What does 2 Kings 6:21 mean?
"And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?" - 2 Kings 6:21
The Bible verse 2 Kings 6:21 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?"
This verse is a part of a larger narrative in the second book of Kings, which tells the story of the prophet Elisha and his interactions with the king of Israel. In this particular passage, Elisha has just demonstrated his prophetic powers by blinding a group of Aramean soldiers who were sent to capture him. Elisha then leads the blinded soldiers to the city of Samaria, where they are surrounded by the Israelite army.
The king of Israel, upon seeing the blinded soldiers, asks Elisha whether he should strike them down. This question reflects the mindset of the king, as he sees the opportunity to defeat his enemies and seeks guidance from the prophet. Elisha's response to the king's question is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, but the passage reveals the theme of mercy and compassion in the face of adversity and conflict.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its deeper meaning. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of warfare and conflict, often with violent and destructive outcomes. In this passage, the king of Israel is presented with an opportunity to retaliate against his enemies, but he seeks counsel from Elisha before taking action. This demonstrates a willingness to consider a different approach to resolving the conflict, one that reflects the teachings of Elisha and the principles of compassion and forgiveness.
The verse also highlights the role of Elisha as a mediator between the king and the divine. Elisha's response to the king's question would likely be informed by his understanding of God's will and his role as a prophet. Elisha's actions in this narrative exemplify the ideals of mercy and grace, as he ultimately advocates for the well-being of the captured soldiers, rather than calling for their destruction.
Symbolically, this verse represents the tension between justice and mercy in the face of conflict. The question posed by the king of Israel reflects a desire for retribution and victory over his enemies, while Elisha's response, which is not explicitly stated in this verse, likely emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and compassion, even to one's adversaries. This conflict between justice and mercy is a common theme in the Bible and is echoed throughout the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
In Christian theology, this passage can be interpreted as a reflection of the divine principle of forgiveness and the idea that even in the midst of conflict, there is room for compassion and reconciliation. It emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance in difficult situations, and the need to consider the larger implications of one's actions on others.
In conclusion, the Bible verse 2 Kings 6:21 from the King James Version offers a powerful portrayal of the tension between justice and mercy in the face of conflict. Through the interaction between the king of Israel and the prophet Elisha, this passage highlights the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom when faced with difficult decisions, and the need to consider the larger implications of one's actions. It also emphasizes the principles of mercy and compassion, even in the midst of conflict, as integral to the Christian faith.
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2 Kings 6:21 - "And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?"
"And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?" - 2 Kings 6:21
2 Chronicles 21:6 - "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD."
2 Kings 2:21
2 Kings 21:6 - "And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."
2 kings 6:24
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
1 Kings 6:21 - "So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold."
2 Kings 21:25 - "Now the rest of the acts of Amon which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 21:10 - "¶ And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying,"
2 Kings 21:21 - "And he walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served, and worshipped them:"
2 Kings 11:21 - "Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign."
2 Kings 21:17 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 21:23 - "¶ And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and slew the king in his own house."
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 21:22 - "And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD."
2 Kings 21:5 - "And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
1 Kings 2:21 - "And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife."
2 Kings 21:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel."
2 Kings 3:21 - "¶ And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all that were able to put on armour, and upward, and stood in the border."
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 21:26 - "And he was buried in his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 23:21 - "¶ And the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the passover unto the LORD your God, as it is written in the book of this covenant."
2 Kings 21:4 - "And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name."
2 Kings 3:6 - "¶ And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel."
2 Kings 25:21 - "And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land."
Daniel 2:21 - "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:" respectful, symbolic bible verse art
2 Kings 4:21 - "And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out."