Analysis of 2 Kings Chapter 6
Introduction
2 Kings Chapter 6 is a multifaceted narrative that spans from a miraculous event involving an axe head to the intense dynamics of war between Aram and Israel. This chapter is profound, notably demonstrating the prophetic authority of Elisha, the power of God manifested through miracles, and the interplay of fear, faith, and divine intervention during times of conflict. As we delve into the verses, we will uncover themes of divine providence, spiritual insight, and moral lessons pivotal not only to Israel’s history but to the broader understanding of God’s relationship with His people.
The Miracle of the Floating Axe Head (Verses 1-7)
The chapter begins with a relatively modest yet significant miracle involving the recovery of a lost axe head:
“The company of the prophets said to Elisha, ‘Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to meet.’” – 2 Kings 6:1-2
The request from the disciples of the prophets to build a larger dwelling symbolizes a period of growth and expansion in their ministry under Elisha’s guidance. This is indicative of a thriving prophetic community during turbulent times.
As they begin their work, a borrowed axe head falls into the river, inciting concern due to the economic value of metal at the time:
“As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. ‘Oh no, my lord!’ he cried out. ‘It was borrowed!’” – 2 Kings 6:5
This outcry underscores the accountability and consideration the prophets had towards their belongings, especially borrowed items. It resonates with the biblical principle of responsibility and restitution found in passages like Exodus 22:14.
In response, Elisha performs a miracle:
“The man of God asked, ‘Where did it fall?’ When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float.” – 2 Kings 6:6
Elisha’s miracle of making the iron float not only solved a practical problem but also demonstrated God’s omnipotence over natural laws. This act reaffirmed God’s care for His people’s mundane needs and illustrated that nothing is too small for divine intervention.
Elisha and the Aramean Raids (Verses 8-23)
The narrative shifts dramatically from the tranquility of the Jordan River to the geopolitical tensions between Israel and Aram. The next segment of the chapter emphasizes divine protection and Elisha’s pivotal role in Israel’s defense strategy.
“Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, ‘I will set up my camp in such and such a place.’” – 2 Kings 6:8
The king of Aram’s military maneuvers set the stage for divine intervention through prophetic insight. Elisha warns the king of Israel about Aram’s plans, protecting Israel from ambushes:
“The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: ‘Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.’” – 2 Kings 6:9
This divine intelligence perplexes the king of Aram, leading him to suspect a leak within his own ranks. This part of the narrative emphasizes the futility of human schemes against divine wisdom:
“Go, find out where he is,’ the king ordered, ‘so I can send men and capture him.’ The report came back: ‘He is in Dothan.’” – 2 Kings 6:13
Seeking to neutralize Elisha, the king dispatches a formidable force to capture him, surrounding the city of Dothan. This evokes a critical moment of faith versus fear:
“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’” – 2 Kings 6:15-16
The servant’s panic is met with Elisha’s calm reliance on God’s provision. Elisha prays:
“And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings 6:17
This vision of divine forces encircling them serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unseen protection, inspiring faith and courage. It illustrates the spiritual principle that God’s presence exceeds apparent adversities.
As the Arameans advance, Elisha prays again, this time for divine intervention:
“As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, ‘Strike this army with blindness.’ So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.” – 2 Kings 6:18
Elisha leads the blinded Arameans into Samaria, highlighting a blend of shrewdness and divine authority. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when the king of Israel seeks Elisha’s counsel on dealing with the captives:
“ ‘Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?’” – 2 Kings 6:21
Elisha advocates mercy through an extraordinary act of hospitality:
“Do not kill them, he answered. ‘Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.’” – 2 Kings 6:22
The Arameans’ return to their king having experienced Israeli mercy instead of hostility shifts the dynamics of enmity. This act of kindness as commanded by Elisha results in a temporary ceasefire:
“So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.” – 2 Kings 6:23
This event echoes the teachings of Jesus on loving enemies and overcoming evil with good (Matthew 5:44), illustrating timeless principles of grace and reconciliation.
Siege and Famine in Samaria (Verses 24-33)
The chapter concludes on a somber note as the narrative shifts to a severe famine in Samaria caused by a prolonged siege by Ben-Hadad, king of Aram:
“Sometime later, Ben-Hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up and laid siege to Samaria.” – 2 Kings 6:24
The ensuing famine is depicted in stark terms, emphasizing the dire conditions faced by the people:
“There was a great famine in the city; the siege lasted so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter of a cab of seed pods for five shekels.” – 2 Kings 6:25
The economic desperation and scarcity, where even inedible parts of animals were sold at exorbitant prices, underscore the severity of the situation.
The narrative then shifts to a harrowing account highlighting the extremity of the famine. The plight of two women brings to the forefront the desperate moral degradation caused by the siege:
“As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried to him, ‘Help me, my lord the king!’ The king replied, ‘If the Lord does not help you, where can I get help for you? From the threshing floor? From the winepress?’” – 2 Kings 6:26-27
The king’s response reveals his helplessness and the general hopelessness pervading the city. However, the woman’s request unveils an even grimmer reality:
“But when the woman said this to him, he answered, “What is the matter with you? She replied, “This woman said to me, ‘Give up your son so we may eat him today, and tomorrow we’ll eat my son.’ So we cooked my son and ate him. The next day I said to her, ‘Give up your son so we may eat him,’ but she had hidden him.” – 2 Kings 6:28-29
This desperate act of cannibalism presents an extreme depiction of human suffering, illustrating the dire consequences of prolonged siege warfare.
The King’s Desperate Response
King Joram, upon hearing this, is moved to anger and despair, directing his wrath towards Elisha. Clothed in sackcloth as a sign of mourning and repentance, he declares:
“May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today!” – 2 Kings 6:31
This reaction indicates the king’s misplaced attribution of Israel’s misfortunes to the prophet, possibly reflecting his internal struggle between faith and frustration.
Meanwhile, Elisha remains composed, prophesying deliverance even as the king sends an assassin to execute him:
“The king said, ‘This disaster is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?’ Elisha said, ‘Hear the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.'” – 2 Kings 6:33-7:1
Elisha’s prophecy of imminent relief juxtaposed against the severe famine serves as a testament to steadfast faith in God’s providence, painting a powerful conclusion to the chapter.
Conclusion
The chapter of 2 Kings 6 presents a diverse tapestry of events that collectively highlight divine orchestration in the face of human adversity. From the minutiae of a recovered axe head to the grand scale of geopolitics between Israel and Aram, the narrative showcases God’s authority over both the natural and supernatural realms.
Characterized by themes of prophetic insight, mercy, and divine intervention, the chapter provides valuable lessons on faith, humility, and the eternal nature of God’s care for His people. Elisha’s actions, guided by God’s will, serve as a beacon of hope and faith, illustrating that divine power transcends human limitations and adversities.