Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Kings 6:14
Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
14. a great host ] Greatness is comparative. Here was a company such as could be led by Elisha to Samaria, and fed easily when they reached that city. But no doubt they were formidable when employed for the capture of a single man of peace like Elisha, and they had taken up their position by night.
compassed the city about ] i.e. beset all the gates, so that none could escape without their knowledge.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 14. He sent thither horses] It is strange he did not think that he who could penetrate his secrets with respect to the Israelitish army, could inform himself of all his machinations against his own life.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Therefore sent he thither horses and chariots, and a great host,…. To terrify the inhabitants from attempting to defend the prophet, but deliver him up at once:
and they came by night; that they might come upon them unawares, and their design not be discovered, so as to have timely help from Samaria, which was not far off:
and compassed the city about; that the prophet might not make his escape out of it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(14) A great host.Of infantry. Not, however, an army but a company. (See 2Ki. 6:23.)
They came by night.So as to take the city by surprise.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2Ki 6:14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
Ver. 14. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots. ] To wage war with God himself, whose power he must needs behold in this his prophet; and yet fears not, giant-like, to oppose it. See the like done by Ahaziah, 2Ki 1:1-17 and know, that as there were many Marii in one Caesar, so there are many Benhadads and Ahaziahs in the best by nature. We are all Theomachi, fighters against God.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Ki 6:14-19
2Ki 6:14-19
HOW THAT ORDER TO CAPTURE ELISHA TURNED OUT
“Therefore sent he thither horses and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city (Dothan) about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold a host with horses and chariots was round about the city. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master, how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not; for they that are with us are more than they that are with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Jehovah, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto Jehovah, and said, Smite this people with blindness. And he smote them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. And he led them to Samaria.”
“A host with horses and chariots” (2Ki 6:15). This is not a reference to a whole army but to a band of Syrians somewhat larger than usual. After all, Dothan was only a village.
“Open his eyes, that he may see” (2Ki 6:17). This must be rated as one of the most inspiring texts in the O.T. Those whose hearts are attuned to realize and appreciate spiritual realities may find infinite encouragement and confidence in the omnipotence of God and his ultimate victory that will be achieved over all enemies of truth and righteousness. The threatened or discouraged should always remember that, “We are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Rom 8:37).
“Smite this people with blindness” (2Ki 6:18). Some scholars view this as actual physical blindness, but the fact of the band being able, later in the narrative, to return to their own nation makes it evident that they were merely DECEIVED. Such a usage of the word “blindness” is often found in Scripture. Jesus called the Pharisees the “blind leaders of the blind,” but he was speaking of deception and the deceived, not of actual literal blindness.
Apparently, the leader of the raiding party happened to ask a man, who turned out to be Elisha himself, where the prophet was; and Elisha promptly responded: “You are on the wrong road; he doesn’t even live in this city (and of course, he didn’t live there). Follow me, and I will take you to where he really lives (which is exactly what he did)!
“And he led them to Samaria” (2Ki 6:19). That was the place where Elisha lived, and thus Elisha had done exactly as he promised. He brought them to himself in Samaria, but the king of Israel and all his armies were there also!
E.M. Zerr:
2Ki 6:15. In the morning the besieging forces were seen around the town. The servant of Elisha was frightened at the sight and made a distress call to him.
2Ki 6:16. The forces with Elisha were not visible to the natural eye, but the prophet was aware of their presence and help.
2Ki 6:17. For the benefit of the young man, Elisha prayed God to give him a vision of the forces on their side. God answered the prayer and he saw the mountain covered with the hosts of Heaven, in the form of flaming chariots and their horses.
2Ki 6:18. They in this place means the Syrians besieging the city. Elisha prayed again and in answer God smote the enemy with blindness.
2Ki 6:19. Elisha misled the people, but such action was according to military practice, and this was a military action according to the words captive and sword in 2Ki 6:22. While Elisha misled his enemy, he did not mistreat him. Instead, he chastised the king of Israel for wanting to do so, and commanded him to treat them with kindness.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Opened Eyes
2Ki 6:14-23
This is an acted parable of extreme beauty and suggestiveness. First, the stroke of trouble-swift, unlooked for, and apparently insurmountable; then the vivid contrast between the despair of the man of this world and the undaunted faith of him to whom the unseen is as real as the visible, because he possesses the second-sight of faith. Faith visualizes the unseen and eternal. A good mans intercession will still obtain spiritual vision for those who are spiritually blind. For many whom we love we may breathe Elishas prayer, 2Ki 6:17. Notice that the last sentence of 2Ki 6:19 in the r.v. begins with and. The objective of the Syrian army was the king of Israel, and Elisha led them to him.
The lesson of this narrative is the proximity of Gods guardian hosts. They are a cordon of protection to His children. The mountain is full of them. Elisha had seen them convoy his master home; he never expected that he would have the honor of their care. We do not need more help than is already within reach, but we do need grace to see the things that are freely given to us of God, Joh 4:10.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
sent he thither horses: It is strange the Syrian monarch did not think, that he who could penetrate his secrets with respect to the Israelitish army, could inform himself of all the machinations against his own life. 2Ki 1:9-13, 1Sa 23:26, 1Sa 24:2, Mat 26:47, Mat 26:55, Joh 18:3-6
great: Heb. heavy, 2Ki 18:17, *marg.
Reciprocal: Jer 11:18 – the Lord Zec 12:4 – I will smite
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
6:14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a {f} great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
(f) Though it was nothing in man’s judgment to have taken Elisha, yet the wicked doubt, and think they are never able to prepare enough power, though it be but against one or a few.