2 Kings 6 8

2 Kings 6:8 kjv

Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.

2 Kings 6:8 nkjv

Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, "My camp will be in such and such a place."

2 Kings 6:8 niv

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 esv

Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, "At such and such a place shall be my camp."

2 Kings 6:8 nlt

When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, "We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place."

2 Kings 6 verses

2 Kings 6 8 Meaning

The king of Syria was actively waging war against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. As part of his military strategy, he consulted with his officials and specifically designated a secret location where he intended to establish his army's encampment for an attack. This verse sets the immediate scene for divine intervention, highlighting the Syrian king's covert planning that God was about to expose through His prophet, Elisha.

2 Kings 6 8 Context

This verse is situated within a series of Elisha's miracles and prophetic interventions (2 Kings 4-7) during the reign of King Joram of Israel, a time marked by continued idolatry in Israel yet also God's compassionate preservation of His people. Specifically, chapter 6 details a renewed period of military conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria). Following Elisha's demonstration of God's power through provisions during a famine and cleansing a poisoned pot, the narrative shifts to highlight God's protective surveillance over Israel's national security through His prophet. The Syrian king, Ben-Hadad, frequently sends raiding parties, and this particular verse describes his meticulous planning for an ambush, unaware that his secret counsel would be supernaturally revealed to the opposing king of Israel through Elisha.

2 Kings 6 8 Word analysis

• Now: Introduces a new episode or phase within the narrative, shifting focus to a military conflict.
• the king of Syria: Hebrew: Melek Aram (מֶלֶךְ אֲרָם). Refers to the reigning monarch of Aram, specifically Ben-Hadad II, whose capital was Damascus. Aram was a formidable rival and frequent aggressor against Israel throughout the Divided Monarchy period. This highlights the ongoing geopolitical tension and external threat Israel faced.
• was making war: Hebrew: hilkhem (הִלְחֵם), related to nilkham (נִלְחָם), indicating an active state of conflict, not just skirmishes but concerted military campaigns. This signifies the severe threat to Israel's survival.
• against Israel: Refers to the Northern Kingdom, the domain of Elisha's primary prophetic ministry.
• he consulted with his servants: Hebrew: vayyivva'eṣ (וַיִּוָּעֵץ). This implies a formal council of war, a deliberate and secret strategic planning session involving his trusted military advisors. The term conveys careful deliberation and a calculated plan of attack, underscoring the perceived secrecy and effectiveness of their strategy.
• saying, ‘In such and such a place will be my camp’: Hebrew: bi-maqom peloni ve'almoni tihyeh makhanoti (בִּמְקוֹם פְּלֹנִי וְאַלְמוֹנִי תִּהְיֶה מַחֲנֹתִי).
  • `bi-maqom peloni ve'almoni` (בִּמְקוֹם פְּלֹנִי וְאַלְמוֹנִי): An idiomatic expression literally meaning "in a certain (unknown to the listener) place, and another (unknown) place." It's equivalent to saying "at point X and point Y" or "such-and-such a place." It denotes an unspecified, yet precise, covert location chosen for a strategic military move like an ambush or encampment. This phrasing emphasizes the secret nature of their planning.
  • `tihyeh makhanoti` (תִּהְיֶה מַחֲנֹתִי): "my camp will be," or "I will set my ambush." Makhanoti refers to a military encampment, a place where the army is stationed, often covertly to launch a surprise attack. This is the crucial information the Syrian king believes to be confidential and undiscoverable.
• "The king of Syria... against Israel; and he consulted...": This grouping highlights the intent and action of the enemy – a direct military threat against God's people, driven by human counsel.
• "In such and such a place will be my camp": This phrase encapsulates the core of the enemy's secret strategy, emphasizing the specific, hidden nature of their planned ambush. It sets the stage for God's counter-revelation.

2 Kings 6 8 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of Elisha's warnings to the king of Israel in the subsequent verses (2 Kgs 6:9-10) further highlights the Syrian king's growing frustration and bewilderment. He can't comprehend how his meticulously planned and covert operations are repeatedly foiled. This escalation ultimately leads to his suspicion of a traitor in his own camp, unaware that God Himself, through Elisha, is the "traitor" against his schemes. This passage thus serves as a powerful testament to the spiritual dimension of earthly conflicts and the superior advantage that God's people have when under His providential watch.

2 Kings 6 8 Commentary

2 Kings 6:8 initiates a pivotal narrative demonstrating God's omniscient protection over His people through the prophetic ministry of Elisha. The verse portrays the Syrian king engaging in humanly wise and secretive military planning, intending to surprise Israel. Yet, the divine realm perceives and exposes every hidden counsel. It implicitly teaches that no strategy, however cunning or discreetly laid, can escape the all-knowing sight of the Lord. God's knowledge surpasses human intelligence and penetrates the deepest secrets, rendering earthly plots against His purpose utterly futile. This serves as a comforting assurance of God's sovereign oversight, showing He actively guards those under His care.