2 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 8
Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
Original Language Analysis
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
H758
אֲרָ֔ם
of Syria
Strong's:
H758
Word #:
2 of 14
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
הָיָ֥ה
H1961
הָיָ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
against Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
against Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּוָּעַץ֙
and took counsel
H3289
וַיִּוָּעַץ֙
and took counsel
Strong's:
H3289
Word #:
6 of 14
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
מְק֛וֹם
a place
H4725
מְק֛וֹם
a place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
11 of 14
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)
Cross References
Isaiah 8:10Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Proverbs 20:18Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.1 Kings 22:31But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.2 Kings 6:24And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.
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
Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
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.