2 Kings 6:10 Study Bible: The king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of; and he saved himself there, not once nor twice.

◄ 2 Kings 6:10 ►

So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.

Study Bible

So the king of Israel
The phrase refers to the reigning monarch of the northern kingdom of Israel during the time of Elisha, the prophet. Historically, this period was marked by frequent conflicts with neighboring nations, particularly Aram (Syria). The king's reliance on Elisha underscores the prophet's significant influence and the divine insight he provided, which was crucial for the nation's survival. The Hebrew term for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek) emphasizes the authority and responsibility vested in the ruler, who was expected to lead the people in accordance with God's will.

sent word
This action indicates the king's responsiveness to Elisha's prophetic guidance. The Hebrew root שָׁלַח (shalach) means "to send," suggesting a deliberate and purposeful communication. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sending word often involved messengers who conveyed important information or commands. This highlights the urgency and seriousness with which the king treated Elisha's warnings, recognizing them as divinely inspired.

to the place
The specific location mentioned here is significant because it was a strategic point where the Arameans planned to ambush the Israelites. The Hebrew word מָקוֹם (maqom) can refer to a physical location or a position of importance. In this context, it underscores the tactical nature of the conflict and the need for divine intervention to protect Israel from its enemies.

the man of God
This title for Elisha emphasizes his role as a prophet and a representative of Yahweh. The Hebrew phrase אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים (ish ha-Elohim) denotes someone who is not only a servant of God but also endowed with divine authority and insight. Elisha's ability to foresee the enemy's plans and warn the king reflects his close relationship with God and his pivotal role in guiding the nation.

had pointed out
The act of pointing out or indicating suggests a revelation or insight given by God to Elisha. The Hebrew verb אָמַר (amar) in this context implies a declaration or proclamation. This highlights the prophetic nature of Elisha's ministry, where he communicated God's will and guidance to the king, ensuring the safety and security of Israel.

Time and again
This phrase indicates the repeated nature of Elisha's warnings, emphasizing the ongoing threat from the Arameans and the continuous need for vigilance. The Hebrew expression often translated as "repeatedly" or "again and again" underscores the persistence of the enemy and the necessity of constant reliance on divine guidance.

Elisha warned the king
Elisha's role as a prophet was not only to foretell future events but also to provide practical guidance and warnings. The Hebrew verb זָהַר (zahar) means "to warn" or "to admonish," highlighting the protective aspect of Elisha's ministry. His warnings were a manifestation of God's care for His people, ensuring that they were not caught unawares by their enemies.

so that he was on his guard
The result of Elisha's warnings was that the king of Israel could take precautionary measures to protect his people. The Hebrew root שָׁמַר (shamar) means "to guard" or "to keep," indicating a state of alertness and readiness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a protector who equips His people to face challenges and adversities.

in such places
The specific locations where the king was warned to be on guard were likely strategic military sites. The phrase underscores the importance of divine guidance in matters of national security and the practical application of prophetic insight. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including the political and military affairs of nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elisha
A prophet in Israel, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. He plays a crucial role in advising the king of Israel about the movements of the Aramean army.

2. King of Israel
The ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel during this period. He heeds Elisha's warnings and takes action to protect his people.

3. Arameans
A neighboring nation often at war with Israel. In this context, they are attempting to ambush the Israelites.

4. The Place
Specific locations where the Arameans planned to attack, which Elisha revealed to the king of Israel.

5. Warnings
The repeated alerts given by Elisha to the king, demonstrating God's protection and guidance through His prophet.

Teaching Points

God's Guidance Through His Servants
God often uses His chosen servants to provide guidance and protection to His people. Just as Elisha warned the king, God places people in our lives to offer wisdom and direction.

The Importance of Heeding Godly Counsel
The king of Israel's willingness to listen to Elisha's warnings highlights the importance of heeding godly counsel. We should be open to advice from those who walk closely with God.

God's Sovereignty and Protection
This passage illustrates God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His people from harm. Trusting in God's plan and His timing is crucial for believers.

Spiritual Vigilance
Just as the king was on guard against physical threats, Christians are called to be spiritually vigilant, aware of the enemy's schemes and ready to respond with faith and wisdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elisha's role as a prophet in this passage demonstrate the importance of spiritual leadership in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we discern and heed godly counsel in our daily decisions, similar to how the king of Israel responded to Elisha's warnings?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection or guidance in a situation. How did it strengthen your faith?

4. How can we cultivate spiritual vigilance in our lives to be prepared for the challenges and temptations we face?

5. Consider the role of community in providing support and guidance. How can you contribute to being a source of godly counsel for others in your church or community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 19:19-21
This passage describes Elisha's calling by Elijah, establishing his role as a prophet and his dedication to God's service.

