2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 10
And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַמָּק֞וֹם
to the place
H4725
הַמָּק֞וֹם
to the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
5 of 17
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)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אִישׁ
which the man
H376
אִישׁ
which the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 17
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)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֛ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 17
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
וְהִזְהִירֹ֖ה
him and warned
H2094
וְהִזְהִירֹ֖ה
him and warned
Strong's:
H2094
Word #:
11 of 17
figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)
וְנִשְׁמַ֣ר
him of and saved
H8104
וְנִשְׁמַ֣ר
him of and saved
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
שָׁ֑ם
H8033
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אַחַ֖ת
himself there not once
H259
אַחַ֖ת
himself there not once
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
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 sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 6: God's protection and provision for His servants. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.