2 Kings 6:18

KJV

And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they came down {H3381} to him, Elisha {H477} prayed {H6419} unto the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, Smite {H5221} this people {H1471}, I pray thee, with blindness {H5575}. And he smote {H5221} them with blindness {H5575} according to the word {H1697} of Elisha {H477}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to ADONAI, "Please strike these people blind"; and he struck them blind, as Elisha had asked.

Berean Standard Bible

As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha.

American Standard Version

And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto Jehovah, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 6:18, as the Aramean forces descend upon Dothan with the intent to capture the prophet Elisha, Elisha boldly prays to the LORD, requesting that the attacking soldiers be struck with blindness. God immediately responds to Elisha's petition, afflicting the Arameans with a disorienting blindness, thereby demonstrating divine protection for His prophet and strategically setting the stage for Elisha to lead the bewildered enemy into the heart of Israelite territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of [2 Kings 6:8-23](/2_kings/6-8-23 "2 Kings 6:8-23 - Elisha Thwarts Aramean Raids and Shows Mercy"), which details a series of divine interventions through Elisha to protect Israel from Aramean aggression. The Aramean king, frustrated by Elisha's prophetic foresight that repeatedly foils his ambush attempts, dispatches a formidable army to Dothan to capture the prophet. The immediate preceding verses, [2 Kings 6:15-17](/2_kings/6-15-17 "2 Kings 6:15-17 - Elisha's Servant's Eyes Opened to God's Protection"), establish the dramatic tension: Elisha's servant is overcome with fear at the sight of the vast enemy host, but Elisha prays for his spiritual eyes to be opened, revealing the unseen, overwhelming divine army of chariots and horses of fire surrounding them. Verse 18 then describes the Arameans "coming down" (likely from the surrounding hills into the valley where Dothan was situated) directly toward Elisha, prompting his strategic prayer for their blindness—an act of incapacitation rather than destruction, designed for a specific tactical outcome.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Elisha's prophetic ministry (circa 9th century BCE) was characterized by frequent military skirmishes and geopolitical tensions between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and its powerful neighbor, Aram (Syria). These conflicts often revolved around border control, trade routes, and regional dominance. Prophets like Elisha were not merely religious figures but held significant national influence, often serving as divine advisors to kings and playing crucial roles in military affairs. Dothan, a strategic city located on a major trade route and atop a prominent hill, was a logical target for military operations. The Aramean king's determination to neutralize Elisha underscores the ancient Near Eastern belief in the potent influence of prophets and their gods in warfare. The concept of divine intervention in battles, whether through miraculous acts or prophetic guidance, was a widely accepted phenomenon, affirming the active involvement of deities in human history.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of [2 Kings 6](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles and God's Protection") powerfully illustrates several profound themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Protection** is paramount, as God actively and immediately intervenes in response to Elisha's prayers, safeguarding His prophet and, by extension, His people. Secondly, there is a striking **Contrast between Physical and Spiritual Sight**. While Elisha's servant's spiritual eyes were opened to perceive the invisible divine army in [2 Kings 6:17](/2_kings/6-17 "2 Kings 6:17 - Elisha's Servant Sees God's Army"), the Aramean soldiers are afflicted with a physical, disorienting blindness in verse 18, rendering them helpless despite their physical presence. This highlights the limitations of human perception compared to divine revelation. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **Prophetic Authority and God's Power** working through His chosen servant, Elisha, who confidently intercedes for miraculous outcomes. Finally, the event showcases **God's Strategic Wisdom and Mercy**, as the blindness is not for annihilation but for tactical advantage, allowing Elisha to lead the enemy into a vulnerable position without bloodshed, echoing the temporary, bewildering blindness seen in [Genesis 19:11](/genesis/19-11 "Genesis 19:11 - The Sodomites Struck with Blindness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This verb (H5221) is a primitive root meaning "to strike" or "to hit," capable of denoting a light tap or a severe blow, literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies a direct, powerful, and immediate divine action, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the affliction. The swiftness of God's response underscores His active presence and omnipotent power in Elisha's ministry, demonstrating that the blindness is not a natural occurrence but a divinely orchestrated intervention.
* **Blindness (Hebrew, _çanvêr'_):** This specific Hebrew term (H5575) is crucial for understanding the nature of the affliction. It does not imply total, permanent physical sightlessness but rather a bewildering, dazzling, or disorienting blindness. It describes an inability to accurately perceive one's surroundings or to discern direction, akin to a mental delusion or a state of confusion. This is the same word used in [Genesis 19:11](/genesis/19-11 "Genesis 19:11 - The Men of Sodom Struck with Blindness") when the men of Sodom were struck with blindness, rendering them unable to find the doorway. This nuance explains how Elisha could subsequently lead the Arameans to Samaria; they were not completely incapacitated but disoriented and unable to recognize their location or true objective.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This multifaceted Hebrew noun (H1697) derives from a root meaning "to speak" and can refer to a word, a matter, a thing, or a decree. In the phrase "according to the word of Elisha," it emphasizes the efficacy and authority of Elisha's prophetic utterance. It highlights that Elisha's prayer was not merely a human request but a divinely inspired petition, aligned with God's will, to which God responded precisely and powerfully. This demonstrates the profound connection and trust between God and His prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they came down to him":** This clause describes the physical approach of the Aramean army. Having descended from their strategic positions, they have now closed in on Elisha, believing their objective—his capture—is imminent. This creates a moment of intense dramatic tension, setting the stage for the miraculous intervention that follows.
* **"Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness.":** Elisha's prayer is characterized by its directness, confidence, and specificity. It reflects his intimate relationship with God and his profound understanding of divine power. Crucially, he does not pray for their destruction but for a strategic incapacitation. This demonstrates Elisha's role as God's instrument, acting with divine authority and wisdom, seeking a non-lethal solution that will ultimately serve God's purpose of protecting His people and demonstrating His sovereignty.
* **"And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.":** This concluding clause highlights the immediate and direct response of God to Elisha's prayer. The "he" unequivocally refers to the LORD, confirming that the blindness is a supernatural act of God. The phrase "according to the word of Elisha" underscores the efficacy and divine authority of Elisha's prophetic intercession, signifying God's faithfulness to His servant's divinely inspired request and demonstrating the power inherent in a prophet's word.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its theological message. **Irony** is profoundly evident, as the Aramean army, dispatched with overwhelming force to capture Elisha, becomes utterly dependent on him, being led by the very man they sought to apprehend. Their physical sight, which they relied upon for military strategy and execution, is rendered useless, making them vulnerable to Elisha's guidance. This creates a powerful and almost humorous reversal of roles. Furthermore, there is a striking **Contrast** between the spiritual sight granted to Elisha's servant in the preceding verse and the physical blindness inflicted upon the Arameans here. One sees the invisible divine protection, while the others are unable to see their tangible surroundings, emphasizing the superiority of spiritual discernment over mere physical perception. Finally, the entire episode is a vivid demonstration of **Divine Intervention**, showcasing God's active and immediate involvement in human affairs to protect His chosen ones and execute His strategic purposes, often in unexpected and miraculous ways that defy human logic.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of 2 Kings 6:18 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign protection over His people and His ability to use unconventional means to achieve His purposes. It underscores the efficacy of prayer and the unique authority granted to God's prophets as His instruments. The spiritual lesson extends beyond physical sight, inviting profound reflection on spiritual blindness—the inability to perceive God's truth, His active hand in the world, or His ultimate plan. Just as the Arameans were physically disoriented and unable to discern their surroundings, humanity can be spiritually disoriented by sin and worldly perspectives, unable to discern divine reality without God's gracious intervention. This passage serves as a potent reminder that God’s methods are not limited by human logic or military might; His wisdom and power far transcend earthly capabilities, often achieving His will through means that surprise and humble human pride.

