Elisha Foils the Aramean Raid
2 Kings 6:8-23
2 K.6.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נלחם: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויועץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אל: NEG
- מקום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פלני: ADJ,m,sg
- אלמני: PRON,indef,m,sg
- תחנתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,n,sg
Parallels
- 2 Kings 6:9 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the king’s counsels are repeatedly revealed and the source (Elisha) is identified—shows how the Aramean plans from v.8 become known.
- 2 Kings 6:11 (structural): Direct follow-up: the Aramean king sends horses, chariots, and a great host to the specific place named in v.8 to seize Elisha, concretizing the military plan.
- 2 Kings 6:14 (structural): Describes the Aramean army encamping round Dothan where Elisha is—fulfillment/implementation of the encampment intention expressed in v.8.
- 1 Kings 20:13–14 (thematic): Ben‑Hadad and his counselors deliberate military movements against Israel; parallels the motif of a Near Eastern king consulting servants about battle plans and facing divine deliverance of Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king of Aram was at war with Israel; he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such‑and‑such a place I will encamp.”
- The king of Aram was at war with Israel; he conferred with his officers, saying, “Where shall I station my camp?”
2 K.6.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- השמר: VERB,hitpael,imperat,2,m,sg
- מעבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שם: ADV
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחתים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kgs 6:11-17 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the king complains that the prophet betrays his plans (6:11–12) and Elisha then reveals the hidden Syrian encampments and the heavenly host (6:14–17), showing the same episode of prophetic warning, divine knowledge, and protection.
- 1 Kgs 22:13-28 (thematic): Micaiah’s confrontation with Ahab over going to battle — a prophet warning a king about coming combat and an ambush/deception; parallels the theme of true prophetic warning in the face of royal/military plans.
- Ezekiel 33:2-7 (thematic): The prophet-as-watchman motif: Ezekiel is commissioned to warn the city of imminent danger and hold people accountable if he fails to warn — thematically similar to Elisha’s duty to warn the king about an approaching ambush.
- Isaiah 21:11-12 (thematic): Watchman oracle asking for report of the night and warning of approaching dawn/danger; uses the watchman/lookout imagery parallel to a prophet alerting leaders to an enemy lying in wait.
Alternative generated candidates
- The man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Be on your guard; do not pass by that place, for there the Arameans are encamped.”
- A man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Be on your guard when you pass this place, for there the Arameans are encamped.”
2 K.6.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והזהירו: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- ונשמר: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- שתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 6:11-12 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: describes how the Aramean commanders learned that Elisha was warning the king of Israel and seeking to capture him—directly connected to the repeated warnings in v.10.
- Jonah 3:4-10 (thematic): A prophetic warning to a city (Nineveh) leads to repentance and averting divine judgment—parallel theme of prophetic warning producing protection from harm.
- Genesis 19:12-22 (thematic): Angelic/protective warning to Lot and his family to flee imminent destruction—another instance where prompt warning results in preservation.
- Genesis 6:13-22; 7:1-5 (thematic): God's warning to Noah (to build the ark) that preserves him and his household from the flood—illustrates the motif of warning as means of salvation.
- 1 Samuel 19:1-7 (thematic): Jonathan and others warn David of Saul's plot so that he can escape—parallel example of timely warning by an ally leading to safety.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the king of Israel sent to the place that the man of God had named and warned them, and they were on their guard there—not once or twice.
- So the king of Israel sent to the place that the man of God had named, and warned them; and they kept watch there—not once, not twice.
2 K.6.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויסער: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- הלוא: PART
- תגידו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- משלנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- אל: NEG
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 6:8-10 (structural): Immediate narrative setup: Aramean king stations forces against Israel and experiences mysterious intelligence leaks—this passage provides the context that leads to the king’s angry question in 6:11.
- 2 Kings 6:12 (verbal): Direct continuation: a servant answers the king that Elisha is revealing the king’s private words to Israel—this verse explicitly states the accusation that provokes the king’s outburst in 6:11.
- 2 Kings 6:13-14 (structural): Narrative sequel: the king of Aram orders men to capture Elisha and lays plans against Israel, showing the practical outcome of the king’s anger expressed in 6:11.
