2 kings 6:22 - He answered, “You shall not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.”
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What does "2 kings 6:22" mean?
This verse is from a story in 2 Kings 6 where the Aramean army is trying to capture the prophet Elisha. Elisha prays, and the Aramean soldiers are struck blind. He then leads them right into the middle of Samaria, the capital of Israel. At this point, the King of Israel is excited and asks Elisha if he should kill the captured Aramean soldiers.
Elisha responds with the verse in question:
"He answered, “You shall not strike them." This is Elisha forbidding the king from killing the captured soldiers. He's arguing against a typical "eye for an eye" response.
"Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow?" This is a rhetorical question. Elisha is asking: would you normally kill prisoners of war that you captured in a fair fight? The implied answer is no. He's highlighting the unnatural situation; these men are blinded and led into the city, not captured in battle. He's subtly implying that killing them would be unethical.
"Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.”" This is the key to Elisha's response. Instead of killing them, he instructs the king to show them kindness by feeding and giving them water, then sending them back home. This act of mercy is a powerful statement.
The meaning and significance of the verse:
It demonstrates a radical approach to enemies. Instead of seeking revenge or perpetuating a cycle of violence, Elisha advocates for compassion and kindness. This is a departure from the usual warfare mentality of the time.
It highlights a principle of hospitality, even to enemies. Treating prisoners well, providing them with basic necessities, and allowing them to return home emphasizes the value of human life and dignity.
It's a powerful act of showing the Arameans that Israel is merciful and not just vengeful. The goal seems to be to break the cycle of hostility and potentially lead to a more peaceful relationship.
It's a demonstration of God's power working through mercy rather than brute force. Elisha trusts that showing kindness, inspired by God, is a more effective way to deal with the situation than simply killing the enemy.
In short, 2 Kings 6:22 is a powerful call for compassion and grace, even towards one's enemies. It highlights a strategic shift from violence and revenge to a more transformative approach centered on kindness and hospitality. This is an important teaching that goes against the natural human instinct for retribution.
2 kings 6:22 - He answered, “You shall not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.”
What does "2 kings 6:22" mean?
This verse is from a story in 2 Kings 6 where the Aramean army is trying to capture the prophet Elisha. Elisha prays, and the Aramean soldiers are struck blind. He then leads them right into the middle of Samaria, the capital of Israel. At this point, the King of Israel is excited and asks Elisha if he should kill the captured Aramean soldiers.
Elisha responds with the verse in question:
"He answered, “You shall not strike them." This is Elisha forbidding the king from killing the captured soldiers. He's arguing against a typical "eye for an eye" response.
"Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow?" This is a rhetorical question. Elisha is asking: would you normally kill prisoners of war that you captured in a fair fight? The implied answer is no. He's highlighting the unnatural situation; these men are blinded and led into the city, not captured in battle. He's subtly implying that killing them would be unethical.
"Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.”" This is the key to Elisha's response. Instead of killing them, he instructs the king to show them kindness by feeding and giving them water, then sending them back home. This act of mercy is a powerful statement.
The meaning and significance of the verse:
It demonstrates a radical approach to enemies. Instead of seeking revenge or perpetuating a cycle of violence, Elisha advocates for compassion and kindness. This is a departure from the usual warfare mentality of the time.
It highlights a principle of hospitality, even to enemies. Treating prisoners well, providing them with basic necessities, and allowing them to return home emphasizes the value of human life and dignity.
It's a powerful act of showing the Arameans that Israel is merciful and not just vengeful. The goal seems to be to break the cycle of hostility and potentially lead to a more peaceful relationship.
It's a demonstration of God's power working through mercy rather than brute force. Elisha trusts that showing kindness, inspired by God, is a more effective way to deal with the situation than simply killing the enemy.
In short, 2 Kings 6:22 is a powerful call for compassion and grace, even towards one's enemies. It highlights a strategic shift from violence and revenge to a more transformative approach centered on kindness and hospitality. This is an important teaching that goes against the natural human instinct for retribution.