2 Kings 6 9

2 Kings 6:9 kjv

And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

2 Kings 6:9 nkjv

And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, "Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there."

2 Kings 6:9 niv

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 esv

But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, "Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there."

2 Kings 6:9 nlt

But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, "Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there."

2 Kings 6 verses

2 Kings 6 9 Meaning

2 Kings 6:9 reveals God's divine omniscience and His protective care for His people through the prophet Elisha. Elisha, acting as God's messenger, supernaturally perceives the specific ambush locations of the Aramean army. He then warns the king of Israel, thereby enabling the king to avoid the enemy's traps and preserve the lives of his soldiers. This verse underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, even in geopolitical strategies, and His willingness to use His servants to avert disaster.

2 Kings 6 9 Context

This verse is situated in a narrative block (2 Kings 6:8-23) that emphasizes Elisha's supernatural insight and God's active protection of Israel against Aramean aggression. Immediately prior, the king of Aram was routinely setting up ambushes in "such and such a place" (2 Kings 6:8). Elisha's repeated warnings to the king of Israel baffled the Aramean king, who suspected a traitor in his own camp. This specific verse (2 Kings 6:9) is one of those crucial divine warnings, demonstrating that God was directly interfering with the enemy's military intelligence through His prophet. Historically, Aram (Syria) was a powerful neighboring kingdom often at war with Israel, presenting a constant threat to national security. Elisha's role here is not just spiritual guidance but a direct involvement in the nation's survival, showcasing God's concern for His covenant people even amidst their unfaithfulness.

2 Kings 6 9 Word analysis

• Then the man of God:
  • "Then" (וַיִּשְׁלַח - wayyishlach): Lit. "and he sent". This connects it directly to the previous verse (2 Ki 6:8) which describes the Aramean king's tactics. It implies immediate action following the divine revelation to Elisha.
  • "the man of God" (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים - 'ish ha'Elohim): A highly significant title, denoting a person divinely chosen, empowered, and commissioned to speak and act on God's behalf. It emphasizes Elisha's authority and the divine source of his information, contrasting with any human intelligence network. It underscores that Elisha is not acting on his own intuition but as a pure conduit for God's will and word. This title is used throughout the Old Testament for various prophets like Moses (Deu 33:1), Samuel (1 Sam 9:6), and Elijah (1 Ki 17:18).
• sent word to the king of Israel, saying:
  • "sent word": Indicates a formal message, a clear communication of vital intelligence. It suggests a reliable and direct channel of communication between the prophet and the highest authority in the land. This contrasts with clandestine espionage and highlights open divine intervention.
  • "the king of Israel" (מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל - melech Yisrael): Refers to Joram (Jehoram), the current king, despite his generally ungodly reign. God's protection extends even to a flawed king for the sake of the nation. It highlights that God's plan is not limited by human leaders' righteousness, though His people are called to holiness.
• 'Beware that you do not pass by this place:
  • "Beware" (הִשָּׁמֶר - hishshamer): An imperative verb, strong and direct, meaning "be careful," "guard yourself," or "take heed." It signifies a grave warning of imminent danger requiring immediate caution. It emphasizes the active responsibility of the king to heed the divine warning.
  • "that you do not pass by" (תַּעֲבֹר בַּמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה - ta'avor bammaqom hazzeh): "Pass by this place." Indicates a specific, pinpointed danger location that the king must avoid. This precision highlights the exactness of divine knowledge. The term 'place' (maqom) emphasizes the literal, geographical nature of the warning.
• for the Arameans are coming down there.':
  • "for the Arameans" (כִּי אֲרָם - ki 'Aram): Identifies the specific enemy. Aram (Syria) was a recurring antagonist of Israel. This detail leaves no room for doubt about the threat's source.
  • "are coming down there" (יֹרְדִים שָׁם - yordim sham): This phrase indicates an active and present action (or imminent movement) to set an ambush. The "coming down" implies descent, perhaps into a valley or strategic lower ground for concealment, typical of ambush tactics. It signifies the imminence of the threat. The exact geographical coordinates (sham, "there") reinforce the specificity of the divine intelligence.

2 Kings 6 9 Bonus section

• This passage highlights the principle that God is not limited by human intelligence or lack thereof. He has complete knowledge of all things, seen and unseen, revealed or concealed.
• It serves as a counter-narrative to common ancient Near Eastern beliefs in limited, local deities. Here, the God of Israel demonstrates universal omniscience and active involvement in real-world geopolitics, transcending the capabilities of Aramean gods.
• The Aramean king's reaction in the subsequent verses (suspicion of a traitor) illustrates the common human response when confronted with supernatural intelligence: they seek a natural explanation, highlighting their inability to comprehend God's hand at work.
• The effectiveness of the prophecy hinged on the king's obedience and trust in Elisha's warning, which he thankfully demonstrates. This is a crucial lesson in receiving divine guidance.

2 Kings 6 9 Commentary

2 Kings 6:9 serves as a powerful testament to God's watchful care over His people and the invaluable role of His prophets as channels of divine intelligence. This short verse is brimming with theological depth. Elisha, recognized as the "man of God," is not merely a spiritual advisor but a vital component of Israel's national security, demonstrating God's involvement in every aspect of His people's lives, even their military defense. The repeated phrase "this place" (and in later verses, "such and such a place") highlights the meticulous nature of God's knowledge, directly countering the Aramean king's belief in his own strategic prowess or the effectiveness of human espionage. The divine forewarning ensures the king of Israel, despite his own spiritual failings, can take defensive measures, showcasing God's enduring covenant faithfulness even in times of Israel's wavering loyalty. This revelation of hidden plans underscores God's sovereignty over the nations and their leaders, who operate ultimately under His unseen authority. It reminds us that no enemy strategy, however cunning, can succeed if God determines to thwart it. This passage, therefore, is a profound declaration that God is not a distant deity but an active protector who exposes darkness and frustrates the designs of those who oppose His purposes.