2 Kings 6:12

KJV

And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that [is] in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one {H259} of his servants {H5650} said {H559}, None, my lord {H113}, O king {H4428}: but Elisha {H477}, the prophet {H5030} that is in Israel {H3478}, telleth {H5046} the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} the words {H1697} that thou speakest {H1696} in thy bedchamber {H2315}{H4904}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One of his servants replied, "It's not that, my lord, king. Rather, Elisha, the prophet who is in Isra'el, tells the king of Isra'el the words you speak privately in your own bedroom!"

Berean Standard Bible

But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

American Standard Version

And one of his servants said, Nay, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse unveils the extraordinary spiritual insight of the prophet Elisha, demonstrating God's active involvement in protecting His people, Israel, against their enemies. It reveals that Elisha, through divine revelation, possessed knowledge of the most private and secret plans of the Aramean king, specifically the words spoken in his bedchamber, thereby enabling the king of Israel to thwart repeated ambushes. This moment sets the stage for a dramatic display of divine power and prophetic knowledge, underscoring God's omnipresence and His unwavering commitment to safeguarding His chosen nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader narrative in [2 Kings 6:8-23](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles and Divine Protection") that highlights the ongoing military conflict between Aram (Syria) and Israel. The Aramean king, Ben-Hadad, repeatedly attempts to ambush the Israelite army, only to find his plans mysteriously foiled each time. His frustration culminates in [2 Kings 6:11](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11 - Syrian King's Frustration"), where he suspects a traitor among his own servants. Verse 12 is the crucial response from one of his servants, identifying Elisha as the supernatural source of Israel's uncanny foresight. This revelation directly leads to the Aramean king's decision to send a large army to Dothan to capture Elisha, setting the stage for the dramatic display of God's protection through blinded Aramean soldiers and Elisha's subsequent mercy, as detailed in [2 Kings 6:13-23](/2_kings/6-13-23 "2 Kings 6:13-23 - Elisha at Dothan and the Aramean Army"). The immediate context emphasizes the divine nature of Elisha's intelligence and foreshadows the miraculous events that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Monarchy saw frequent conflicts between the northern kingdom of Israel and its powerful neighbor, Aram (Syria), often centered around control of trade routes and strategic territories. Kings in the ancient Near East, like Ben-Hadad, would indeed hold private councils and discuss military strategies in the most secure and private chambers of their palaces, such as their "bedchamber," to prevent leaks. The idea that such private conversations could be known to an enemy would be utterly baffling and terrifying, suggesting either unparalleled espionage or, as revealed here, supernatural intervention. Prophets in Israel, like Elisha, held a unique and powerful position, often acting as God's direct spokespersons, influencing national policy, and even intervening in military affairs, as seen with [Elisha's counsel to kings](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Elisha and the Moabite War"). Their authority derived from their direct access to divine revelation, a concept central to Israelite faith.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings - History of Israel and Judah"). It primarily underscores **Divine Omniscience and Revelation**, asserting that God knows all things, even the most private thoughts and secret plans of kings. Through Elisha, God revealed these hidden strategies, proving that no human scheme, however secret, can thwart His purposes, echoing the biblical truth of [God's intimate knowledge of human thoughts and words](/psalms/139-4 "Psalm 139:4 - God's Knowledge of Our Words") and His ability to [reveal deep and hidden things](/daniel/2-22 "Daniel 2:22 - God Reveals Secrets"). Concurrently, the passage highlights **God's Protection of His People**, as Elisha's supernatural intelligence served as an impenetrable shield for the King of Israel and his army, preventing them from falling into Aramean traps, thus demonstrating God actively intervening in history to safeguard His chosen nation. Finally, it emphasizes **The Power and Role of the Prophet**, showcasing Elisha as God's chosen representative wielding immense spiritual authority and insight, far surpassing human intelligence or military strategy. His role here is a testament to the significance of prophetic ministry in ancient Israel, where prophets served as conduits for God's direct communication and intervention, often revealing God's will and providing guidance in times of national crisis, as articulated in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals to His Servants the Prophets").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** (H5030) This term designates an individual who speaks on behalf of God, serving as a divinely appointed messenger. The emphasis here is not merely on Elisha's personal wisdom but on his established role as an instrument through whom God's omniscience is manifested. He is "the prophet that is in Israel," signifying his unique and recognized position as God's primary voice in the nation, distinct from any human spy or informant.
* **Telleth (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** (H5046) Derived from a primitive root meaning "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication "to manifest" or "to announce." The imperfect tense implies a continuous or repeated action, indicating that Elisha was consistently revealing the Aramean king's plans. This is not a one-off event but a pattern of divine intervention, underscoring the reliability and consistency of God's revelation through His prophet.
