2 Kings 6:23
2 Kings 6:23 in Multiple Translations
So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.
And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
And he prepared great provision for them; and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
So he made ready a great feast for them, and when they had had food and drink, he sent them away and they went back to their master. And no more bands of Aramaeans came into the land of Israel.
So the king had a great feast prepared for them, and once they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them back to their master. The Aramean raiders did not enter the land of Israel again.
And he made great preparation for them: and when they had eaten and drunken, he sent them away: and they went to their master. So ye bands of Aram came no more into the land of Israel.
And he prepareth for them great provision, and they eat and drink, and he sendeth them away, and they go unto their lord: and troops of Aram have not added any more to come in to the land of Israel.
He prepared a great feast for them. After they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria stopped raiding the land of Israel.
And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drank, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
And a great provision of meats was set before them, and they ate and drank, and he let them go, and they went away to their master, and the robbers of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
So the king of Israel did that. He told his servants to provide a big feast for them. And when they had eaten and drunk plenty, he sent them away. They returned to the king of Syria and told him what had happened. So for a while after that, soldiers from Syria stopped raiding/attacking towns in Israel.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 6:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 6:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּכְרֶ֨ה
לָ/הֶ֜ם
כֵּרָ֣ה
גְדוֹלָ֗ה
וַ/יֹּֽאכְלוּ֙
וַ/יִּשְׁתּ֔וּ
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔/ם
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
אֶל
אֲדֹֽנֵי/הֶ֑ם
וְ/לֹֽא
יָ֤סְפוּ
עוֹד֙
גְּדוּדֵ֣י
אֲרָ֔ם
לָ/ב֖וֹא
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יִּכְרֶ֨ה
kârâh
H3739
to trade
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֜ם
Prep | Suff
כֵּרָ֣ה
kêrâh
H3740
feast
N-fs
גְדוֹלָ֗ה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
וַ/יֹּֽאכְלוּ֙
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יִּשְׁתּ֔וּ
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔/ם
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲדֹֽנֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָ֤סְפוּ
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
גְּדוּדֵ֣י
gᵉdûwd
H1416
band
N-mp
אֲרָ֔ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
N-proper
לָ/ב֖וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 6:23
וַ/יִּכְרֶ֨ה
kârâh
H3739
"to trade"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In ancient Israel, this word meant to provide food for someone, often in the context of hosting a banquet or feast, as described in the book of Esther.
Definition: (Qal) to get by trade, trade, buy, bargain over
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: buy, prepare. See also: Deuteronomy 2:6; 2 Kings 6:23; Hosea 3:2.
לָ/הֶ֜ם
""
Prep | Suff
כֵּרָ֣ה
kêrâh
H3740
"feast"
N-fs
This word refers to a feast or celebration, often involving food and drink, such as the provision made for the Israelites in the wilderness, as described in the book of Numbers.
Definition: feast
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: provision. See also: 2 Kings 6:23.
גְדוֹלָ֗ה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וַ/יֹּֽאכְלוּ֙
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וַ/יִּשְׁתּ֔וּ
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵ֔/ם
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וַ/יֵּלְכ֖וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲדֹֽנֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָ֤סְפוּ
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
גְּדוּדֵ֣י
gᵉdûwd
H1416
"band"
N-mp
This word means a group of people, often a band of soldiers or a crowd. In the Bible, it is used to describe the armies of Israel and other nations, like the troop that followed King David. It can also refer to a group of robbers.
Definition: 1) a band, troop, marauding band 1a) marauding band, raiding band 1b) troop, band (of divisions of army) 1c) foray, raid
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: army, band (of men), company, troop (of robbers). See also: Genesis 49:19; 1 Chronicles 12:19; Psalms 18:30.
אֲרָ֔ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
לָ/ב֖וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 6:23
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Context — Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans
21And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”
22“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.”
23So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.
24Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. 25So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 5:2 | At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 24:2 | And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets. |
| 3 | Luke 6:35 | But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 6:8–9 | Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful passing by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” |
| 5 | Luke 10:29–37 | But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” “The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 25:21–22 | If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 28:15 | Then the men who were designated by name arose, took charge of the captives, and provided from the plunder clothing for the naked. They clothed them, gave them sandals and food and drink, anointed their wounds, and put all the feeble on donkeys. So they brought them to Jericho, the City of Palms, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria. |
| 8 | Matthew 5:47 | And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same? |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 24:17–18 | and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. And you have shown this day how well you have dealt with me; for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. |
2 Kings 6:23 Summary
This verse shows us that sometimes, the best way to deal with our enemies is to show them kindness and love, just like the king of Israel did with the Aramean raiders. By feeding them and sending them away, the king was able to bring peace to the land, and the Aramean raiders did not come back to bother them again. This teaches us that God's ways are not always our ways, and that showing kindness and mercy can lead to unexpected outcomes, as seen in Matthew 5:44, where Jesus says to 'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.' By choosing to show love and kindness, we can trust that God will work out the situation for our good, just like He did for the king of Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king of Israel decide to feed the Aramean raiders instead of killing them?
The king decided to feed them because the prophet Elisha instructed him to do so, as seen in 2 Kings 6:22, where Elisha says, 'Do not kill them... Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.' This action was a demonstration of God's mercy and kindness, as taught in Luke 6:27-28, where Jesus says to 'love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.'
What was the result of the king's decision to feed the Aramean raiders?
