What is the meaning of 2 Kings 6:20? When they had entered Samaria – The Aramean troops, under a supernatural blindness sent by God (2 Kings 6:18-19), march straight into the fortified capital of Israel. – God guides enemy forces into a place where He alone controls the outcome, echoing how He led Pharaoh’s army into the Red Sea trap (Exodus 14:24-28). – The scene fulfills Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps”. – For Elisha, this is yet another instance of Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,” as God turns danger into deliverance. Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” – Earlier, Elisha asked for his servant’s eyes to be opened to the angelic army (2 Kings 6:16-17); now he pleads for his foes to regain sight. – The prophet models Jesus’ later call to love enemies (Matthew 5:44) and His prayer, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). – Spiritual principle: Only the Lord can remove blindness, as Paul prays “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). – Elisha seeks mercy, not massacre, anticipating Romans 12:20: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him.” Then the LORD opened their eyes – Immediate, gracious response showcases God’s sovereignty and Elisha’s intimacy with Him (James 5:16 b). – Parallels: God opened Hagar’s eyes to a well (Genesis 21:19) and opened the disciples’ eyes to recognize Jesus (Luke 24:31). – This miracle underscores 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts.” – Blindness lifted reveals that judgment could fall, yet mercy triumphs over wrath. and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria. – Instant realization: the hunters are helpless in the very city they sought to raid. – God delivers Israel without a sword, as in 2 Chronicles 20:22 where praise routed an army. – Their disarmed state fulfills Psalm 124:7: “We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler.” – The moment sets up the next verses, where Israel feeds and frees them, turning foes into peaceable returnees—a living example of Proverbs 16:7, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” summary Elisha leads blinded invaders into Samaria, prays for their sight, and watches God open their eyes. The episode highlights divine control over armies, the power of intercessory mercy, and God’s ability to turn enemy schemes into opportunities for grace. The verse invites believers to trust the Lord’s sovereignty, pray for spiritual sight, and extend compassion, confident that God can disarm hostility and reveal His glory. |
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