2 Kings 6:9

Authorized King James Version

And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

And the man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֶ֤לֶךְ

H4428

unto the king

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

הִשָּׁ֕מֶר

H8104

Beware

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מֵֽעֲבֹ֖ר

H5674

that thou pass

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#10

הַמָּק֣וֹם

H4725

a place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#11

הַזֶּ֑ה

H2088

not such

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#14

אֲרָ֥ם

H758

for thither the Syrians

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

#15

נְחִתִּֽים׃

H5185

are come down

descending

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Kings. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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