2 Kings 6:11

KJV

Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us [is] for the king of Israel?

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the heart {H3820} of the king {H4428} of Syria {H758} was sore troubled {H5590} for this thing {H1697}; and he called {H7121} his servants {H5650}, and said {H559} unto them, Will ye not shew {H5046} me which of us is for the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}?

Complete Jewish Bible

and it greatly upset the king of Aram. He called his servants and said to them, "Tell me which of you is betraying us to the king of Isra'el?"

Berean Standard Bible

For this reason the king of Aram became enraged and called his servants to demand of them, “Tell me, which one of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”

American Standard Version

And the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 6:11 vividly portrays the escalating frustration and profound bewilderment of the Syrian king, likely Ben-Hadad II, as his meticulously planned military ambushes against Israel are consistently thwarted. Unbeknownst to him, the source of his repeated failures is not internal treachery, but the divine omniscience of God, revealed to Israel's prophet Elisha, who supernaturally warns the Israelite king of every Syrian maneuver. This verse captures the king's desperate search for a human explanation for what is, in fact, a supernatural intervention, highlighting the futility of human schemes against the sovereign will of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of miraculous interventions by the prophet Elisha, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of Israel and its enemies. Immediately preceding [2 Kings 6:11](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11 - The Syrian King's Frustration") are verses [2 Kings 6:8-10](/2_kings/6-8 "2 Kings 6:8-10 - Elisha Reveals Syrian Ambushes") which describe how the king of Syria repeatedly attempts to ambush the king of Israel, only for his plans to be mysteriously exposed. Each time the Syrian army would lie in wait at a specific place, the king of Israel, forewarned by Elisha, would avoid the trap, saving his army. This pattern of inexplicable failure leads directly to the Syrian king's "sore troubled" state in [2 Kings 6:11](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11 - The Syrian King's Frustration"), as he struggles to comprehend how his secret strategies are continually being revealed. The narrative flow sets up the king's paranoia and his subsequent attempt to identify the "traitor," which then leads to the dramatic confrontation with Elisha in the following verses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Monarchy saw frequent conflicts between the northern kingdom of Israel (under kings like Joram/Jehoram, who reigned during Elisha's ministry) and the Aramean kingdom of Damascus (Syria), often led by kings named Ben-Hadad. These were regional power struggles for dominance and resources. Warfare in this era relied heavily on intelligence, surprise attacks, and strategic positioning. For a king's secret battle plans to be consistently compromised was not merely an inconvenience but a profound military and political humiliation, suggesting a severe breach of security within his most trusted inner circle. The king's immediate assumption of a traitor reflects the common anxieties and suspicions within ancient royal courts, where loyalty was paramount and betrayal a constant threat. His calling of "his servants" refers to his high-ranking officials, advisors, and military commanders, the very individuals who would be privy to such sensitive information.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 6:11](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11 - The Syrian King's Frustration") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty**. God is not merely an observer but an active participant in human history, knowing even the secret counsels of kings and nations, as seen in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations"). Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Authority and Intercession**. Elisha, as God's chosen instrument, stands as a testament to God's power working through His prophets, enabling them to reveal divine knowledge and protect His people. This echoes the principle found in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants the Prophets"). Thirdly, the verse contrasts **Human Frustration with Divine Purpose**. The Syrian king's "sore troubled" heart and his inability to comprehend the situation illustrate the futility of human efforts when they oppose God's protective hand over His covenant people. This narrative serves as a powerful affirmation of **God's Protection of His People**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to Israel, even amidst overwhelming military threats, reinforcing the truth that [the Lord is a shield for those who trust in Him](/psalm/18-30 "Psalm 18:30 - God is a Shield").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sore troubled (Hebrew, _sākal'_):** This verb, often translated as "perplexed," "confused," or "vexed," signifies a deep mental and emotional distress. It implies not just annoyance or mild frustration, but a profound state of bewilderment and agitation arising from an inability to understand or resolve a situation. The king's mind was in turmoil, struggling desperately to find a rational explanation for the inexplicable and repeated failures of his carefully laid plans.
* **servants (Hebrew, _‘avādîm'_):** While literally meaning "servants," in a royal context, this term often refers to the king's high-ranking officials, advisors, military commanders, or even cabinet members. These were the trusted individuals who would have been privy to the king's most secret strategies and plans. The king's calling them together indicates a desperate attempt to uncover the source of the leak from within his most confidential circle.
* **shew me (Hebrew, _higgîd'_):** This verb means "to tell," "to declare," or "to reveal." The king's demand, "Will ye not shew me," is an imperative, reflecting his authority and his escalating desperation. He is demanding that his inner circle reveal the traitor, implying that someone among them knows the truth and is withholding it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing":** This opening clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The "thing" refers to the repeated and inexplicable failures of the Syrian king's ambush attempts against Israel, as detailed in the preceding verses. The king's "heart," representing his mind and inner being, was deeply agitated and perplexed. He was unable to rationally account for how his secret plans were consistently being exposed, leading to profound vexation and suspicion.
* **"and he called his servants, and said unto them":** In his state of distress, the king convenes his most trusted advisors and military leaders. This action reflects both his royal authority and his desperate need for answers. He is seeking counsel and demanding information from those who would be privy to his strategic plans, indicating his belief that the problem lies within his own intelligence network.
* **"Will ye not shew me which of us [is] for the king of Israel?":** This rhetorical question, posed as a demand, reveals the king's immediate and logical conclusion: there must be a traitor among his inner circle. He cannot conceive of a supernatural explanation, so he assumes human betrayal. His question is loaded with suspicion and paranoia, implying that someone in the room is disloyal and actively working against him for the benefit of the enemy.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [2 Kings 6:11](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11 - The Syrian King's Frustration") effectively employs several **Literary Devices**. Most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, where the audience (and the Israelite king) knows the true reason for the Syrian king's thwarted plans (God's intervention through Elisha), while the Syrian king himself remains oblivious, attributing his failures to human treachery. This creates a sense of tension and highlights the king's profound misunderstanding of the spiritual forces at play. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the king's desperate demand sets the stage for the revelation of Elisha's involvement in the subsequent verses, leading to the Syrian army's attempt to capture the prophet. The king's "sore troubled" heart also exemplifies **Pathos**, evoking a sense of his intense frustration and confusion, even as the reader understands the divine hand behind his predicament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound vexation of the Syrian king in [2 Kings 6:11](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11 - The Syrian King's Frustration") serves as a powerful testament to God's active sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It illustrates that no human scheme, however cunningly devised, can ultimately prevail against the divine will. God's omniscience extends even to the secret war councils of adversaries, and He can frustrate the plans of the wicked with effortless ease. This narrative underscores the reality that while human leaders strategize and armies mobilize, the true power resides with the Lord, who works in ways often unseen and incomprehensible to the natural mind. It is a vivid demonstration that God is not confined by human limitations or military might, but orchestrates events according to His divine purpose, often using His prophets as instruments of His revelation and protection.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants the Prophets")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom or Plan Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in [2 Kings 6:11](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11 - The Syrian King's Frustration") offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that even when we face overwhelming opposition or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, God is actively at work behind the scenes, often in ways unseen and unknown to our adversaries. Like the Syrian king, those who oppose God's purposes are often baffled by the inexplicable thwarting of their plans, unaware that a divine hand is at work. For us, this means we can rest in the assurance that our God is sovereign over all circumstances, knowing every detail of our lives, every intention of our enemies, and every strategic move against us. We are called to trust in His unseen protection, knowing that if [God is for us, who can be against us?](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God is for us, who can be against us?"). This narrative encourages us to look beyond the visible struggles and recognize the invisible hand of God, who is constantly working for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. It also serves as a sobering reminder for those who oppose God, demonstrating that their efforts are ultimately futile against His unchallengeable power and wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you "sore troubled" by circumstances that seem inexplicable or beyond your control?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's unseen intervention in this story encourage you to trust Him more deeply with your own challenges?**
* **Can you recall a time when God thwarted a plan or protected you in a way that seemed miraculous or unexplainable to others?**
* **How might this passage challenge you to pray more specifically for God's intervention in national or global affairs?**

