
אוֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַכֶּ֖ה
shall I smite
H5221
אַכֶּ֖ה
shall I smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
8 of 10
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
2 Kings 5:13And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?2 Kings 8:9So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?2 Kings 2:12And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
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 the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
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.