* [Genesis 19:11](/genesis/19-11 "Genesis 19:11 - The Men of Sodom Struck with Blindness")
* [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Spiritual Blindness and Hardness of Heart")
* [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Parables and Spiritual Blindness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Elisha and the Aramean army in 2 Kings 6:18 invites profound reflection on our own lives and how we respond to perceived threats and overwhelming challenges. It challenges us to consider where we place our ultimate trust when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. Do we, like Elisha's servant initially, succumb to fear and despair when we see only the physical dangers, or do we, through faith, perceive the unseen spiritual realities of God's active protection and provision? This passage stands as a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer, demonstrating unequivocally that God hears and responds, often with miraculous interventions that defy natural explanation and human expectation. It encourages us to pray boldly, specifically, and with unwavering confidence, trusting in God's power to act on our behalf. Furthermore, the temporary, disorienting blindness of the Arameans serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual blindness in our own lives and in the world around us. In a world often disoriented by sin, false ideologies, and worldly perspectives, we are called to pray earnestly for spiritual clarity—for ourselves and for others—that our eyes might be opened to God's truth, His purposes, and His ever-present help and guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel surrounded by overwhelming "armies" or challenges, and how does this passage encourage you to trust in God's unseen protection?**
* **How does Elisha's confident, specific, and strategic prayer challenge or inspire your own prayer life and your approach to difficult situations?**
* **Can you identify instances in your own life where God has used unconventional, unexpected, or seemingly counter-intuitive means to resolve a problem or achieve His purposes?**
* **In what ways might you be spiritually "blind" to God's truth, His active work, or His presence around you, and how can you pray for greater spiritual discernment and clarity?**

