Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, "Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master's footsteps behind him?" Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him.Elisha, the prophet, is depicted as being in a position of authority and respect, as he is in the company of the elders. This setting indicates a time of counsel or deliberation, possibly due to the dire circumstances in Samaria, which was under siege by the Arameans. The presence of the elders suggests that Elisha was not only a spiritual leader but also a key advisor in political and social matters. This reflects the role of prophets in Israel as both spiritual and civic leaders. The house setting may symbolize a place of refuge and divine insight amidst the chaos outside. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders,
The king of Israel, likely Jehoram, sends a messenger, indicating a sense of urgency or desperation. The fact that Elisha knows of the messenger's approach before his arrival demonstrates his prophetic insight, a gift from God. This foreknowledge underscores Elisha's role as a true prophet, in contrast to false prophets who lacked such divine revelation. It also highlights the tension between the king and Elisha, as the king often vacillated between seeking God's counsel and relying on his own understanding. “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head?
Elisha refers to the king as "this murderer," which may allude to the king's responsibility for the dire situation in Samaria, possibly due to his failure to follow God's commands or his involvement in idolatry. The threat to Elisha's life indicates the king's frustration and misplaced blame for the siege and famine. This accusation reflects the broader biblical theme of the persecution of God's prophets by those in power, as seen in the lives of other prophets like Jeremiah and John the Baptist. Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out.
Elisha instructs the elders to shut the door, a practical measure to protect himself from the king's wrath. This action symbolizes the rejection of the king's authority in favor of divine protection and guidance. The closed door can also be seen as a metaphor for the separation between God's will and human attempts to thwart it. This echoes other biblical instances where God provides protection for His servants, such as Noah's ark or the Passover in Egypt. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?”
Elisha discerns that the king himself is following the messenger, indicating the king's personal involvement and urgency in the matter. This phrase suggests that the king is not only sending a message but is also actively pursuing his own agenda, possibly to confront or capture Elisha. The footsteps imply impending judgment or confrontation, reminiscent of other biblical narratives where footsteps signify approaching danger or divine intervention, such as God's presence in the Garden of Eden. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet of God, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. In this passage, he demonstrates prophetic insight and wisdom. 2. The EldersLeaders or respected figures in the community who were with Elisha, possibly seeking his counsel during a time of crisis. 3. The King of IsraelLikely King Jehoram, who is frustrated and desperate due to the siege of Samaria and blames Elisha for the calamity. 4. The MessengerSent by the king to execute Elisha, representing the king's anger and desperation. 5. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, under siege by the Arameans, leading to severe famine and desperation. Teaching Points Prophetic Insight and WisdomElisha's ability to foresee the king's actions demonstrates the importance of spiritual discernment. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in times of crisis. Faith Under PersecutionElisha's calm demeanor in the face of danger is a testament to his faith. Christians are called to remain steadfast and trust in God's protection when facing trials. Community and CounselThe presence of the elders with Elisha highlights the value of seeking godly counsel and support from fellow believers during difficult times. Divine ProtectionThe account underscores God's sovereignty and protection over His servants, reminding believers that God is in control even when circumstances seem dire. Responding to Anger and DesperationThe king's reaction to the siege reflects human tendencies to blame others in times of distress. Christians are encouraged to respond with prayer and trust in God's plan rather than acting out of anger. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elisha's response to the king's threat demonstrate his faith and trust in God? How can we apply this in our own lives when facing persecution or threats? 2. In what ways can we seek and apply godly wisdom and discernment in our daily decisions, similar to Elisha's prophetic insight? 3. How does the presence of the elders with Elisha illustrate the importance of community and support among believers? How can we foster such relationships in our church or community? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did you see God's protection and sovereignty at work, similar to Elisha's experience? 5. How can we avoid the king's mistake of blaming others in times of crisis and instead turn to God for guidance and deliverance? What scriptures can help us maintain a godly perspective during such times? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 19:1-3Similar to Elijah's experience with Jezebel, Elisha faces a threat to his life from the ruling authority, showing the recurring theme of prophets being persecuted. Matthew 5:11-12Jesus speaks about the persecution of prophets, which connects to Elisha's experience of being targeted for his role as God's messenger. Psalm 34:19This verse speaks of the Lord delivering the righteous from troubles, which aligns with Elisha's deliverance from the king's wrath. People Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Shaphat, SyriansPlaces Dothan, Jordan River, Samaria, SyriaTopics Ahead, Arrived, Aside, Behind, Behold, Cruel, Cut, Dispatched, Door, Elders, Elisha, Eli'sha, Ere, Fast, Footsteps, Got, Held, Hold, Isn't, Master's, Messenger, Murderer, Presence, Responsible, Sat, Seated, Sending, Shut, Sitting, Someone, Turn, ViolentDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 6:32 5408 messenger 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: 1891Of 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 Links 2 Kings 6:32 NIV2 Kings 6:32 NLT2 Kings 6:32 ESV2 Kings 6:32 NASB2 Kings 6:32 KJV
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