- 2 Kings 6:15-17 (thematic): Theological counterpoint: Elisha’s servant is afraid when Aramean troops surround the city, but Elisha prays and the servant sees heavenly hosts—this contrasts the king’s human plotting (6:11) with divine protection of the prophet.
- 2 Kings 8:7-15 (allusion): Related episode of Aramean court intrigue: Elisha later anoints Hazael as successor to the Aramean throne, linking the theme of internal Aramean plotting and betrayal to the hostility and suspicion reflected in 6:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- When this was reported to the king of Aram, his heart was greatly troubled; he summoned his servants and said to them, “Will you not tell me which of us is for the king of Israel?”
- The matter so troubled the heart of the king of Aram that he summoned his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
2 K.6.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מעבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לוא: NEG
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנביא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יגיד: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תדבר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בחדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משכבך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Amos 3:7 (allusion): States the principle that the LORD reveals his plans to his prophets—explains why Elisha can know and report the king’s private words.
- Psalm 139:1-4 (thematic): Speaks of God’s knowledge of a person’s private actions and thoughts; parallels the idea that hidden words/events can be known and disclosed by a divinely informed prophet.
- Daniel 2:28-30 (thematic): Describes God giving insight into hidden things and communicating them through a trusted servant (Daniel); parallels Elisha’s role in revealing information not accessible by ordinary means.
- John 2:24-25 (thematic): Notes Jesus’ immediate knowledge of people’s inner thoughts and motives; an NT parallel to prophetic awareness of private words and intentions revealed in 2 Kgs 6:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- One of his servants answered, “No, my lord, O king; but Elisha the prophet in Israel tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedchamber.”
- One of his servants said, “No, my lord the king; it is Elisha the prophet who is in Israel—he tells the king of Israel the very words that you speak in your bedchamber.”
2 K.6.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- וראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- איכה: INTJ
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואשלח: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- ואקחהו: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הנה: PART
- בדתן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kgs 6:8-12 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the Aramean king's repeated efforts to locate and capture Elisha—this passage sets up the pursuit described in v.13.
- 1 Sam 19:11-12 (thematic): Saul sends messengers to seize David at night; like the Aramean king's order to 'go, see where he is' and take him, both depict rulers dispatching agents to capture a targeted man of God or anointed figure.
- 1 Kgs 19:2-3 (thematic): Jezebel's envoy/command to 'make away with' Elijah shows the same motif of a ruler or powerful person seeking the capture or killing of a prophet after feeling thwarted.
- Mark 14:1-2 (thematic): The chief priests and scribes conspire to arrest Jesus secretly; similar theme of authorities plotting to locate and seize a religious leader for arrest and removal.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, “Go, and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” They said, “Behold, he is in Dothan.”
- He said, “Go and see where he is, so I may send and seize him.” They told him, “Behold, he is in Dothan.”
2 K.6.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
- סוסים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ורכב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחיל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כבד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לילה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקפו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 14:9 (verbal): Egypt pursues Israel with "horses and chariots" and a host—same stock phrase for a pursuing/encircling military force.
- 1 Kings 20:1 (verbal): Ben‑Hadad musters horses, chariots and a great host to besiege Israel—parallels Syrian military mobilization and siege language.
- Judges 4:13 (verbal): Sisera gathers nine hundred chariots of iron and a large force to fight Israel—similar imagery of chariots/horses and an overwhelming army.
- 2 Chronicles 14:9 (thematic): Zerah the Ethiopian comes up against Judah with a vast army and chariots—another instance of an invading force encamping/coming against a city/land.
- 2 Kings 6:15-17 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the city is seen to be surrounded by horses and chariots, prompting Elisha’s servant’s alarm and Elisha’s prayer to reveal heavenly horses and chariots—directly linked to v.14.
Alternative generated candidates
- So he sent horses and chariots and a great force; they went by night and surrounded the city.
- Therefore he sent horses, chariots, and a great force; they came by night and surrounded the city.