* **Bedchamber (Hebrew, _cheder mishkâb'_):** (H2315, H4904) Literally "chamber of lying down" or "bedroom," this phrase signifies the most private, secure, and intimate space within a dwelling. The use of this specific term powerfully underscores the miraculous and supernatural nature of Elisha's knowledge. It was not merely public knowledge or overheard gossip, but secrets spoken in the presumed safety of absolute privacy, demonstrating God's ability to penetrate even the most guarded and intimate human spaces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king:"** This opening clause immediately dispels the Aramean king's suspicion of internal treachery. The servant's direct and unequivocal denial sets the stage for the truly astonishing revelation that follows, highlighting the king's bewilderment and the servant's understanding that the source of the leaks was not human.
* **"but Elisha, the prophet that [is] in Israel,"** This identifies the true source of the intelligence. The servant explicitly names Elisha, emphasizing his identity as "the prophet," a title that immediately signals a supernatural, divine connection. The phrase "that is in Israel" further clarifies his location and allegiance, making it clear he is not an Aramean spy but a figure operating within the enemy nation, yet with access to secrets beyond human means.
* **"telleth the king of Israel"** This clause specifies the recipient of Elisha's divine intelligence – the king of Israel. It highlights the direct and practical impact of Elisha's prophetic ministry: providing strategic information that directly benefits Israel's security and military operations, thus demonstrating God's active protection of His people.
* **"the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber."** This is the most astounding part of the revelation. It emphasizes the absolute secrecy and privacy of the Aramean king's plans. The "bedchamber" represents the most guarded and intimate space, where one would expect complete confidentiality. The fact that Elisha knew these "words" underscores the supernatural, omniscient nature of the source of his information, which could only be God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to amplify its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the Aramean king, seeking a human traitor in his most private spaces, is confronted with the revelation that the "spy" is a prophet empowered by an omnipresent God who transcends all physical barriers. This creates a dramatic contrast between human efforts at secrecy and divine transparency. There is also an element of **hyperbole** in the servant's statement, not in the sense of exaggeration, but in emphasizing the seemingly impossible nature of Elisha's knowledge, thereby underscoring the miraculous. The description of Elisha knowing "the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber" functions as a powerful **metonymy** for God's complete and intimate knowledge of all human thoughts and plans, regardless of their secrecy. Furthermore, the entire episode serves as a **foreshadowing** of God's continued intervention and protection for Elisha and Israel, leading directly into the miraculous events at Dothan in [2 Kings 6:13-23](/2_kings/6-13-23 "2 Kings 6:13-23 - Elisha at Dothan and the Aramean Army").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The revelation of Elisha's supernatural knowledge in 2 Kings 6:12 serves as a profound theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty and omniscience. It asserts that no human scheme, no matter how cunningly devised or secretly planned, can escape the all-seeing eye of the Almighty. This divine attribute is not merely theoretical; it is actively deployed for the protection and guidance of God's people. The passage powerfully illustrates that God is intimately involved in the affairs of nations and individuals, orchestrating events behind the scenes and revealing what is hidden to accomplish His purposes. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is the ultimate strategist, whose wisdom and knowledge far surpass any human intelligence or military might.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience and Presence")
* [Daniel 2:20-22](/daniel/2-20-22 "Daniel 2:20-22 - God's Wisdom and Revelation")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Kings 6:12 offers immense comfort and profound reassurance: God is aware of every plot, every challenge, and every hidden adversary, even those concealed from human sight and knowledge. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in His divine foresight and protection, knowing that He works on our behalf, even when we are unaware of the unseen battles being waged. It reminds us that spiritual battles often occur in unseen realms, and just as Elisha had supernatural insight, believers are called to rely not on human cunning or power, but on spiritual discernment and God's wisdom, accessed through prayer and His Word, in navigating life's challenges. The story fosters a reliance on God's supernatural intervention for guidance and safety, urging us to recognize that our ultimate security rests not in our own defenses or strategies, but in the all-knowing and all-powerful God who watches over His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most vulnerable or exposed to unseen threats? How does the truth of God's omniscience in 2 Kings 6:12 bring you comfort or challenge your perspective?**
* **How does this story encourage you to rely more on divine wisdom and spiritual discernment rather than solely on human intelligence or planning?**
* **What "bedchamber secrets" (hidden fears, anxieties, or challenges) might you be holding onto that you need to surrender to God's all-knowing care?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's active presence and protection in your daily life, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain?**

