"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." “Do not kill them,” he replied.Elisha restrained the king of Israel from treating the blinded Aramean soldiers as ordinary prisoners of war. The men had been delivered into Samaria by the power of God, not by Israel’s military strength. Mercy toward helpless enemies displayed the character of the Lord, who had acted decisively without requiring Israel to shed blood. 1Sa 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid… “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? The king had not defeated this force in battle or taken them captive by his own courage and skill. Elisha’s question reminded him that God alone had placed the Arameans in his hand. Israel could not claim the rights of a victorious army when the captives had been led into the city under divine judgment and protection. The Lord’s victories are not given to feed human vengeance. 2Ch 28:9-11 But a prophet of the LORD named Oded was there… Set food and water before them, Rather than execution, Elisha commanded generous provision. Feeding enemies reversed the expected pattern of retaliation and publicly demonstrated that Israel’s God was not like the violent gods of the nations. Such kindness anticipated the command to overcome evil with good and to give food and drink to an enemy in need (Romans 12:20–21). Pro 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,… that they may eat and drink A shared meal commonly marked peace and the suspension of hostility in the ancient world. The Arameans were treated as men under God’s mercy rather than as objects of revenge. Israel’s hospitality gave visible testimony to the power of the Lord who had opened their eyes, struck them with blindness, and preserved their lives. Mat 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat,… and then return to their master.” Sending the soldiers back to the king of Aram showed confidence that the Lord could defend Israel without cruelty or fear. The released army became witnesses to the power and mercy of the God of Israel, and the Aramean raiding bands ceased entering Israel for a time (2 Kings 6:23). Jesus later commanded His disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44), calling God’s people to entrust justice to Him while extending mercy where possible. 2Ch 28:15 Then the men who were designated by name arose,… Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. 2. The King of Israel The unnamed king during Elisha's time, who sought Elisha's counsel regarding the captured Aramean soldiers. 3. Aramean Soldiers The enemy troops who were supernaturally blinded and led into Samaria by Elisha. 4. Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where the Aramean soldiers were brought. 5. The Aramean King The ruler of Aram, who was at war with Israel and whose soldiers were captured. Teaching Points Mercy Over VengeanceElisha's response to the king of Israel emphasizes the importance of showing mercy rather than seeking revenge. This reflects God's character and His call for us to act with compassion. Divine Strategy The situation demonstrates that God's ways are higher than our ways. Instead of a military victory, God orchestrates a peaceful resolution, teaching us to seek His wisdom in conflict. Hospitality as a Witness By feeding the enemy, Elisha turns a potential act of war into an opportunity for witness. Our actions can reflect God's love and potentially transform hearts. Trust in God's Protection The account reassures believers that God is in control, even in dire situations. We can trust Him to protect and guide us through challenges. Peaceful Resolution The passage encourages seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts, aligning with the biblical call to be peacemakers. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elisha's response to the king of Israel challenge our natural inclinations towards those who oppose us?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of showing mercy to our "enemies" in our daily lives? 3. How does this passage reflect the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and His unexpected ways of delivering His people? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to be peacemakers in our communities, following Elisha's example? 5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the actions taken by Elisha in this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 5:44Jesus teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, which aligns with Elisha's directive to show mercy to the captured soldiers. Romans 12:20 Paul echoes the principle of feeding your enemy, which is a direct application of Elisha's actions in this passage. Proverbs 25:21-22 This proverb advises feeding your enemy, promising that it will heap burning coals on their head, a metaphor for causing them to feel shame and possibly repent.
People Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, SyriansPlaces Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, SyriaTopics Bow, Bread, Captive, Captured, Death, Drink, Eat, Hast, Kill, Master, Prisoner, Slay, Smite, Smiting, Strike, Sword, Wouldest, WouldstDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 6:22 4293 water 8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah Library Young Man! a Prayer for YouTHIS 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. Whether a Mann is Bound to Correct his Prelate? The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those Discouragements which He must Expect to Meet when Entering on a Religious Course. In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God Distinguished by Certain Marks from Fictitious Gods. The Helpless State of the Sinner under Condemnation. Prayer May one Lose the Blessing? Meditations for the Morning. Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It. A Cloud of Witnesses. Kings Links 2 Kings 6:22 NIV2 Kings 6:22 NLT 2 Kings 6:22 ESV 2 Kings 6:22 NASB 2 Kings 6:22 KJV 2 Kings 6:22 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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