Psalm 91:11
This verse speaks of God's protection over His people, similar to how God protected Israel through Elisha's warnings.

Acts 9:10-18
Ananias receives a vision from God to help Saul, showing how God uses His servants to accomplish His purposes, akin to Elisha's role.

Sermons

God's Presence with His People	C.H. Irwin	2 Kings 6:8-16
A Bootless Invasion	J. Orr	2 Kings 6:8-23
Elisha At Dothan	Monday Club Sermons	2 Kings 6:8-23
Elisha's Defenders	George W. Brown.	2 Kings 6:8-23
Elisha's Safeguard	J. Murray.	2 Kings 6:8-23
Our Allies	W. Hoyt, D. D.	2 Kings 6:8-23
Secure Amid Perils	L. A. Banks, D. D.	2 Kings 6:8-23
The Encompassing Defence of the Faithful	J. G. Greenhough, M. A.	2 Kings 6:8-23
The King of Syria and Elisha	D. Thomas	2 Kings 6:8-23
Within the Circle of Flame	J. Dunk.	2 Kings 6:8-23

People

Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, Syrians

Places

Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, Syria

Topics

Clear, Danger, Elisha, Guard, Guarded, Indicated, Kept, Places, Preserved, Saved, Spake, Thus, Twice, Warn, Warned

Dictionary of Bible Themes

2 Kings 6:8-10

7773 prophets, role

Library

Young Man! a Prayer for You
THIS YOUNG MAN waited upon a prophet: he could not have had a more instructive occupation; yet his eyes needed to be opened. He was well disposed towards good things, for the tone of his language to his master shows that he was heartily at one with him; but his eyes were not yet half opened. Being in great alarm for his master's safety, he ran to him to warn him: good servants should be their master's best friends. In return, his believing master prays for him. If we desire the good of our servants, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Of the Practice of Piety in Fasting.
There are divers kinds of fasting--First, A constrained fast, as when men either have not food to eat, as in the famine of Samaria (2 Kings vi. 25;) or, having food, cannot eat it for heaviness or sickness, as it befel them who were in the ship with St. Paul (Acts xxvii. 33.) This is rather famine than fasting. Secondly, A natural fast, which we undertake physically, for the health of our body. Thirdly, A civil fast, which the magistrate enjoins for the better maintenance of the commonwealth. Fourthly, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Whether a Mann is Bound to Correct his Prelate?
Objection 1: It would seem that no man is bound to correct his prelate. For it is written (Ex. 19:12): "The beast that shall touch the mount shall be stoned," [*Vulg.: 'Everyone that shall touch the mount, dying he shall die.'] and (2 Kings 6:7) it is related that the Lord struck Oza for touching the ark. Now the mount and the ark signify our prelates. Therefore prelates should not be corrected by their subjects. Objection 2: Further, a gloss on Gal. 2:11, "I withstood him to the face," adds: "as …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration
God not only created everything, but everything which He created is subject to His immediate control. God rules over the works of His hands. God governs the creatures He has made. God reigns with universal dominion. When He pleased, the sun and moon stood still (Josh. 10:12, 13); and at a word from Him the sun went backward ten degrees on the dial of Ahaz (Is. 38:8). At His command the Red Sea ceased to flow, and at His command it resumed its normal course (Ex. 14). In response to the prayer of Elisha, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Godhood of God

The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those Discouragements which He must Expect to Meet when Entering on a Religious Course.
1. Christ has instructed his disciples to expect opposition and difficulties in the way to heaven.--2. Therefore a more particular view of them is taken, as arising from the remainder of indwelling sin.--3. From the world, and especially from former sinful companions.--4. From the temptations and suggest ions of Satan.--5, 6. The Christian is animated and encouraged, by various considerations, to oppose them; particularly by the presence of God; the aids of Christ; the example of others, who, though …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods.
1. The mere fact of creation should lead us to acknowledge God, but to prevent our falling away to Gentile fictions, God has been pleased to furnish a history of the creation. An impious objection, Why the world was not created sooner? Answer to it. Shrewd saying of an old man. 2. For the same reason, the world was created, not in an instant, but in six days. The order of creation described, showing that Adam was not created until God had, with infinite goodness made ample provision for him. 3. The …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Helpless State of the Sinner under Condemnation.
1, 2. The sinner urged to consider how he can be saved from this impending ruin.--3. Not by any thing he can offer.--4. Nor by any thing he can endure.--5. Nor by any thing hr can do in the course of future duty.--6-8. Nor by any alliance with fellow-sinners on earth or in hell.--9. Nor by any interposition or intercession of angels or saints in his favor. Hint of the only method to be afterwards more largely explained. The lamentation of a sinner in this miserable condition. 1. SINNER, thou hast …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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