2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 33
And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?
Original Language Analysis
עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙
H5750
עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
מְדַבֵּ֣ר
And while he yet talked
H1696
מְדַבֵּ֣ר
And while he yet talked
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עִמָּ֔ם
H5973
עִמָּ֔ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הַמַּלְאָ֖ךְ
with them behold the messenger
H4397
הַמַּלְאָ֖ךְ
with them behold the messenger
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
5 of 17
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יֹרֵ֣ד
came down
H3381
יֹרֵ֣ד
came down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
6 of 17
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
הָֽרָעָה֙
Behold this evil
H7451
הָֽרָעָה֙
Behold this evil
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
11 of 17
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
מֵאֵ֣ת
H853
מֵאֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
for the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מָֽה
H4100
מָֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אוֹחִ֥יל
what should I wait
H3176
אוֹחִ֥יל
what should I wait
Strong's:
H3176
Word #:
15 of 17
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
Cross References
Job 2:9Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.Isaiah 8:21And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.
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 while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?
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 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.