Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory. New Living Translation So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel. English Standard Version So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel. Berean Standard Bible So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again. King James Bible And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. New King James Version Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel. New American Standard Bible So he provided a large feast for them; and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the marauding bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel. NASB 1995 So he prepared a great feast for them; and when they had eaten and drunk he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the marauding bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel. NASB 1977 So he prepared a great feast for them; and when they had eaten and drunk he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the marauding bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel. Legacy Standard Bible So he prepared a great feast for them; and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the marauding bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel. Amplified Bible So the king prepared a great feast for them; and when they had eaten and drunk he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the marauding bands of Aram did not come into the land of Israel again. Christian Standard Bible So he prepared a big feast for them. When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. The Aramean raiders did not come into Israel’s land again. Holman Christian Standard Bible So he prepared a great feast for them. When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. The Aramean raiders did not come into Israel’s land again. American Standard Version And he prepared great provision for them; and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. Contemporary English Version The king ordered a huge meal to be prepared for Syria's army, and when they finished eating, he let them go. For a while, the Syrian troops stopped invading Israel's territory. English Revised Version And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation So the king prepared a great feast for them. They ate and drank, and then he sent them back to their master. After this, Aramean troops didn't raid Israel's territory anymore. Good News Translation So the king of Israel provided a great feast for them; and after they had eaten and drunk, he sent them back to the king of Syria. From then on the Syrians stopped raiding the land of Israel. International Standard Version So he prepared a large festival for them, and when they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them back to their master, and marauding gangs of Arameans never came into the territory of Israel again. Majority Standard Bible So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again. NET Bible So he threw a big banquet for them and they ate and drank. Then he sent them back to their master. After that no Syrian raiding parties again invaded the land of Israel. New Heart English Bible He prepared great feast for them. When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. The bands of Aram stopped raiding the land of Israel. Webster's Bible Translation And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drank, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. World English Bible He prepared a great feast for them. After they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria stopped raiding the land of Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he prepares great provision for them, and they eat and drink, and he sends them away, and they go to their lord: and troops of Aram have not added to come into the land of Israel anymore. Young's Literal Translation And he prepareth for them great provision, and they eat and drink, and he sendeth them away, and they go unto their lord: and troops of Aram have not added any more to come in to the land of Israel. Smith's Literal Translation And he will purchase for them a great purchase: and they will eat and drink, and he will send them, and they will go to their lord. And the troops of Aram will add no more to come into the land of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd a great provision of meats was set before them, and they ate and drank, and he let them go, and they went away to their master, and the robbers of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version And a great preparation of foods was placed before them. And they ate and drank. And he dismissed them. And they went away to their lord. And the robbers of Syria no longer came into the land of Israel. New American Bible The king spread a great feast for them. When they had eaten and drunk he sent them away, and they went back to their master. No more Aramean raiders came into the land of Israel. New Revised Standard Version So he prepared for them a great feast; after they ate and drank, he sent them on their way, and they went to their master. And the Arameans no longer came raiding into the land of Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSo he prepared for them a great banquet; and when they had eaten and drunk, they went to their master. So the raiders of Aram came no more across the border of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he prepared for them a great meal, and they ate and they drank, and they went to their Master, and the bands of robbers of Edom did not come again to the borders of Israel. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he prepared great provision for them; and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the bands of Aram came no more into the land of Israel. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he set before them a great feast, and they ate and drank: and he dismissed them and they departed to their master. And the bands of Syria came no longer into the land of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans…22“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” 23So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again. Cross References Romans 12:20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Luke 6:27 But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. Exodus 23:4-5 If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it. 1 Samuel 24:17-19 and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. / And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. / When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. 1 Samuel 26:21 Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!” 