◄ 2 Kings 6:13 ►
So the king said, "Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him." On receiving the report, "Elisha is in Dothan,"
Study Bible
So the king said,
This refers to the king of Aram, likely Ben-Hadad II, who was at war with Israel. His frustration with Elisha's prophetic insight into his military plans led him to take direct action. This reflects the common practice of ancient kings to personally direct military and strategic operations.

“Go and see where he is,
The king's command to locate Elisha indicates the importance of intelligence and reconnaissance in ancient warfare. It also highlights the perceived threat Elisha posed due to his prophetic abilities, which were seen as a divine advantage for Israel.

that I may send men to capture him.”
The intent to capture Elisha shows the king's misunderstanding of the source of Elisha's power. This mirrors other biblical narratives where human leaders attempt to thwart divine plans, such as Pharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites (Exodus 14). It also foreshadows the futility of opposing God's anointed servants.

On receiving the report,
This suggests a network of informants or spies, common in ancient Near Eastern politics. The king's reliance on such a network underscores the strategic importance of intelligence in maintaining power and control.

“Elisha is in Dothan,”
Dothan is a significant location, mentioned earlier in Genesis 37:17 as the place where Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. It is situated in the northern part of the central hill country of Israel. The mention of Dothan connects Elisha's story to the broader narrative of God's providence and protection over His chosen people, as seen in Joseph's life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The King of Aram
The ruler who is seeking to capture Elisha. His actions reflect the ongoing conflict between Aram and Israel.

2. Elisha
The prophet of God who is the target of the king's search. Elisha's prophetic insight has been thwarting the king's plans against Israel.

3. Dothan
The location where Elisha is found. It is a significant place in biblical history, also mentioned in the account of Joseph.

4. The Servant of Elisha
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he plays a crucial role in the surrounding account, witnessing the miraculous protection of God.

5. The Aramean Army
The forces sent by the king to capture Elisha, demonstrating the physical threat against God's prophet.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Protection
God is in control, even when His people are pursued by powerful enemies. Elisha's situation reminds us that God can protect and deliver us in miraculous ways.

The Power of Prayer and Faith
Elisha's calmness in the face of danger is a testament to his faith. We are encouraged to trust in God's protection and seek His guidance through prayer.

Spiritual Insight vs. Physical Sight
The account challenges us to see beyond the physical circumstances and recognize the spiritual realities at play. Elisha's servant learns to see God's provision and protection.

God's Plans Cannot Be Thwarted
Despite the king's efforts, God's plans for Elisha and Israel prevail. This reassures us that God's purposes will stand, regardless of human opposition.

The Role of Prophets and God's Word
Elisha's role as a prophet underscores the importance of listening to and obeying God's word. Prophets were God's mouthpieces, and today, Scripture serves that role in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the location of Dothan in 2 Kings 6:13 connect to its mention in Genesis 37, and what does this teach us about God's intervention in difficult situations?

2. In what ways does Elisha's response to the king's pursuit demonstrate faith and reliance on God, and how can we apply this to our own lives when facing challenges?

3. How does the account of Elisha in Dothan illustrate the concept of spiritual warfare, and what New Testament passages can you find that support this idea?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by challenges. How can the assurance of God's protection, as seen in Elisha's account, encourage you in similar situations?

5. How does the role of Elisha as a prophet inform our understanding of the importance of Scripture today, and how can we ensure we are listening to God's word in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37:17
Dothan is also the place where Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, highlighting its historical significance as a place of divine intervention.

Psalm 34:7
This verse speaks of the angel of the Lord encamping around those who fear Him, which is demonstrated in the protection Elisha receives.

Acts 9:1-6
Saul's pursuit of Christians parallels the king's pursuit of Elisha, both showing how God can intervene in the plans of those who oppose His people.
Sermons
God's Presence with His PeopleC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 6:8-16
A Bootless InvasionJ. Orr 2 Kings 6:8-23
Elisha At DothanMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 6:8-23
Elisha's DefendersGeorge W. Brown.2 Kings 6:8-23
Elisha's SafeguardJ. Murray.2 Kings 6:8-23
Our AlliesW. Hoyt, D. D.2 Kings 6:8-23
Secure Amid PerilsL. A. Banks, D. D.2 Kings 6:8-23
The Encompassing Defence of the FaithfulJ. G. Greenhough, M. A.2 Kings 6:8-23
The King of Syria and ElishaD. Thomas 2 Kings 6:8-23
Within the Circle of FlameJ. Dunk.2 Kings 6:8-23
People
Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, Syrians
Places
Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, Syria
Topics
Behold, Bring, Capture, Declared, Dothan, Fetch, News, Report, Saying, Seize, Spy
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 6:12

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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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