What does 2 Kings 6:22 mean?
"And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master." - 2 Kings 6:22
2 Kings 6:22 (KJV) - "And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master."
This verse comes from the Old Testament, specifically the book of 2 Kings. The passage describes a moment when the king of Israel is faced with a decision regarding a group of soldiers who have been captured. The king asks Elisha the prophet what he should do with them, and Elisha responds by telling the king to show mercy and kindness to the captured soldiers. This passage is rich in themes of mercy, forgiveness, and the value of human life.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The prophet Elisha had been aiding the king of Israel by providing him with strategic information about the movements of the Syrian army. When the king of Syria learned of this, he sent a large army to capture Elisha. However, God miraculously intervened, and the Syrian army was struck with blindness. Elisha then led the blind army into the midst of Samaria, the capital of Israel. When the king of Israel questioned Elisha about what he should do with the captive army, Elisha advised him to show compassion and kindness to them.
One of the primary themes of this verse is the idea of mercy and forgiveness. Elisha's response to the captured soldiers reflects the principle of treating others with compassion, even in the midst of conflict. Instead of seeking revenge or escalating the violence, Elisha urges the king to offer the captured soldiers food and drink and then release them. This act of mercy is a powerful example of the biblical teaching to "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28).
In addition to mercy and forgiveness, this passage also highlights the value of human life. Elisha's compassionate response to the captured soldiers demonstrates a recognition of their humanity and a desire to protect their lives. In a time when warfare often involved brutal and merciless treatment of enemies, Elisha's instruction to provide food and water to the captives stands in stark contrast. It serves as a reminder that every individual is created in the image of God and is deserving of dignity and respect.
Symbolism also plays a significant role in this verse. The act of setting bread and water before the captured soldiers can be seen as a symbol of hospitality and reconciliation. By providing for the physical needs of the enemy, the king of Israel and Elisha demonstrate a willingness to extend the hand of friendship and peace. This act of kindness has the potential to transform the relationship between the two nations and promote reconciliation rather than perpetuating violence and enmity.
Overall, 2 Kings 6:22 conveys a powerful message about the importance of mercy, forgiveness, and the value of human life. It challenges readers to consider how they respond to those who may be considered enemies and to reflect the compassion and grace that God has shown to them. This passage continues to be a source of inspiration for those seeking to embody the love and kindness taught in the Bible.
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2 Kings 6:22 - "And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master."
"And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master." - 2 Kings 6:22
2 Kings 22:6 - "Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house."
"Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house." - 2 Kings 22:6
2 kings 6:24
2 Kings 23:22 - "Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;"
1 Kings 6:22 - "And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold."
2 Kings 13:22 - "¶ But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz."
2 Chronicles 9:22 - "And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom."
2 Kings 2:22 - "So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake."
2 Samuel 6:14–22
2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."
1 Kings 22:2 - "And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel."
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 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 15:22 - "And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 22:11 - "And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes."
2 Kings 22:2 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left."
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 22:12 - "And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,"
2 Kings 17:22 - "For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;"
2 Samuel 22:6 - "The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;"
2 Kings 22:10 - "And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king."
2 Kings 8:22 - "Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time."
2 Kings 3:6 - "¶ And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel."
2 Kings 22:15 - "¶ And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,"
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."
2 Kings 22:3 - "¶ And it came to pass in the eighteenth year of king Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of the LORD, saying,"
2 Kings 3:22 - "And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood:"