2 Kings 6:21

“And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?”

Context:In this chapter, the king of Aram (Syria) was warring against Israel. Elisha, the prophet of God, had been revealing the king of Aram’s plans to the king of Israel, which frustrated the king of Aram. In an attempt to capture Elisha, the king of Aram sent a great army with horses and chariots to surround the city where Elisha was staying.

Elisha’s prayer:Before the king of Aram’s army could capture Elisha, Elisha prayed to God, asking Him to strike the army with blindness. God answered Elisha’s prayer, and the entire army was struck with blindness.

Divine intervention and the king of Israel’s response:Elisha led the blinded army to the city of Samaria, where the king of Israel resided. When they arrived, Elisha prayed to God again, asking Him to open their eyes. God answered Elisha’s prayer, and the army’s eyes were opened.

The king of Israel’s question:As the army regained their sight, the king of Israel saw them and asked Elisha if he should smite (strike) them. The king was referring to whether he should execute them or not.

Elisha’s response:Elisha answered, “Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master”. Elisha advised the king of Israel not to kill the captive army but to show them kindness and hospitality.

The outcome:The king of Israel followed Elisha’s advice and prepared a great feast for the army of Aram. After they ate and drank, the king sent them back to their master. As a result, the Syrian army ceased their raids on Israel for a time.

Key Lessons from 2 Kings 6:21:

• Trust in God’s power:Elisha’s actions in this passage demonstrate his unwavering trust in God’s power. He prayed and sought God’s intervention in the face of a threatening situation, and God answered his prayer. This teaches us the importance of relying on God in times of trouble and seeking His guidance and help.
• Showing mercy and forgiveness:Elisha’s response to the captured army reveals a heart of mercy and forgiveness. Instead of seeking revenge or taking advantage of the situation, he instructed the king of Israel to show kindness and hospitality to their enemies. This highlights the biblical principle of treating others with love and forgiveness, even when it may be difficult or unexpected.
• Overcoming evil with good:Elisha’s approach to the captured army demonstrated the power of overcoming evil with good. By feeding and caring for their enemies, the king of Israel and Elisha acted in a way that disarmed the hostility between the two nations. This serves as a reminder to us that responding to evil with good can lead to reconciliation and peace.
• The importance of wisdom:Elisha’s wise counsel to the king of Israel prevented him from making a hasty decision to kill the captive army. Elisha’s advice took into account both the immediate situation and the long‑term consequences, ensuring a more favourable outcome. This reminds us of the value of seeking wise counsel and considering the broader implications of our actions.

Overall, 2 Kings 6:21 teaches us valuable lessons about trusting in God, showing mercy and forgiveness, overcoming evil with good, and seeking wisdom in our decisions.