Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Kings 6:26
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
26. the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall ] Making the necessary rounds to see that the watch was kept up, and everything done that could be done for the security of the city. Josephus says he was afraid lest some one should let in the enemy. The wall must have been furnished with a breast-work so that the inhabitants could pass along without being in much danger, and it would be open on the inner side. Hence any one within could see and speak to those who were passing along, as this woman did. In some cases dwelling-houses were built into the wall, and must have had a passage through them.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The walls of fortified towns had a broad space at the top, protected toward the exterior by battlements, along which the bulk of the defenders were disposed, and from which they hurled their missiles and shot their arrows. The king seems to have been going his rounds, to inspect the state of the garrison and the defenses.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Passing by upon the wall, to give necessary order for the defence of the city against assaults, and to see if the several guards were watchful and diligent, and if his directions were executed, and to observe the motions of the enemy.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
26. as the king was passingtolook at the defenses, or to give some necessary orders for manningthe walls.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, c. To spy out the motion and situation of the enemy, and to give orders for the annoyance of them, and to see that his soldiers did their duty:
there cried a woman to him, saying, help, my lord, O king desired his assistance and help in a cause depending between her and another woman.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(26) The king . . . was passing by upon the wall.On the broad rampart of the city, which was like that which we see at such old places as Chester. The king went round to encourage the garrison and to superintend the defence. A woman in the street below, or perhaps on a housetop near the rampart, appeals to him for justice against her neighbour.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
To what a dreadful state was Israel now reduced; but yet not a word of reform. We do not hear of a single soul sending up a cry to heaven. Alas! how sin hardens the mind! And to what a dreadful degree is our nature fallen, when, passing by all natural feelings, such shocking deeds, as are here recorded concerning these women, take place!
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Ki 6:26 And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king.
Ver. 26. Passing by. ] To see all things well carried.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
my lord: 2Sa 14:4, Isa 10:3, Luk 18:3, Act 21:28
Reciprocal: Gen 47:18 – General 2Ki 4:2 – What shall I 2Ki 8:3 – General 2Ki 8:5 – My lord Job 21:4 – if it were Psa 107:12 – and there Jer 19:9 – eat the Lam 4:3 – the daughter Lam 4:10 – hands
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ki 6:26-27. The king of Israel was passing on the wall To give necessary directions for the defence of the city against assault; to see if the several guards were watchful and diligent, and if his orders were executed, and to observe the motions of the enemy. There cried a woman unto him, Help, my lord, O king For whither should the subject, in distress, go for help, but to the prince, who is by office the protector of right, and the avenger of wrong? He said, If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? Dost thou ask of me corn or wine, which I want for myself? If God do not help thee, I cannot. Or his words may be considered as the language of passion or desperation, and rendered, The Lord will not, and I cannot help thee.