2 Kings 6:26

Authorized King James Version

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And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙ H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ And as the king H4428
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ And as the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 2 of 13
a king
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 3 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עֹבֵ֖ר was passing by H5674
עֹבֵ֖ר was passing by
Strong's: H5674
Word #: 4 of 13
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַֽחֹמָ֑ה upon the wall H2346
הַֽחֹמָ֑ה upon the wall
Strong's: H2346
Word #: 6 of 13
a wall of protection
וְאִשָּׁ֗ה a woman H802
וְאִשָּׁ֗ה a woman
Strong's: H802
Word #: 7 of 13
a woman
צָֽעֲקָ֤ה there cried H6817
צָֽעֲקָ֤ה there cried
Strong's: H6817
Word #: 8 of 13
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
אֵלָיו֙ H413
אֵלָיו֙
Strong's: H413
Word #: 9 of 13
near, with or among; often in general, to
לֵאמֹ֔ר unto him saying H559
לֵאמֹ֔ר unto him saying
Strong's: H559
Word #: 10 of 13
to say (used with great latitude)
הוֹשִׁ֖יעָה Help H3467
הוֹשִׁ֖יעָה Help
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 11 of 13
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
אֲדֹנִ֥י my lord H113
אֲדֹנִ֥י my lord
Strong's: H113
Word #: 12 of 13
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ And as the king H4428
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ And as the king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 13 of 13
a king

Analysis & Commentary

And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.

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.

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

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