2 K.6.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- משרת: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לקום: VERB,qal,inf
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- והנה: ADV
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סובב: PART,qal,ptc,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וסוס: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ורכב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נערו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אהה: INTJ
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- איכה: INTJ
- נעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 6:17 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel — Elisha prays and the servant's eyes are opened to see the 'mountains full of horses and chariots of fire,' directly continuing the scene of the surrounding army.
- Psalm 34:7 (thematic): Expresses the motif of divine protection in the face of danger: 'The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them,' paralleling God’s unseen protection when the city is surrounded.
- Isaiah 37:36 (thematic): Describes an angelic intervention that destroys an enemy army (the Assyrian host), echoing the theme of God overturning hostile forces that encircle or threaten God's people.
- Exodus 14:10-14 (thematic): The Israelites see an approaching army and are terrified; Moses' response ('Fear not... the LORD will fight for you') parallels the fear of the watching servant and the theme of divine deliverance in the face of encirclement.
- 2 Chronicles 20:15-22 (thematic): Jehoshaphat and the people face a surrounding coalition of enemies; a prophetic word and divine intervention cause the enemies to destroy one another, reflecting the pattern of fear followed by God's rescue when besieged.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the servant of the man of God rose early and went out, behold, the army compassed the city, with horses and chariots. The servant said to his master, “Alas, my lord! What shall we do?”
- When the servant of the man of God rose early and went out, behold—the army with horses and chariots all around the city. And the young man said to his master, “Alas, my lord! What shall we do?”
2 K.6.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתנו: PRON,1,pl
- מאשר: PREP+REL
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
Parallels
- 2 Kgs 6:17 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Elisha prays and the servant’s eyes are opened to see the heavenly horses and chariots that make ‘those with us’ more than their enemies.
- Rom 8:31 (thematic): Paul’s rhetorical assurance ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ parallels the confidence that divine presence makes ‘with us’ greater than opposing forces.
- Ps 118:6 (thematic): ‘The LORD is on my side; I will not fear’ echoes the same reason for courage—God’s presence outweighs hostile enemies.
- Deut 20:1 (thematic): Instruction for battle not to be fainthearted because the LORD goes with Israel parallels the command ‘Fear not’ grounded in God’s presence with them.
- Judg 7:2 (allusion): God’s decision to reduce Gideon’s forces (‘with you are too many’) contrasts yet relates to the theme that victory depends on God, not numerical strength—explaining why ‘those with us’ (heavenly allies) matter more than human numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, “Do not be afraid; those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
- He said, “Do not fear; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
2 K.6.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתפלל: VERB,hitpael,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- פקח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- את: PRT,acc
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- ויראה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויפקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עיני: NOUN,f,pl,cons+1s
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והנה: ADV
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מלא: ADJ,m,sg
- סוסים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ורכב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- סביבת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 6:16 (structural): Immediate context: Elisha comforts his servant not to fear because those with us are more than those with them—prepares for the revelation of the heavenly host in v.17.
- 2 Kings 2:11 (verbal): Uses the same 'chariots of fire' / 'horses of fire' imagery (רכבי־אש); links Elisha's vision to the Elijah tradition of divine, fiery chariots.
- Psalm 34:7 (thematic): 'The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him' — theme of unseen angelic protection guarding God's servants, parallel to the heavenly hosts seen by Elisha's servant.
- Daniel 10:13–21 (allusion): Depicts angelic beings contending on behalf of God's people and a prophetic vision of heavenly warriors—themewise parallel to the unseen divine forces surrounding Elisha.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes, that he may see.” The LORD opened the young man's eyes, and he saw—and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
- And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes, that he may see.” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw—and behold, the hill was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 K.6.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויתפלל: VERB,hitpael,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הך: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- את: PRT,acc
- הגוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- בסנורים: PREP,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויכם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בסנורים: PREP,NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2Kgs.6.17 (structural): Immediately preceding episode where Elisha prays that his servant’s eyes be opened to see the heavenly host — both verses frame God’s sovereign control over human sight and spiritual perception.
- 2Kgs.6.20 (structural): The sequel in which Elisha leads the blinded captains to Samaria and then opens their eyes — together with 6:18 these verses form a unit demonstrating divinely-ordained blinding and restoration.
