2 Kings 6:16

KJV

And he answered, Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he answered {H559}, Fear {H3372} not: for they that be with us are more {H7227} than they that be with them.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "Don't be afraid - those who are with us outnumber those who are with them!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

American Standard Version

And he answered, Fear not; for they that are with us are more than they that are with them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 6:16 captures Elisha's profound declaration of faith and spiritual insight in the face of overwhelming physical threat. When his servant, terrified by the sight of a Syrian army surrounding their city, saw only imminent destruction, Elisha, with divinely opened eyes, perceived the infinitely greater, unseen angelic host of God providing protection. This verse encapsulates the foundational truth that God's presence and power, though often imperceptible to the natural eye, are immeasurably superior to any earthly opposition, providing an unshakeable basis for courage amidst fear.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is strategically placed within a series of miraculous interventions by Elisha, vividly demonstrating God's active and sovereign involvement in Israel's affairs during a period of intense conflict with Aram (Syria). Immediately preceding this verse, the King of Aram, frustrated by Elisha's supernatural ability to reveal his secret battle plans, dispatches a formidable army to Dothan to capture the prophet. The narrative in [2 Kings 6:13-14](/2_kings/6-13-14 "2 Kings 6:13-14 - The Syrian Army Surrounds Dothan") sets the scene for the servant's terror, as he wakes to the terrifying sight of the city encircled by horses and chariots, leading to his despairing cry in [2 Kings 6:15](/2_kings/6-15 "2 Kings 6:15 - The Servant's Cry of Despair"). Elisha's calm, faith-filled response in verse 16 directly addresses this panic, serving as the crucial pivot point before the dramatic opening of the servant's eyes in [2 Kings 6:17](/2_kings/6-17 "2 Kings 6:17 - The Servant's Eyes Opened to Heavenly Armies") to behold the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire, a vivid manifestation of the unseen forces Elisha spoke of. The subsequent narrative, detailing God's miraculous blinding of the Syrian army and their subsequent leading into Samaria, further underscores the theme of divine protection and Elisha's prophetic authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this narrative is the turbulent period of the Divided Kingdom, marked by frequent skirmishes and full-scale wars between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and its powerful northern neighbor, Aram (Syria). Dothan, the location of this event, was a strategically significant town situated on a major trade route in the Jezreel Valley, making it a logical target for military operations. During this era, prophets like Elisha held immense spiritual and often national influence, serving not only as spiritual guides but also as key advisors to kings, frequently impacting matters of war and peace. Their spiritual insights were considered vital for national security, as evidenced by the Aramean king's determination to neutralize Elisha. Culturally, the belief in unseen spiritual forces, including angelic armies and divine chariots, was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern cosmology and biblical theology, providing a framework for understanding divine intervention that transcended human capabilities and military might.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully articulated in this passage is **Divine Protection**, emphasizing that God's safeguarding of His people is absolute and infinitely superior to any human or demonic opposition. This narrative vividly illustrates the profound **Contrast Between Physical and Spiritual Sight**; the servant's overwhelming fear stemmed from his limited, physical perception of the visible threat, while Elisha's unwavering peace was rooted in his spiritual discernment of God's unseen, yet profoundly real, protective reality. This highlights the critical importance of faith that transcends sensory evidence. The concept of **God's Unseen Army** is dramatically introduced, revealing the tangible reality of angelic hosts or heavenly chariots that serve God's purposes, a theme echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Psalm 68:17](/psalm/68-17 "Psalm 68:17 - God's Chariots are Myriads") and [Psalm 34:7](/psalm/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps"). Ultimately, the verse underscores the triumph of **Faith Over Fear**, as Elisha's unwavering trust in God's active presence and overwhelming power provides a direct antidote to his servant's panic, urging believers to "fear not" even in the direst circumstances, for God is always "with us," as promised in [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Assurance of Help") and [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies not only a physical dread or terror, as experienced by the servant, but also a moral reverence or awe. In Elisha's imperative "Fear not," it functions as a direct command to cease the panic born of a limited perspective. It is a divine antidote to human anxiety, grounded in the assurance of God's active presence and protective power, urging a shift from a fear of circumstances to a reverential trust in God.
* **More (Hebrew, _rab'_):** This word carries a rich semantic range, denoting "abundant," "numerous," "great," or "mighty." Elisha's declaration is not merely about numerical superiority, but about a qualitative difference in power, effectiveness, and might. The forces "with us" are not just quantitatively greater, but infinitely more powerful, effective, and decisive than the forces "with them," emphasizing the overwhelming, qualitative advantage of God's divine host over any earthly army.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he answered, Fear not:"**: Elisha's response is immediate, calm, and authoritative, directly confronting the servant's panicked cry of "Alas, my master! how shall we do?" This opening phrase establishes Elisha's spiritual composure and unwavering faith in the face of a seemingly insurmountable physical threat, setting the tone for the profound spiritual truth that follows. It is a command rooted in divine revelation, not human optimism.
* **"for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them."**: This is the core declaration of the verse, revealing the unseen spiritual reality that undergirds Elisha's confidence. "They that be with us" refers to the angelic armies of God, the heavenly hosts, while "they that be with them" refers to the visible Syrian forces. The statement asserts not just a numerical advantage, but a qualitative and decisive superiority of divine power over human might. It is a declaration of God's active, overwhelming, and protective presence on behalf of His people, even when such presence is imperceptible to the natural eye.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device. There is a stark and dramatic contrast between the servant's limited physical perception of the overwhelming Syrian army and Elisha's spiritual perception of God's even greater, invisible host. This highlights the inherent tension between human fear based on visible, immediate circumstances and divine faith rooted in unseen, eternal realities. **Irony** is also present, as the seemingly powerful and numerically superior Syrian army is, in fact, utterly outnumbered and outmatched by the unseen, infinitely more potent forces of God. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as Elisha's confident declaration in verse 16 directly prepares the reader for the miraculous opening of the servant's eyes in the very next verse ([2 Kings 6:17](/2_kings/6-17 "2 Kings 6:17 - The Vision of Heavenly Chariots")), where the mountain is revealed to be full of horses and chariots of fire, visually confirming Elisha's statement. This dramatic revelation serves as a **Theophany** or a manifestation of God's protective power, making the invisible visible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the reality of God's invisible kingdom and His active, sovereign involvement in the affairs of humanity. It reveals that the spiritual realm is not merely theoretical but intensely real and impactful, often determining the outcome of earthly struggles. God's people are never truly alone or outnumbered, for the Lord of Hosts (Yahweh Sebaoth) commands innumerable angelic armies dedicated to His purposes and the protection of His saints. This truth underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to those who trust in Him, reminding us that the ultimate battle is spiritual, and God's resources are limitless. It calls believers to cultivate a spiritual vision that transcends immediate circumstances, trusting in the unseen realities of God's protective presence.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalm/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Psalm 91:11-12](/psalm/91-11-12 "Psalm 91:11-12 - Angels Guarding")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often dominated by visible threats, overwhelming challenges, and the palpable weight of fear, 2 Kings 6:16 serves as an enduring beacon of hope and a profound call to spiritual discernment. Like Elisha's servant, we frequently find ourselves fixated on the "Syrian army" of our lives—be it financial distress, health crises, relational conflicts, spiritual attacks, or global uncertainties—which can easily lead to despair and panic. This verse powerfully reminds us that our physical perception is inherently limited and that a greater, unseen reality of divine protection and limitless power surrounds us. It challenges us to pray, as Elisha did, for our spiritual eyes to be opened, enabling us to perceive God's active presence, His mighty angelic hosts, and His sovereign control over every circumstance. When we truly grasp that "they that be with us are more" – not just numerically, but qualitatively in power and authority – our fear gives way to faith, our anxiety to peace, and our despair to confident expectation in God's ultimate victory. This perspective transforms our approach to adversity, moving us from a posture of defensiveness and panic to one of confident reliance on the Lord of Hosts, knowing that the spiritual forces aligned with us are incomparably superior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Syrian armies" (overwhelming challenges or fears) am I currently facing that are causing me anxiety or despair?**
* **How does my natural, physical sight limit my perspective on these challenges, and what unseen realities might I be overlooking?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to pray for my "spiritual eyes" to be opened to God's unseen presence and power in my current situation?**
* **How can the truth that "they that be with us are more" transform my daily response to adversity and cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What was the servant's initial reaction to the Syrian army, and why was Elisha so calm?**