The result of the king's decision was that the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again, as stated in 2 Kings 6:23, which shows that God's ways are not our ways, and that sometimes showing kindness to our enemies can lead to unexpected outcomes, as seen in Proverbs 16:7, where it says 'When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.'
Is this story relevant to our lives today?
Yes, this story is still relevant today, as it teaches us about the importance of showing kindness and mercy to those who may not deserve it, just as God shows us kindness and mercy, as seen in Ephesians 2:4-5, where it says 'But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ.'
How can we apply the lesson of this verse to our own relationships?
We can apply the lesson of this verse by choosing to show love and kindness to those who may be difficult to get along with, just as the king showed kindness to the Aramean raiders, and trusting that God will work out the situation for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28, where it says 'And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show kindness to those who may not deserve it, just like the king showed kindness to the Aramean raiders?
- How can I trust God to work out difficult situations in my life, even when it seems like the wrong choice?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to choose to show mercy and kindness, rather than seeking revenge or retaliation?
- How can I remember to extend love and kindness to those who may be my enemies, just as Jesus taught in Luke 6:27-28?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:23
And he prepared great provision for them,.... Or a great feast, as the Targum; so obedient was he to the prophet's orders: and when they had eaten and drank; and refreshed themselves, which they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:23
And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:23
He sent them away, refreshed, but disarmed, as is most probable. The bands of Syria came no more; either, 1. In such a manner, to wit, in small bands, or companies, which might be entrapped, as these had been; but their next attempt was by all open and solemn war, and a conjunction of all their forces, which they still ridiculously conceited would be too hard for the king, and prophet, and God of Israel, notwithstanding their multiplied experiences to the contrary. Or, 2. For some considerable time, until the terror of these examples was got out of their minds.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:23
2 Kings 6:23 And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.Ver. 23. So the bands of Syria came no more.] Those bands did not - though others did; - so much they were wrought upon by this miracle and the prophet’ s courtesy. The king of Israel also hath done that by his feast, which he could not so easily have done by his sword. He is eased at least of his bands of brigands. In doing good to our enemies, we do most to ourselves.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:23
(23) He.—The king of Israel. Prepared great provision.—Or, a great feast. The Hebrew verb (kβrβh) occurs nowhere else in this sense. The noun (kηrβh) is cognate with it, and the root meaning seems to be union: such as takes place at a common meal. Thenius renders kηrβh by “das Gastrund”—i.e., the circle of guests. So the bands of Syria came no more.—The stress lies on the word “bands.” The Syrians, dreading Elisha, did not make any further clandestine attempts to injure Israel, like those above described, which only involved the despatch of predatory bands. They now resolved to try the fortunes of regular war with the whole strength of their army (2 Kings 6:24). It is evident, therefore, that we must not think of any gratitude on their part for the clemency of Jehoram. Into the land.—Syriac, “into the border;” Targum, “into the border of the land.” (Comp. 1 Samuel 7:13.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:23
Verse 23. He prepared great provision for them] These, on the return to their master, could tell him strange things about the power of the God of Israel, and the magnanimity of its king. So the bands of Syria came no more] Marauding parties were no more permitted by the Syrian king to make inroads upon Israel. And it is very likely that for some considerable time after this, there was no war between these two nations. What is mentioned in the next verse was more than a year afterwards.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:23
23. he prepared great provision for them] We can see from the use of the phrase ‘bread and water’ in other passages that the words embrace all kinds of food, and hence that Elisha’s injunction was equivalent to saying ‘Feed them well, and let them go’. Cf. for the phrase Deuteronomy 23:4; 1 Kings 18:4 and 1 Samuel 25:11. In the last passage the extent of meaning in the words may be estimated by the gifts which, in verse 18, Abigail takes to David and his men. the bands of Syria] i.e. these marauding parties, protected by the king of Syria’s authority. came no more] The generous treatment had its effect. Josephus (Ant. IX. 44) says ‘King Adad was wonderstruck at the strange occurrence, as well as the manifestation and the power of the God of the Israelites, and at the prophet in whom the divine spirit was so manifestly present, hence he determined through fear of Elisha no longer to attack the king of Israel secretly, but decided to make open war’.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:23
Jehoram did not merely follow the letter of the prophet’s direction, but understood its spirit and acted accordingly.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:23
23. The bands of Syria came no more — Such predatory hordes of Syrian warriors were no longer allowed by the king of Syria to invade the land of Israel.
Sermons on 2 Kings 6:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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Love Your Enemies by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being a demonstration of God's love and power on earth. He explains that through their transformed lives, even th |
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Testimony - Part 7 by Jackie Pullinger | Jackie Pullinger shares her testimony of faith and sacrifice, illustrating the profound impact of unconditional love and service to others, particularly the needy. She recounts her |
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The Wonderful Love of Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares about his recent encounter with two young men, Nicky Cruz and Sonny Argonzoni, who have powerful testimonies of transformation through Christ. Th |
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The High Cost of Mercy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the theme of God's mercy throughout the Old and New Testaments. He highlights the cost that God and Jesus paid for the mercy that was extend |
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The Power of Kindness by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of kindness in our lives as Christians. He mentions that while people may know the Bible, speak in tongues, or preach, they ma |
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The Supernatural Hand of Mercy by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of laying down grievances and wounds in order to maintain a strong testimony. He uses the example of King David in the Old Test |
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(Clip) When a Preacher Needs to Repent by Jim Cymbala | This sermon shares a powerful personal experience of encountering a man in need, highlighting the transformative impact of God's love and the call to embrace and love others uncond |