2 kings 6:18 - When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to Yahweh, and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” He struck them with blindness according to Elishah’s word.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 6:18

What does "2 kings 6:18" mean?


This verse, 2 Kings 6:18, describes a moment where Elisha is surrounded by an Aramean army sent to capture him. To protect himself and his servant, he prays to Yahweh (God) to strike the army with blindness, and God answers his prayer.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning and context:

Context: The Aramean king is angry that his military plans are being thwarted by Elisha, who miraculously knows their strategies and warns the king of Israel. He believes that capturing Elisha will solve his problem.
"When they came down to him..." The Aramean army, having been led to Dothan, surrounds Elisha and his servant.
"Elisha prayed to Yahweh..." Elisha turns to God for help in this dangerous situation. He doesn't fight physically, but relies on God's power.
"...“Please strike this people with blindness.”" This is a direct request to God. The Hebrew word translated as "blindness" here ("siwheron") might not be complete blindness but rather a kind of disorientation or mental confusion that makes them unable to understand their surroundings or purpose. It wasn't a permanent affliction. Some suggest that they became unable to identify Elisha or discern their location.
"He struck them with blindness according to Elisha’s word." God answers Elisha's prayer, causing the army to experience the described "blindness" or confusion. This shows God's power and his protection of Elisha, his prophet.

Interpretations and Significance:

Divine Intervention: The passage illustrates God's active intervention in the world, answering prayer and protecting his servants.
Power of Prayer: Elisha's prayer is effective, highlighting the power of prayer and faith in God.
God's Protection: The story demonstrates God's willingness to protect those who are faithful to him, even in seemingly impossible situations.
Moral Implications: Some find the act of causing an army to be blind morally questionable. However, from the perspective of the text, it's presented as a demonstration of God's power and a way to protect Elisha from a hostile force. God uses this opportunity not to harm the people but to show them who He is. The next verse, 2 Kings 6:19, demonstrates Elisha's compassion, as he tells them to follow him to the one they seek.

In short, the verse describes a miraculous event where God answers Elisha's prayer by temporarily confusing or blinding the Aramean army, showcasing God's power and protection of his prophet.