Answer: The servant's initial reaction was one of profound terror and despair, as evidenced by his cry in [2 Kings 6:15](/2_kings/6-15 "2 Kings 6:15 - The Servant's Cry of Despair"), "Alas, my master! how shall we do?" He saw only the overwhelming physical threat of the Syrian army surrounding them, a sight that naturally evoked fear. Elisha, however, remained perfectly calm because his perception was not limited to the physical realm. He possessed spiritual insight, seeing the far greater, unseen angelic forces of God that were actively protecting them. His calm stemmed from an unwavering faith in God's superior power and omnipresent protection, a reality hidden from the servant's natural eyes.

**Who are "they that be with us" that Elisha refers to?**

Answer: "They that be with us" refers to the unseen, divine forces of God, specifically His vast angelic hosts and heavenly chariots. This is vividly confirmed in the very next verse, [2 Kings 6:17](/2_kings/6-17 "2 Kings 6:17 - The Vision of Heavenly Chariots"), where Elisha prays for the servant's eyes to be opened, and he sees the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha. These are the spiritual armies of God, ministering spirits dispatched to protect and deliver God's people, demonstrating that God's resources and power far exceed any earthly opposition, no matter how formidable it appears.

**Does this verse promise physical immunity or protection from all harm for believers?**

Answer: While this verse powerfully illustrates God's protective power and the reality of unseen spiritual forces, it does not promise absolute physical immunity from all harm or suffering for believers in every circumstance. Throughout Scripture, faithful individuals sometimes faced persecution, suffering, and even death, as seen in the lives of prophets, apostles, and martyrs. Instead, the primary promise is one of spiritual protection, God's enduring presence, and ultimate victory over the forces of evil. It assures believers that no earthly or spiritual foe can ultimately thwart God's eternal purposes or separate His people from His unfailing love and care, as articulated in [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love"). It's a promise that in every battle, God's side is the winning side, and His resources are always greater than the enemy's, ensuring ultimate triumph for those who trust in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elisha's declaration in [2 Kings 6:16](/2_kings/6-16 "2 Kings 6:16 - Elisha's Declaration of Faith") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Elisha revealed the unseen angelic armies, Christ Himself is the Lord of Hosts, the supreme Commander of these heavenly forces. When facing His own betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus calmly declared that He could call upon "more than twelve legions of angels" if He wished ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels")), demonstrating His inherent authority over the very armies Elisha spoke of. More profoundly, Christ's victory on the cross disarmed and triumphed over all unseen spiritual powers and authorities that oppose God ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true "one with us" (Emmanuel, [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")), whose very presence guarantees that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" ([Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")). Through His resurrection, Christ conquered sin, death, and the grave, ensuring that the ultimate "they that be with us" is the resurrected Lord Himself, who promises to be "with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the spiritual reality Elisha unveiled is fully realized and eternally secured in Christ, who empowers believers to live in courage, knowing that the decisive victory over all opposing forces is already won through Him.

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

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

1 John 4:4

¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

2 Chronicles 32:7

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him: for [there be] more with us than with him:

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Acts 18:9

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: