2 Kings 6:14

KJV

Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore sent {H7971} he thither horses {H5483}, and chariots {H7393}, and a great {H3515} host {H2428}: and they came {H935} by night {H3915}, and compassed {H5362} the city {H5892} about {H5362}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he sent horses, chariots and a large army there; they came by night and surrounded the city.

Berean Standard Bible

the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city.

American Standard Version

Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The King of Syria, exasperated by the prophet Elisha's divinely-granted foresight which repeatedly foiled his military strategies against Israel, dispatched an overwhelming military contingent of horses, chariots, and a great army to Dothan under the cover of night. This formidable force was sent with the express purpose of surrounding the city and capturing Elisha, thereby eliminating the spiritual advantage Israel held through the prophet's supernatural intelligence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in a thrilling narrative within [2 Kings 6](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles and Deliverance"). The preceding verses establish the escalating tension between the King of Syria (Ben-hadad II) and Israel, whose military campaigns were consistently thwarted. The Syrian king's frustration stemmed from Elisha's supernatural ability to reveal his ambush locations to the King of Israel, even down to the very place where the king would sit in his chamber ([2 Kings 6:10](/2_kings/6-10 "2 Kings 6:10 - Elisha Warns the King of Israel")). Believing there was a traitor within his own ranks, the Syrian king was informed by his servants that it was Elisha, the prophet living in Dothan, who possessed this extraordinary foresight ([2 Kings 6:12](/2_kings/6-12 "2 Kings 6:12 - Elisha Identified as the Source")). Incensed by this spiritual opposition and the frustration of his military efforts, the king decided that capturing Elisha by force was the only way to neutralize this significant threat to his strategic objectives. The narrative then flows directly into the dramatic revelation of God's unseen army protecting Elisha in the subsequent verses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings") take place during the period of the divided monarchy in Israel, marked by frequent conflicts with neighboring Aram (Syria), whose capital was Damascus. Ben-hadad II was a prominent and often aggressive Syrian king. Warfare in this era heavily relied on cavalry (horses) and chariots, which were the elite units of ancient armies, signifying a powerful and well-equipped force. The dispatch of "a great host" for a single individual underscores the perceived strategic importance of Elisha. Dothan, the city where Elisha resided, was a strategic location, likely on a trade route, and its encirclement by night was a common military tactic to achieve surprise and prevent escape, highlighting the Syrian king's determination and the perceived urgency of the mission. Prophets like Elisha held significant influence, often acting as spiritual advisors and protectors of their nations, making their divine insights a critical factor in national security.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Knowledge**, demonstrating God's omniscience as He reveals secrets to His prophet that no human strategy or intelligence could uncover ([2 Kings 6:10](/2_kings/6-10 "2 Kings 6:10 - Elisha's Foreknowledge")). This divine insight rendered even the most powerful human military plans utterly ineffective. Secondly, it underscores the **Scale of Opposition**, where the Syrian king’s decision to send "horses, and chariots, and a great host" signifies the immense perceived threat of Elisha's spiritual power. This deployment emphasizes the intensity of the spiritual battle, where overwhelming physical forces are deployed against a single man of God, setting the stage for the dramatic revelation of God's invisible protection. Finally, the detail that "they came by night, and compassed the city about" emphasizes the Syrian army's attempt at **Strategic Secrecy and Surprise**, aiming to secure Elisha discreetly before he could receive further divine warning or potentially escape, thereby highlighting their desperation and the futility of human cunning against divine wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew, _chayil gadol'_):** The phrase "great host" is a translation of the Hebrew term _chayil gadol_ (חַיִל גָּדוֹל), which literally means "great army" or "mighty force." This term emphasizes not merely the numerical size of the contingent, but also its formidable strength, military capability, and the significant resources committed by the Syrian king. It conveys the idea of an overwhelming and powerful military presence, underscoring the gravity with which the king viewed Elisha's supernatural capabilities and the determination to ensure his capture.
* **Compassed (Hebrew, _sabav'_):** The Hebrew verb _sabav_ (סָבַב) means "to surround," "to encircle," or "to turn about." In this context, it describes the complete encirclement of the city of Dothan by the Syrian forces. This action implies a strategic blockade, effectively trapping Elisha and preventing any possibility of escape or external intervention. It suggests a deliberate siege-like maneuver designed to isolate and apprehend the prophet without fail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the Syrian king's decisive and formidable response. The "therefore" directly links this action to the revelation in [2 Kings 6:12](/2_kings/6-12 "2 Kings 6:12 - Elisha Identified as Israel's Intelligence") that Elisha was the source of Israel's uncanny intelligence. The enumeration of "horses, and chariots, and a great host" is a merism, signifying a complete and overwhelming military contingent, emphasizing the king's determination to crush this spiritual opposition with sheer physical might and resources. It highlights the perceived threat Elisha posed to Syrian military objectives.
* **"and they came by night,"** This phrase underscores the strategic element of surprise and secrecy inherent in the Syrian operation. Coming "by night" was a common tactic in ancient warfare, allowing for an undetected approach, preventing early warning, and maximizing the element of shock and disarray. The aim was to capture Elisha before he could receive further divine warning or potentially escape, revealing the king's desperation and the urgency he attached to the mission.
* **"and compassed the city about."** This final clause describes the tactical execution of the mission. To "compass the city about" means to completely surround or encircle Dothan, effectively cutting off all escape routes and isolating Elisha within the city. This action demonstrates the Syrian army's thoroughness and intent to capture Elisha without fail, leaving no avenue for him to evade their grasp, and setting the stage for the dramatic divine intervention that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. There is a strong element of **Contrast**, pitting the visible, tangible military might of Syria—represented by "horses, and chariots, and a great host"—against the invisible, spiritual power of God manifested through Elisha. This sets up the dramatic revelation in subsequent verses where God's unseen army is shown to be far superior. The description of the "great host" can also be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the Syrian force from a human perspective, thereby magnifying the miraculous deliverance that is about to occur. Furthermore, the entire scenario is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of God's protective hand over Elisha, making the Syrian king's elaborate and formidable efforts ultimately futile. This irony **foreshadows** the divine intervention and the ignominious defeat of the seemingly invincible Syrian army, highlighting the futility of human power when it opposes God's sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of spiritual conflict and divine sovereignty. It illustrates that even the most formidable human power, backed by military might and strategic cunning, is utterly impotent when it stands against the will and knowledge of God. The Syrian king's massive deployment against a single unarmed prophet highlights the spiritual dimension of the conflict—it is not merely a geopolitical struggle but a clash between human will and divine purpose. God's omniscience, revealed through Elisha, consistently frustrates the enemy's plans, demonstrating that true security and victory do not lie in chariots and horses, but in the Lord. This narrative prepares the reader for the subsequent revelation of God's unseen army, emphasizing that God's protection for His people is always greater than any visible threat, no matter how overwhelming it appears.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This narrative offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers facing overwhelming opposition. Just as the Syrian army surrounded the city of Dothan, we may at times feel surrounded by seemingly insurmountable difficulties, hostile forces, or relentless pressures in our lives. These challenges, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can appear as formidable as "horses, and chariots, and a great host," leading to fear and despair. However, this passage calls us to remember that our battles are often not merely against "flesh and blood" but against unseen spiritual forces, and that God's invisible protection is infinitely greater than any visible threat. It challenges us to cultivate a spiritual perspective, trusting in God's unseen power and provision even when human resources seem inadequate or the enemy's strength appears overwhelming. Our security is not in our own might or cleverness, but in the Lord who sees all and controls all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when faced with seemingly overwhelming opposition or challenges in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's unseen power rather than relying solely on visible resources or your own efforts?**
* **How can cultivating spiritual discernment help you identify the true nature of the battles you face, distinguishing between physical and spiritual opposition?**
* **What does this narrative teach us about the futility of human efforts and strategies when they are set against God's sovereign will and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Syrian king send such a large force for one man, Elisha?**

