2 Kings 6:13

KJV

¶ And he said, Go and spy where he [is], that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, [he is] in Dothan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Go {H3212} and spy {H7200} where {H351} he is, that I may send {H7971} and fetch {H3947} him. And it was told {H5046} him, saying {H559}, Behold, he is in Dothan {H1886}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "Go and see where he is, so that I can send and bring him here." They told him, "He's in Dotan."

Berean Standard Bible

So the king said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him.” On receiving the report, “Elisha is in Dothan,”

American Standard Version

And he said, Go and see where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 6:13 marks a critical turning point in the ongoing conflict between the king of Syria and the prophet Elisha, serving as God's instrument for Israel's protection. Frustrated by his repeated failures to ambush the Israelite army, the Syrian monarch, having been informed that Elisha supernaturally discerns his secret plans, shifts his strategy from military conquest to targeting the man of God directly. This verse records the king's desperate command to locate Elisha and the swift, precise report from his servants that the prophet is residing in Dothan, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that will vividly demonstrate God's sovereign power and unwavering protection over His chosen servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following a series of divine interventions by Elisha on behalf of Israel. Prior to this, the Syrian king had repeatedly attempted to ambush the Israelite army, only to find his plans thwarted by Elisha's prophetic warnings to the King of Israel ([2 Kings 6:8-10](/2_kings/6-8 "2 Kings 6:8-10 - Elisha Thwarts Syrian Ambushes")). Growing suspicious, the Syrian king questions his own servants, who then reveal Elisha's supernatural ability to know even the king's secret counsel, declaring, "Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber" ([2 Kings 6:11-12](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11-12 - Elisha's Prophetic Insight Revealed")). Verse 13 directly follows this revelation, showing the Syrian king's immediate and desperate response: to neutralize the source of Israel's uncanny intelligence. The revelation of Elisha's location in Dothan then sets the stage for the dramatic events of [2 Kings 6:14-23](/2_kings/6-14 "2 Kings 6:14-23 - The Siege of Dothan and Elisha's Deliverance"), where the Syrian army surrounds the city, and God miraculously intervenes to protect Elisha and teach the Syrian king a profound lesson.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period depicted in 2 Kings is characterized by ongoing geopolitical tensions and frequent military engagements between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Aramean kingdom of Syria (Aram), often led by King Ben-Hadad II. Prophets like Elisha played a crucial role in ancient Israel, not merely as spiritual guides but also as figures deeply involved in national affairs, often advising kings and influencing military outcomes. Their authority derived directly from God, making them potent forces in the spiritual and political landscape. Dothan, the city where Elisha is located, was an ancient and strategically important city situated in a valley, approximately ten miles north of Samaria. It held historical significance as the place where Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers ([Genesis 37:17](/genesis/37-17 "Genesis 37:17 - Joseph in Dothan")), making it a recognizable and historically resonant location for the narrative's dramatic events. The Syrian king's decision to send a large force to capture a single prophet underscores the perceived threat Elisha posed to his military objectives and highlights the spiritual dimension of the conflict.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, while brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Omniscience**, demonstrating that God's knowledge is absolute and penetrates even the most secret human plans, as seen in Elisha's ability to discern the Syrian king's private counsel ([2 Kings 6:12](/2_kings/6-12 "2 Kings 6:12 - God's Unseen Knowledge")). Secondly, the king's direct targeting of Elisha reveals the intensity of **Spiritual Warfare**; this is not merely a military conflict but a confrontation between human will and divine purpose, between the forces of the world and God's chosen representative. The attempt to capture Elisha is an attack against God's presence and power in Israel. Finally, the verse foreshadows the theme of **God's Protection** over His servants. Despite being located and targeted by a formidable army, the subsequent narrative will vividly illustrate God's unwavering care and miraculous intervention, affirming that no human force can ultimately thwart His plans or harm those He chooses to defend, a truth echoed in passages like [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalm/121-7 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord Will Keep You from All Evil").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spy (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** While literally meaning "to see" or "to look," in this context, _ra'ah_ carries the connotation of careful observation or reconnaissance with a specific purpose. The Syrian king's command is not merely to "see" where Elisha is, but to "spy out" his exact location, implying a thorough investigation aimed at pinpointing him for capture. This verb highlights the king's strategic intent and the seriousness of his pursuit.
* **Fetch (Hebrew, _laqach'_):** This verb means "to take," "to seize," or "to capture." The king's intention is clear: once Elisha is located, he is to be apprehended and brought to the king. This word underscores the aggressive and hostile nature of the king's plan, aiming to neutralize Elisha's prophetic influence by force.
* **Dothan (Hebrew, _Dotan'_):** The specific mention of Dothan is significant. As a known geographical location, it grounds the narrative in a tangible reality. Its historical association with Joseph's betrayal ([Genesis 37:17](/genesis/37-17 "Genesis 37:17 - Joseph Sold in Dothan")) adds a layer of dramatic irony, as another individual chosen by God is now being targeted in the same locale, setting the stage for divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Go and spy where he [is], that I may send and fetch him."**: This clause reveals the Syrian king's immediate and decisive response to the revelation of Elisha's prophetic insight. His frustration with repeated military failures leads him to target the source of Israel's intelligence directly. The command "Go and spy" indicates a deliberate and focused effort to ascertain Elisha's precise whereabouts, not just a general area. The bracketed "is" in the KJV text signifies that this word is implied in the original Hebrew, which often relies on context for the verb "to be." The king's ultimate goal is clearly stated: "that I may send and fetch him," signifying his intent to capture or seize Elisha, thereby removing the perceived obstacle to his military campaigns.
* **"And it was told him, saying, Behold, [he is] in Dothan."**: This clause provides the crucial intelligence that sets the subsequent events in motion. The swiftness of the report suggests either efficient reconnaissance or perhaps even divine orchestration in revealing Elisha's location, allowing God's plan to unfold. The declaration "Behold, [he is] in Dothan" is direct and unambiguous, pinpointing the prophet's exact whereabouts. This precise information immediately transitions the narrative from the king's frustrated strategizing to the impending dramatic confrontation at Dothan, underscoring God's sovereign control even over the actions of His adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is evident as the Syrian king, believing he can outwit Elisha (and by extension, God), meticulously plans to capture the prophet, unaware that his very actions are being observed and will be used by God for a greater display of divine power. The king's perceived strategic advantage in locating Elisha is, in fact, the setup for his own humiliation. **Foreshadowing** is also powerfully at play; the specific mention of Dothan, a place with historical biblical significance, hints at the profound events that are about to unfold, particularly the miraculous intervention of God. The narrative structure itself builds **Suspense**, moving from the king's desperate command to the precise revelation of Elisha's location, creating anticipation for the confrontation that will follow. Finally, the entire scene functions as a microcosm of the larger **Conflict** between human will and divine sovereignty, portraying the futility of human efforts when they stand opposed to God's purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is pregnant with theological significance, serving as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and omniscience. It demonstrates that no human plan, however secret or well-devised, can escape the all-seeing eye of the Almighty. The Syrian king's frustration highlights the futility of opposing God's will, as divine wisdom consistently overrules human cunning. Furthermore, the targeting of Elisha underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where the battle is not merely physical but against spiritual forces that oppose God's purposes and His people. Yet, even in this moment of vulnerability, the narrative implicitly assures the reader of God's unwavering protection for His servants, setting the stage for a miraculous demonstration of His power.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Kings 6:13 offers a profound lesson for believers navigating a world often hostile to faith. It reminds us that even when adversaries scheme against us, and our location or vulnerabilities seem exposed, God's eye is always upon us. Just as He knew Elisha's whereabouts and the king's intentions, He is intimately aware of our circumstances, our struggles, and the unseen battles we face. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unseen power and divine strategy, which invariably triumphs over human opposition and spiritual forces. It calls us to rest in the assurance that our security is not dependent on our ability to hide or defend ourselves, but on God's sovereign protection. In moments of perceived danger or vulnerability, this narrative prompts us to remember that God's watchful eye and protective hand are upon those who serve Him, assuring us that His plans for us cannot be thwarted by any earthly power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Syrian king's desperation in this verse reflect the futility of human efforts against divine will?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's omniscience and protection, even when you feel exposed or targeted?**
* **How does the revelation of Elisha's location in Dothan, followed by God's intervention, encourage you to face your own challenges with faith rather than fear?**

