This verse from 2 Kings 6:12 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the conflict between the king of Aram and the king of Israel. It essentially reveals the source of Aram's military failures. Let's break it down:
Context: The king of Aram (Syria) is at war with Israel. He keeps planning ambushes and attacks, but the king of Israel is always one step ahead, avoiding them. The king of Aram is understandably frustrated and suspicious.
"One of his servants said, “No, my lord, O king...": This servant is responding to the king's suspicion that there's a traitor among his own ranks. The king clearly suspects someone in his court is secretly informing the king of Israel of his battle plans.
"...but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel...": The servant reveals that the real source of the king of Israel's knowledge is not a traitor, but a prophet of God named Elisha. Elisha possesses extraordinary, divinely-granted insight.
"...tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.”": This is the key point. The servant claims that Elisha has the ability to know even the most private conversations and plans of the Aramean king, even those discussed in the most secure settings. This highlights the supernatural power attributed to Elisha.
In summary, the verse means:
The king of Aram's military failures are not due to treason within his court, but because the prophet Elisha in Israel has the ability to supernaturally know the king's plans, even those spoken in the privacy of his own bedroom, and relays them to the king of Israel. This verse illustrates the perceived power of prophets and the involvement of the divine in the affairs of kings and nations. It also sets the stage for the king of Aram to then try and capture Elisha.
This verse from 2 Kings 6:12 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the conflict between the king of Aram and the king of Israel. It essentially reveals the source of Aram's military failures. Let's break it down:
Context: The king of Aram (Syria) is at war with Israel. He keeps planning ambushes and attacks, but the king of Israel is always one step ahead, avoiding them. The king of Aram is understandably frustrated and suspicious.
"One of his servants said, “No, my lord, O king...": This servant is responding to the king's suspicion that there's a traitor among his own ranks. The king clearly suspects someone in his court is secretly informing the king of Israel of his battle plans.
"...but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel...": The servant reveals that the real source of the king of Israel's knowledge is not a traitor, but a prophet of God named Elisha. Elisha possesses extraordinary, divinely-granted insight.
"...tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.”": This is the key point. The servant claims that Elisha has the ability to know even the most private conversations and plans of the Aramean king, even those discussed in the most secure settings. This highlights the supernatural power attributed to Elisha.
In summary, the verse means:
The king of Aram's military failures are not due to treason within his court, but because the prophet Elisha in Israel has the ability to supernaturally know the king's plans, even those spoken in the privacy of his own bedroom, and relays them to the king of Israel. This verse illustrates the perceived power of prophets and the involvement of the divine in the affairs of kings and nations. It also sets the stage for the king of Aram to then try and capture Elisha.