2 Chronicles 28:15 Then the men who were designated by name arose, took charge of the captives, and provided from the plunder clothing for the naked. They clothed them, gave them sandals and food and drink, anointed their wounds, and put all the feeble on donkeys. So they brought them to Jericho, the City of Palms, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria. Genesis 45:5-7 And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. / For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. / God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 50:21 Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them. Treasury of Scripture And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. he prepared 1 Samuel 24:17,18 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil… 2 Chronicles 28:15 And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria. Proverbs 25:21,22 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: … 2 Kings 6:8,9 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… 2 Kings 5:2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. 2 Kings 24:2 And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. Jump to Previous Aram Aramaeans Arameans Ate Bands Drank Drink Drinking Drunk Eaten Eating Feast Finished Food Great Israel Israel's Marauding Master Prepared Provision Raiding Raids Repast Stopped Syria SyriansJump to Next Aram Aramaeans Arameans Ate Bands Drank Drink Drinking Drunk Eaten Eating Feast Finished Food Great Israel Israel's Marauding Master Prepared Provision Raiding Raids Repast Stopped Syria Syrians2 Kings 6 1. Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead8. He discloses the king of Syria's counsel 13. The army which was sent to Dothan to apprehend Elisha, is blinded 19. Being brought into Samaria, they are dismissed in peace 24. The famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own children 30. The king sends to slay Elisha So the king prepared a great feast for them In the ancient Near East, sharing a meal was a significant act of hospitality and reconciliation. The king of Israel's decision to prepare a feast for the Aramean soldiers, who were previously enemies, reflects a profound act of mercy and grace. This act can be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Testament teaching to love one's enemies (Matthew 5:44). The feast symbolizes a covenant of peace, reminiscent of the peace offerings in Leviticus 3. and after they had finished eating and drinking he sent them away and they returned to their master And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaThe prophet of God who plays a central role in this account, demonstrating God's power and mercy. 2. The King of Israel The unnamed king who follows Elisha's counsel to show mercy to the captured Aramean soldiers. 3. Aramean Raiders The enemy soldiers who were captured and then released by the Israelites, leading to a cessation of their raids. 4. Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the events take place. 5. The Feast A significant event where the captured enemies are treated with kindness, symbolizing mercy and grace. Teaching Points Mercy Over RetributionThe account highlights the power of mercy over vengeance. Instead of killing the captured soldiers, the Israelites show them kindness, which leads to peace. God's Sovereignty and Provision Elisha's role in guiding the king of Israel demonstrates God's sovereignty and provision in times of conflict. Trusting in God's plan can lead to unexpected resolutions. The Power of Kindness The act of preparing a feast for the enemy illustrates the transformative power of kindness. It can change hearts and lead to peace. Obedience to Godly Counsel The king's decision to follow Elisha's advice shows the importance of heeding godly counsel, which can lead to outcomes that align with God's will. Breaking the Cycle of Violence By choosing a path of peace, the Israelites break the cycle of violence, setting an example for resolving conflicts in our own lives.(23) He.--The king of Israel. Prepared great provision.--Or, a great feast. The Hebrew verb (k?r?h) occurs nowhere else in this sense. The noun (k?r?h) is cognate with it, and the root meaning seems to be union: such as takes place at a common meal. Thenius renders k?r?h by "das Gastrund"--i.e., the circle of guests. So the bands of Syria came no more.--The stress lies on the word "bands." The Syrians, dreading Elisha, did not make any further clandestine attempts to injure Israel, like those above described, which only involved the despatch of predatory bands. They now resolved to try the fortunes of regular war with the whole strength of their army (2Kings 6:24). It is evident, therefore, that we must not think of any gratitude on their part for the clemency of Jehoram. Into the land.--Syriac, "into the border;" Targum, "into the border of the land." (Comp. 1Samuel 7:13.) Verse 23. - And he prepared great provision for them. Jehoram followed the directions of the prophet, carrying them out, not in the letter merely, but in the spirit. He entertained the captives at a grand banquet (Josephus, 'Ant. Jud.,' 9:4. § 3), and then gave them leave to depart. And when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. The Syrian raids, which had hitherto been frequent, perhaps almost continuous (2 Kings 5:2), now ceased for a time, and the kingdom of Israel had a respite. Bahr supposes that the raids were discontinued simply "because the Syrians had found out that they could not accomplish anything by these expeditions, but rather brought themselves into circumstances of great peril" ('Commentary on Kings,' vol. it. p. 69). But the nexus of the clause, "So the bands," etc., rather implies that the cessation was the consequence of Jehoram's sparing and entertaining the captives.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So [the king] prepared a greatגְדוֹלָ֗ה (ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent feast וַיִּכְרֶ֨ה (way·yiḵ·reh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3739: To trade, get by trade for them, כֵּרָ֣ה (kê·rāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 3740: A purchase and after they had finished eating וַיֹּֽאכְלוּ֙ (way·yō·ḵə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 398: To eat and drinking, וַיִּשְׁתּ֔וּ (way·yiš·tū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8354: To imbibe he sent them away, וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֔ם (way·šal·lə·ḥêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out and they returned וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to their master. אֲדֹֽנֵיהֶ֑ם (’ă·ḏō·nê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller And the Aramean אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria raiders גְּדוּדֵ֣י (gə·ḏū·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1416: A band, troop did not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no come לָב֖וֹא (lā·ḇō·w) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go into the land בְּאֶ֥רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 776: Earth, land of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc again. יָ֤סְפוּ (yā·sə·p̄ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3254: To add, augment Links 2 Kings 6:23 NIV2 Kings 6:23 NLT 2 Kings 6:23 ESV 2 Kings 6:23 NASB 2 Kings 6:23 KJV 2 Kings 6:23 BibleApps.com 2 Kings 6:23 Biblia Paralela 2 Kings 6:23 Chinese Bible 2 Kings 6:23 French Bible 2 Kings 6:23 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Kings 6:23 He prepared great provision for them (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
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