### FAQ

**How did Elisha know what the Aramean king said in his bedchamber?**

Answer: Elisha knew through direct divine revelation. The text clearly indicates that this was not a result of human espionage, eavesdropping, or any natural means. The servant's statement, "but Elisha, the prophet that [is] in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber," points to Elisha's unique role as God's prophet. God, being omniscient, knows all things, even the most private thoughts and conversations. He chose to reveal these specific details to Elisha to protect His people, Israel, from the Aramean ambushes, demonstrating His active involvement in their affairs. This is a testament to God's supernatural power and His ability to transcend all human barriers and secrecy, as seen in other instances of prophetic insight throughout the Old Testament, such as [Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation").

**Does God still reveal "secret" information to His people today, like He did to Elisha?**

Answer: While God's character and omniscience remain unchanged, the *mode* of revelation has shifted with the completion of the biblical canon and the coming of Christ. God primarily reveals His will and truth to believers today through His inspired Word, the Bible, and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who illuminates Scripture and grants wisdom and discernment. While God may, in His sovereignty, grant specific insights or warnings for His purposes, the primary means of knowing His will is not through direct, extra-biblical "bedchamber" revelations in the same manner as Old Testament prophets. Instead, believers are called to walk by faith, relying on the principles and promises found in Scripture, and to trust in God's overarching providence and protection, knowing that [all things work together for good for those who love Him](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine omniscience and protective intervention demonstrated through Elisha in [2 Kings 6:12](/2_kings/6-12 "2 Kings 6:12 - Elisha's Supernatural Knowledge") find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Elisha was a conduit for God's knowledge, Jesus *is* the embodiment of divine omniscience, "knowing all men" and having no need for anyone to testify about man, for [He himself knew what was in man](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knows All Men"). His knowledge extended beyond mere words to the very thoughts and intentions of hearts, as seen when [He perceived the thoughts of the scribes](/mark/2-8 "Mark 2:8 - Jesus Knows Their Thoughts") or [knew the Samaritan woman's past](/john/4-17-18 "John 4:17-18 - Jesus Knows Her History"). Furthermore, the protection offered to Israel through Elisha's insight foreshadows the ultimate spiritual protection and deliverance found in Christ. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring that [no one can snatch them out of His hand](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them"). The prophetic office, exemplified by Elisha, culminates in Jesus, who is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom God has spoken His final and complete revelation to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Thus, the temporary, specific revelation to Elisha points forward to the eternal, comprehensive revelation and protection offered universally through Christ.

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

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Daniel 2:28

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Daniel 2:30

But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for [any] wisdom that I have more than any living, but for [their] sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

2 Kings 6:9

And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

2 Kings 6:10

And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.

Psalms 139:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me].

Psalms 139:4

For [there is] not a word in my tongue, [but], lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.