Answer: The Syrian king's decision to dispatch "horses, and chariots, and a great host" for Elisha was not because he was merely "one man," but because he was a prophet of God who possessed divine intelligence that consistently neutralized the king's military strategies. Elisha was perceived as a strategic threat, a spiritual weapon in Israel's arsenal, whose supernatural foresight rendered all of Syria's war plans ineffective ([2 Kings 6:10](/2_kings/6-10 "2 Kings 6:10 - Elisha's Foreknowledge")). The large force reflected the perceived gravity of this spiritual threat and the king's desperation to eliminate it. It was an attempt to ensure capture and to demonstrate the king's resolve, underscoring the immense value he placed on silencing Elisha's prophetic voice ([2 Kings 6:12](/2_kings/6-12 "2 Kings 6:12 - Elisha Identified as the Source")).

**What is the significance of the Syrian army coming "by night" and "compassing the city about"?**

Answer: These details highlight the Syrian king's desire for a surprise, decisive, and overwhelming capture. Coming "by night" allowed the army to approach Dothan undetected, preventing Elisha from receiving an early warning or attempting to escape. It maximized the element of stealth and shock, which were crucial for a successful apprehension. "Compassed the city about" indicates a complete encirclement, effectively cutting off all escape routes and isolating Elisha within the city. This meticulous planning and execution demonstrate the thoroughness and determination of their mission, leaving nothing to chance in their effort to apprehend the prophet. It underscores the king's belief that Elisha's capture was paramount to his military success.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The formidable "horses, and chariots, and a great host" sent against Elisha in [2 Kings 6:14](/2_kings/6-14 "2 Kings 6:14 - Syrian Army Sent to Capture Elisha") powerfully foreshadows the spiritual forces of darkness that arrayed themselves against Christ. Just as Elisha, a single prophet, stood against an overwhelming physical army, Jesus, the Son of God, stood against the combined might of sin, death, and the devil. The Syrian king's desperation to neutralize Elisha's divine insight mirrors Satan's relentless attempts to thwart God's redemptive plan through Christ. Yet, in divine irony, the very "capture" and crucifixion of Jesus, seemingly a victory for the forces of evil, became the means by which He disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Christ, the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily submitted to His apparent defeat, only to rise in glorious victory. This narrative reminds us that our spiritual battles are won not by human strength or overwhelming numbers, but by the unseen power of God manifested through His Son, who assures His followers that no one can snatch them out of His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")).

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

John 18:3

Judas then, having received a band [of men] and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.

John 18:6

As soon then as he had said unto them, I am [he], they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Matthew 26:55

In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

Matthew 26:47

¶ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

1 Samuel 23:26

And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

1 Samuel 24:2

Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.

2 Kings 18:17

¶ And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which [is] in the highway of the fuller's field.