2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 26
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)
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
צָֽעֲקָ֤ה
there cried
H6817
צָֽעֲקָ֤ה
there cried
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
8 of 13
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
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
Cross References
2 Samuel 14:4And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.Isaiah 10:3And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?Acts 21:28Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.Luke 18:3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
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 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.