2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 23
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֹּֽאכְלוּ֙
for them and when they had eaten
H398
וַיֹּֽאכְלוּ֙
for them and when they had eaten
Strong's:
H398
Word #:
5 of 18
to eat (literally or figuratively)
וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם
he sent them away
H7971
וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם
he sent them away
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
7 of 18
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ
H1980
וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 18
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֲדֹֽנֵיהֶ֑ם
to their master
H113
אֲדֹֽנֵיהֶ֑ם
to their master
Strong's:
H113
Word #:
10 of 18
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָ֤סְפוּ
no more
H3254
יָ֤סְפוּ
no more
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
12 of 18
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עוֹד֙
H5750
עוֹד֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
H758
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
15 of 18
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
Cross References
2 Kings 5:2And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.2 Kings 24:2And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets.Luke 6:35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
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 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.
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, 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.