### FAQ
**Who was the King of Syria mentioned here?**
Answer: While not explicitly named in this specific verse, the King of Syria (Aram) in this narrative context is widely understood by scholars to be Ben-Hadad II. He was a prominent adversary of Israel during the reigns of Ahab, Jehoram, and Joash, and his campaigns against Israel are well-documented in [1 Kings 20](/1_kings/20 "1 Kings 20 - Ben-Hadad's Wars with Ahab") and [2 Kings 6-8](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha and the Syrians"). His persistent attempts to invade Israel and his frustration with Elisha's prophetic insights are central to this part of the narrative.

**Why was Dothan significant as Elisha's location?**
Answer: Dothan was a strategically important city, located in a fertile valley about ten miles north of Samaria, the capital of Israel. Its location made it a logical place for Elisha to reside and for the Syrian army to target. Furthermore, Dothan holds historical significance in the biblical narrative as the place where Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers ([Genesis 37:17](/genesis/37-17 "Genesis 37:17 - Joseph Sold into Slavery")), adding a layer of dramatic irony and historical resonance to the events unfolding there. The choice of Dothan as the setting emphasizes the tangible reality of the confrontation.

**How did Elisha know the king's secret plans?**
Answer: Elisha knew the Syrian king's secret plans through divine revelation. As a prophet of God, he was supernaturally endowed with the ability to discern information that was hidden from human knowledge. This is explicitly stated by the Syrian king's own servants in the preceding verse, who tell their king, "Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber" ([2 Kings 6:12](/2_kings/6-12 "2 Kings 6:12 - Elisha's Supernatural Knowledge")). This demonstrates God's omniscience and His active involvement in protecting His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Elisha's prophetic insight and divine protection in 2 Kings 6:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Elisha, as a prophet who supernaturally discerned the hidden plans of an earthly king, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Prophet and King, who possesses inherent omniscience. Jesus knew the thoughts and intentions of men without being told ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")), and He saw Nathanael under the fig tree before they met ([John 1:48](/john/1-48 "John 1:48 - Jesus Knew Nathanael")). The Syrian king's futile attempt to thwart God's purposes by capturing Elisha mirrors the world's opposition to Christ, culminating in His crucifixion. Yet, just as God protected Elisha, Christ's apparent defeat on the cross was, in fact, His greatest victory, disarming the spiritual forces of evil and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Jesus, the true Lamb of God, was delivered into the hands of His enemies, but this was according to God's predetermined plan ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")). His resurrection demonstrates that no earthly or spiritual power can ultimately overcome God's chosen one or thwart His redemptive purposes. Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate protector of His church, against whom "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on Christ")). Thus, 2 Kings 6:13, with its emphasis on divine omniscience and protection amidst spiritual conflict, points forward to the supreme knowledge, sovereign power, and ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ over all opposition.

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

Genesis 37:17

And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

John 11:47

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

John 11:53

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Psalms 37:12

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.

Psalms 37:14

The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.

Psalms 10:8

He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.

Psalms 10:10

He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.