- Acts 13:11 (verbal): Paul (through Barnabas) pronounces that Elymas the sorcerer will be temporarily blinded by God for opposing the Gospel — a direct parallel of divinely-caused blindness as judgment and a sign.
- Acts 9:8–9 (thematic): Saul is struck blind on the Damascus road by divine intervention, experiencing temporary physical blindness that precedes conversion and a change of mission, similar to blindness used as a God-wrought transformative sign.
- Judg.16:21 (thematic): Samson’s eyes are put out by the Philistines after capture — a theme of physical blinding as humiliation and loss of power, echoing the motif of sight removed in moments of defeat or divine judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the band came down upon him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, “Strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, in accordance with Elisha's word.
- When they came down upon him, Elisha prayed, “O LORD, strike these men with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, in keeping with the word of Elisha.
2 K.6.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- אחרי: PREP
- ואוליכה: VERB,hiph,impf,1,_,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תבקשון: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- שמרונה: NOUN,f,sg,prop
Parallels
- 2 Kings 6:12 (structural): Immediate narrative antecedent: Aramean messengers report Elisha’s location in Dothan, setting up the pursuit that 6:19 responds to.
- 2 Kings 6:17 (structural): Close narrative parallel in the same episode where Elisha prays to open his servant’s eyes—both verses are part of the scene of Elisha dealing with the Aramean force he has led into Samaria.
- 2 Kings 6:20 (structural): Direct narrative continuation: after Elisha leads the captors into Samaria (6:19), the captive Arameans are disarmed, fed, and sent home in 6:20, showing the outcome of Elisha’s maneuver.
- 1 Samuel 19:11–17 (thematic): Both passages depict a king’s agents sent to seize a wanted man (David/Elisha) and divine or human intervention that thwarts the capture, highlighting the motif of pursuit and divine protection of God’s servant.
- Matthew 4:19 (verbal): Shares the imperative formula 'Follow me' (Greek: δεῦτε ὀπίσω μου / Hebrew parallel in sense), linking Elisha’s directive to the pursuers with the prophetic/leadership motif of calling others to follow.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city; follow me, and I will bring you to the man you seek.” And he led them to Samaria.
- Elisha said to them, “This is not the road, nor is this the city; follow me, and I will bring you to the man you seek.” He led them to Samaria.
2 K.6.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כבאם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שמרון: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- פקח: VERB,piel,impv,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עיני: NOUN,f,pl,cons+1s
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויפקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עיניהם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3mp
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- והנה: ADV
- בתוך: PREP
- שמרון: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kgs 6:17 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: Elisha prays 'O LORD, open his eyes' and the LORD opens them so the servant sees heavenly horses and chariots — the same request and divine act of opening eyes.
- Ps 146:8 (thematic): States 'The LORD opens the eyes of the blind'; a concise theological summary of the motif in 2 Kgs 6:20 where God discloses sight, linking God’s power to remove blindness.
- Isa 35:5 (thematic): Prophetic promise 'Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,' paralleling the motif of restoration of sight and often cited as part of the wider biblical theme of God reversing blindness.
- Luke 4:18 (quotation): Jesus reads Isaiah's commission including 'to give sight to the blind' (quoting Isa.), bringing the motif of divine opening of eyes into the NT messianic context and echoing miracles of restored sight like Elisha’s.
Alternative generated candidates
- When they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open their eyes, that they may see.” The LORD opened their eyes and they saw—and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
- When they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open their eyes that they may see.” The LORD opened their eyes, and they saw that they were in the midst of Samaria.
2 K.6.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אלישע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כראתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- האכה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- אכה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 26:9 (verbal): Abishai urges David to strike Saul—'Shall I smite him?'—mirroring the king of Israel's offer to strike the captured enemies; similar language and dilemma about killing an adversary in hand.
- 2 Kings 6:23 (structural): Immediate narrative resolution: Elisha instructs to feed and send the Aramean prisoners away rather than kill them, directly answering the king's question and showing mercy.