### FAQ

**Who was the King of Syria mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name him in [2 Kings 6:11](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11 - The Syrian King's Frustration"), biblical scholars generally identify him as Ben-Hadad II, a prominent Aramean king who frequently engaged in conflict with Israel during the reigns of Ahab, Joram, and Jehu. His repeated military campaigns against Israel are a significant feature of this period in [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings").

**Why was the King of Syria "sore troubled"?**

Answer: The king was "sore troubled" because his military campaigns and ambush strategies against Israel were consistently failing, and he could not understand why. Time and again, he would set a trap, only for the Israelite army to mysteriously avoid it. He concluded that there must be a traitor within his own trusted inner circle, leaking his secret plans to the king of Israel. He was unaware that the true source of the leaks was the prophet Elisha, who was supernaturally informed by God of all the Syrian king's intentions, as described in [2 Kings 6:8-10](/2_kings/6-8 "2 Kings 6:8-10 - Elisha Reveals Syrian Ambushes").

**What happened immediately after this verse?**

Answer: Following the king's desperate inquiry, one of his servants reveals that it is not a traitor, but Elisha, the prophet in Israel, who is exposing their plans ([2 Kings 6:12](/2_kings/6-12 "2 Kings 6:12 - Elisha is the Source")). The Syrian king then dispatches a large army to Dothan to capture Elisha ([2 Kings 6:13-14](/2_kings/6-13 "2 Kings 6:13-14 - Syrian Army Sent to Capture Elisha")), leading to the dramatic account of Elisha's servant seeing the chariots of fire and Elisha blinding the Syrian army and leading them to Samaria ([2 Kings 6:15-23](/2_kings/6-15 "2 Kings 6:15-23 - Elisha Blinds the Syrian Army")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The frustration of the Syrian king, baffled by an unseen power thwarting his schemes, profoundly points to the ultimate sovereignty of God, fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Just as the prophet Elisha, empowered by God, knew the secret counsels of the Syrian king and protected Israel, so too does Christ embody the perfect omniscience and protective power of God. He is the one against whom no earthly kingdom or spiritual power can ultimately prevail, for [He has disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). The futility of the Syrian king's efforts against God's chosen people foreshadows the ultimate defeat of all spiritual and human opposition to Christ's kingdom. Jesus knows the hearts and intentions of all men ([John 2:24-25](/john/2-24 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")), and His plans for His church cannot be thwarted by any "gates of hell" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")). He is the true shepherd who knows His sheep and protects them from every enemy ([John 10:27-29](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Thus, the bewildered Syrian king stands as a timeless illustration of the world's inability to comprehend or overcome the divine wisdom and power that is fully manifest in our Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate protector and sovereign King.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 22:8

That all of you have conspired against me, and [there is] none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and [there is] none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

Matthew 2:3

When Herod the king had heard [these things], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:12

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Psalms 48:4

For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

Psalms 48:5

They saw [it, and] so they marvelled; they were troubled, [and] hasted away.

1 Samuel 28:21

And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.

Job 18:7

The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.