### FAQ
**What kind of blindness was inflicted upon the Arameans, and how did it allow Elisha to lead them?**

Answer: The Hebrew word used for "blindness" is _çanvêr_ (סַנְוֵר), which implies a bewildering, dazzling, or disorienting blindness rather than total, permanent physical sightlessness. It's the same term used in [Genesis 19:11](/genesis/19-11 "Genesis 19:11 - The Sodomites Struck with Blindness") when the men of Sodom were unable to find Lot's door. This specific nuance suggests that the Arameans were disoriented, unable to recognize their surroundings or discern their true location, but not completely incapacitated or helpless. This allowed Elisha to lead them away from Dothan and into Samaria, the capital of Israel, where their sight was subsequently restored, and they were shown remarkable mercy.

**Why didn't God simply destroy the Aramean army instead of blinding them?**

Answer: This incident powerfully highlights God's strategic wisdom and His willingness to use non-lethal means to achieve His purposes, rather than immediate destruction. In a context where outright annihilation of an enemy army would have been a common outcome in ancient warfare, God chose a method that demonstrated His overwhelming power and Elisha's divine authority while also offering an opportunity for mercy and a profound lesson. By leading them into Samaria and then commanding the king of Israel to feed them and send them home, Elisha, under God's direction, broke the typical cycle of immediate violence and demonstrated a different kind of divine intervention—one that aimed to deter further aggression through a display of overwhelming, yet restrained, power and an act of unexpected kindness. This act of mercy also had a practical and lasting effect, as [2 Kings 6:23](/2_kings/6-23 "2 Kings 6:23 - The Arameans Cease Raiding") states that "the Aramean raiders came no more into the land of Israel."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 2 Kings 6:18, with Elisha's prayer for blindness and God's immediate, strategic response, powerfully foreshadows profound aspects of Christ's ministry and ultimate triumph. While Elisha temporarily blinds physical enemies to achieve a tactical advantage and demonstrate God's protection, Jesus came to address a far deeper, spiritual blindness, opening the eyes of those who were spiritually lost, enslaved by sin, and without hope. Just as the Arameans were disoriented and led by Elisha from their hostile intent to a place of unexpected mercy, so too is humanity, blinded by sin and the deceptive influence of "the god of this world" ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The god of this world blinds unbelievers")), led by Christ from the dominion of darkness into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from darkness into light")). Jesus Himself declared His mission to give sight to the blind, encompassing both physical healing and, more profoundly, spiritual illumination ([John 9:39](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus came to give sight to the blind")). Moreover, Elisha's protection by unseen chariots of fire and his strategic, non-lethal victory over a physical army point to Christ's ultimate victory over spiritual enemies—Satan, sin, and death—achieved not through physical force or temporal warfare, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, thereby "disarming the rulers and authorities" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities")). Thus, the temporary blindness and subsequent mercy extended in 2 Kings 6:18 serve as a powerful Old Testament echo of the greater spiritual liberation and divine compassion found supremely in Jesus Christ, who truly opens the eyes of the blind and leads His people into eternal salvation and reconciliation with God.

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

Acts 13:11

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

John 12:40

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

Genesis 19:11

And they smote the men that [were] at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

John 9:39

¶ And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

Zechariah 12:4

In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

Romans 11:7

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Job 5:14

They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night.