- Jonah 4:11 (thematic): God's compassion toward Nineveh—spared because they repent—parallels the theme of mercy toward an enemy group instead of destruction.
- Matthew 5:44 (thematic): Jesus' command to love and pray for enemies echoes the ethical impulse behind sparing and providing for captured foes in 2 Kings, promoting mercy over vengeance.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Shall I strike them? Shall I strike them, my father?”
- The king of Israel said to Elisha, “Shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down, my father?”
2 K.6.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- תכה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- האשר: REL
- שבית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בחרבך: PREP
- ובקשתך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- מכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שים: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- ויאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וישתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- אדניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 25:21-22 (verbal): Directly parallels the concrete injunction to feed and give water to an enemy who is hungry/thirsty — same image and ethic of kindness to an opponent.
- Deuteronomy 23:15-16 (thematic): Commands protection rather than return of a fugitive/slave; relates to the principle of safeguarding those who come under one’s power instead of delivering them back to harm.
- Exodus 23:4-5 (thematic): Mandates practical compassion for an enemy’s property (helping a fallen ox), echoing the broader ethical demand to render aid rather than revenge toward adversaries.
- 1 Samuel 24:4-7 (thematic): David’s refusal to strike Saul when he had him in his hand parallels Elisha’s prohibition against killing the captured Arameans and the choice to show mercy instead of taking vengeance.
- Matthew 5:44-45 (thematic): Jesus’ teaching to love enemies and pray for persecutors resonates with the mercy shown in 2 Kings 6:22 — active goodwill toward those who are hostile.
Alternative generated candidates
- He answered, “Do not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.”
- He answered, “Do not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken with your sword and bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.”
2 K.6.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ויאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וישתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וישלחם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf_wq,3,m,sg;obj=3,m,pl
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- אדניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- יספו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- גדודי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 6:21 (structural): Immediate context: the captured Aramean soldiers are brought into Samaria and set in the midst of the city; v.23 continues the episode of mercy and release begun in v.21.
- 2 Kings 6:17 (allusion): Contrasts and complements the motif of sight/blindness in the chapter — Elisha prays to open his servant’s eyes to see God’s army, whereas the Arameans were struck with blindness earlier, a miraculous inversion that frames the release in v.23.
- Proverbs 25:21-22 (thematic): Direct ethical parallel: urging provision for one’s enemy (‘if your enemy is hungry, give him bread’) matches the king’s command to feed the captured Arameans and send them away.
- 1 Samuel 26:8-11 (thematic): David spares his pursuing enemy Saul and refuses to kill him, returning him unharmed — a comparable instance of mercy to an armed foe leading to restraint in hostilities.
Alternative generated candidates
- So he prepared a great meal for them, and they ate and drank; he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the bands of Aram did not come again into the land of Israel.
- So he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. From that time on the raiding bands of Aram ceased to come into the land of Israel.
The king of Aram was at war with Israel. He consulted his servants, saying, “Such-and-such a place I will encamp.”
The man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware and do not pass through this place, for there Aram has posted himself.” So the king of Israel sent to the place that the man of God had named and warned them; they were on their guard there, not once or twice.
The heart of the king of Aram was greatly disturbed at this matter. He called his servants and said to them, “Will no one tell me which of us is for the king of Israel?”
One of his servants answered, “No, my lord king; but Elisha the prophet in Israel tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your private chamber.”
He said, “Go, and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” They said, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” So he sent there horses, chariots, and a great host; they came by night and surrounded the city.
When the servant of the man of God rose early and went out, behold, the army compassed the city, with horses and chariots. The young man said to his master, “Alas, my lord, what shall we do?”
He answered, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes that he may see.” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw: the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
When the Aramean force came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike this people with blindness.” So the LORD struck them with blindness in accordance with the word of Elisha.
Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he led them to Samaria.
When they came into Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open their eyes that they may see.” The LORD opened their eyes, and they saw — behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
When the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “Shall I strike them? Shall I strike them, my father?”
He answered, “Do not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken with your sword and bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” So he prepared a great feast for them; they ate and drank, and he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the raiding bands of Aram ceased to come into the land of Israel.