What does 2 Kings 6:14 mean?
"Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about." - 2 Kings 6:14

2 Kings 6:14 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about." This verse is part of the narrative in the Old Testament that describes the prophet Elisha and the various miracles he performed in the name of God. The specific context of this verse takes place during a time when the king of Syria sought to capture Elisha, who was residing in Dothan.
The verse is significant in several ways and carries several themes, including the power and protection of God, faith, and the perseverance of the people of God.
First and foremost, this verse illustrates the power and protection of God. The king of Syria, in his attempts to capture Elisha, sends a great host, horses, and chariots to surround the city of Dothan. This display of military force was meant to overpower and capture Elisha. However, this verse ultimately demonstrates that no human power or force can stand against the divine protection of God. Despite the overwhelming odds, Elisha and his servant are ultimately protected and delivered from harm by the intervention of God.
This theme of God's protection and power is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It serves as a reminder to believers that, no matter how dire the circumstances may seem, God is always in control and is able to provide deliverance and protection to those who trust in Him.
Furthermore, this verse also emphasizes the importance of faith. When Elisha's servant sees the great host that has come against them, he becomes fearful and anxious. In verse 16, Elisha prays to God to open his servant's eyes so that he may see the "mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." This act of faith and prayer results in the servant's eyes being opened to the reality of God's protection that was present all along. It serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, having faith in God can provide the clarity and assurance needed to face any situation.
Additionally, this verse also highlights the perseverance of the people of God. Despite the adversity that they faced, Elisha and his servant remained steadfast in their faith and trust in God. They did not allow themselves to be overcome by fear or hopelessness. Instead, they turned to God in prayer and relied on His protection. This perseverance serves as an example for believers to trust in God's faithfulness and to remain steadfast in the face of trials and challenges.
Symbolically, the "horses, and chariots, and a great host" sent by the king of Syria can be seen as representations of the hostile forces that may come against believers in their spiritual journey. The city of Dothan can be seen as a representation of the spiritual refuge and safety that believers find in God. The surrounding and subsequent deliverance from these hostile forces symbolize the ongoing spiritual battles that believers may face, as well as the ultimate deliverance and victory that comes from God.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 6:14 in the KJV provides a powerful and impactful illustration of God's power and protection, the importance of faith, and the perseverance of the people of God. It serves as a source of encouragement and inspiration for believers to trust in God's faithfulness and to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of adversity and challenges.
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2 Kings 6:14 - "Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about."
"Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about." - 2 Kings 6:14
1 Kings 6:14 - "So Solomon built the house, and finished it."
"So Solomon built the house, and finished it." - 1 Kings 6:14
2 kings 6:24
2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2:6:14
2 Kings 14:29 - "And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Samuel 6:14
2 Kings 15:6 - "And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 14:14 - "And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria."
2 Kings 14:6 - "But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin."
2 Samuel 6:14–22
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 6:16 - "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
"And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 14:18
2 Kings 3:6 - "¶ And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel."
2 Kings 14:1 - "In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah."
2 Kings 25:14 - "And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away."
2 Kings 7:14 - "They took therefore two chariot horses; and the king sent after the host of the Syrians, saying, Go and see."
2 Kings 12:6 - "But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house."
1 Kings 2:14 - "He said moreover, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And she said, Say on."
2 Kings 17:14 - "Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God."
2 Kings 6:4 - "So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood."