2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 24

Authorized King James Version

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And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙ H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אַֽחֲרֵי And it came to pass after this H310
אַֽחֲרֵי And it came to pass after this
Strong's: H310
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כֵ֔ן H3651
כֵ֔ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 3 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וַיִּקְבֹּ֛ץ gathered H6908
וַיִּקְבֹּ֛ץ gathered
Strong's: H6908
Word #: 4 of 15
to grasp, i.e., collect
בֶּן H0
בֶּן
Strong's: H0
Word #: 5 of 15
הֲדַ֥ד that Benhadad H1130
הֲדַ֥ד that Benhadad
Strong's: H1130
Word #: 6 of 15
ben-hadad, the name of several syrian kings, possibly a royal title
מֶֽלֶךְ king H4428
מֶֽלֶךְ king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 7 of 15
a king
אֲרָ֖ם of Syria H758
אֲרָ֖ם of Syria
Strong's: H758
Word #: 8 of 15
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 10 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַֽחֲנֵ֑הוּ all his host H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֑הוּ all his host
Strong's: H4264
Word #: 11 of 15
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
וַיַּ֕עַל and went up H5927
וַיַּ֕עַל and went up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 12 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וַיָּ֖צַר and besieged H6696
וַיָּ֖צַר and besieged
Strong's: H6696
Word #: 13 of 15
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 14 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃ Samaria H8111
שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃ Samaria
Strong's: H8111
Word #: 15 of 15
shomeron, a place in palestine

Analysis & Commentary

And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

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