2 Kings 6:19

KJV

And Elisha said unto them, This [is] not the way, neither [is] this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elisha {H477} said {H559} unto them, This is not the way {H1870}, neither is this {H2090} the city {H5892}: follow {H3212}{H310} me, and I will bring {H3212} you to the man {H376} whom ye seek {H1245}. But he led {H3212} them to Samaria {H8111}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next, Elisha told them, "You've lost your way, and this isn't even the right city. Follow me, and I'll take you to the man you're looking for." Then he led them to Shomron.

Berean Standard Bible

And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria.

American Standard Version

And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. And he led them to Samaria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 6:19, the prophet Elisha masterfully employs divine wisdom and strategic misdirection to neutralize a large Syrian army sent to capture him. Capitalizing on a supernatural disorientation that God had inflicted upon them, Elisha approaches his would-be captors and, rather than revealing his identity or fleeing, deceptively offers to lead them to the man they seek. This audacious move culminates in Elisha guiding the entire bewildered force not to Dothan, where he was, but directly into the heart of Samaria, the capital city of Israel and the very seat of their enemy's power, setting the stage for a remarkable display of God's protection and unexpected mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within a larger narrative showcasing Elisha's prophetic ministry and God's miraculous intervention on behalf of Israel. Immediately preceding 2 Kings 6:19, the King of Aram (Syria) is frustrated by Elisha's supernatural ability to reveal his secret battle plans to the King of Israel, thus thwarting Syrian attacks ([2 Kings 6:8-12](/2_kings/6-8 "2 Kings 6:8-12 - Elisha Reveals Syrian Plans")). Determined to eliminate this obstacle, the Syrian king dispatches a formidable army to Dothan, where Elisha is residing ([2 Kings 6:13-14](/2_kings/6-13 "2 Kings 6:13-14 - Syrian Army Sent to Dothan")). The narrative builds suspense as Elisha's servant, overwhelmed by the sight of the Syrian forces, is reassured by Elisha, who prays for his servant's eyes to be opened to see the unseen heavenly host surrounding them ([2 Kings 6:15-17](/2_kings/6-15 "2 Kings 6:15-17 - Elisha's Servant Sees Heavenly Host")). Following this, Elisha prays for the Syrian army to be struck with "blindness" or disorientation, which God grants ([2 Kings 6:18](/2_kings/6-18 "2 Kings 6:18 - Elisha Prays for Blindness")). It is in this state of divinely induced confusion that Elisha steps out to meet them, setting the stage for the strategic deception of verse 19 and the subsequent astonishing events in Samaria ([2 Kings 6:20-23](/2_kings/6-20 "2 Kings 6:20-23 - The Syrians in Samaria")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Kingdom saw frequent conflicts between Israel and its northern neighbor, Aram (Syria). These were often border skirmishes or attempts by Aram to assert dominance. Prophets like Elisha played a crucial role, not just as spiritual guides, but often as national figures whose counsel and miraculous interventions directly impacted political and military outcomes. The Syrian army's mission to capture a single prophet highlights the significant influence Elisha wielded. Samaria, as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was a heavily fortified city and the seat of royal power. Leading an enemy army into its very heart, unarmed and disoriented, was an unprecedented and highly dangerous maneuver, underscoring the extraordinary nature of Elisha's actions and divine protection. The customary treatment of captured enemies in this era often involved enslavement or execution, making the subsequent merciful treatment of the Syrian army in Samaria even more remarkable and counter-cultural.

* **Key Themes:** This passage richly contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of 2 Kings and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the **sovereignty and protective power of God** over His chosen servants and His people. Elisha's safety is not due to his own strength but entirely to divine intervention, demonstrating that "those who are with us are more than those who are with them" ([2 Kings 6:16](/2_kings/6-16 "2 Kings 6:16 - More Are With Us")). Another prominent theme is **divine wisdom and unconventional strategy**. Elisha does not confront the army with force but with cunning, guided by God, illustrating that God's ways are often higher and more effective than human strategies ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts Are Higher")). The narrative also highlights the theme of **deception for a higher, redemptive purpose**. While Elisha's words are literally untrue, they serve a divine end: to disarm the enemy without bloodshed and to showcase God's power and mercy, rather than to cause harm or gain selfish advantage. Finally, the subsequent events in Samaria introduce the theme of **mercy towards enemies**, foreshadowing principles of compassion and reconciliation that are central to biblical ethics ([Proverbs 25:21-22](/proverbs/25-21 "Proverbs 25:21-22 - Feed Your Enemy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Way" (Hebrew, _derekh'_):** This word literally means "road," "path," or "journey," but can also refer to a "course of life" or "manner of conduct." Here, it signifies the correct route to their intended destination (Dothan) and, by extension, the proper method or approach to achieve their objective of capturing Elisha. Elisha's statement, "This is not the way," is a direct contradiction of their current, divinely confused perception of their location and mission.
* **"City" (Hebrew, _'ir'_):** Refers to a fortified settlement or town. For the Syrian army, the "city" they sought was Dothan, where Elisha was. Elisha's declaration, "neither is this the city," reinforces their disorientation, making them believe they are far from their target, when in reality, they are already within the general vicinity (Dothan was a small town, not a major city, but it was the place where Elisha was). The irony is that he then leads them to *the* city, Samaria, which is indeed a city, but not the one they intended.
* **"Samaria" (Hebrew, _Shomron'_):** This was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a highly strategic and symbolic location. It was the seat of the Israelite monarchy and a well-defended stronghold. Elisha leading the Syrian army to Samaria signifies the complete reversal of power and the ultimate demonstration of God's control, bringing the enemy into the very heart of their adversary's territory, completely at the mercy of the Israelite king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elisha said unto them, This [is] not the way, neither [is] this the city:"** Elisha, having prayed for and witnessed the Syrian army's supernatural disorientation (Hebrew: *sanwerim* – a bewildering confusion or blinding), boldly steps into their midst. His opening statement is a strategic misdirection. He leverages their divinely induced confusion, confirming their inability to discern their true location or Elisha's identity. This is not a malicious lie, but a tactical maneuver under divine guidance, designed to disarm and redirect the enemy without physical confrontation.
* **"follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek."** This clause is the essence of Elisha's cunning. He presents himself as an ally, someone who can facilitate their mission. The Syrians, desperate and disoriented, readily accept this offer, unaware that the "man whom ye seek" is the very person speaking to them. This demonstrates their complete vulnerability and trust in Elisha, a trust born out of their supernatural confusion.
* **"But he led them to Samaria."** This final phrase reveals the astonishing culmination of Elisha's plan. Instead of leading them to Dothan, or simply away from himself, Elisha leads the entire bewildered army directly into Samaria, the capital of Israel. This act is the ultimate display of God's power and Elisha's divinely inspired strategy, turning the hunters into the hunted and placing them completely at the mercy of the Israelite king. The "but" highlights the dramatic and ironic twist in the narrative.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 2 Kings 6:19 is rich with **Irony**, particularly **Dramatic Irony** and **Situational Irony**. The audience is aware that Elisha is the man the Syrians seek, and that he is leading them into a trap, while the Syrian army remains oblivious. This creates suspense and highlights their profound disorientation. **Deception** or **Misdirection** is the primary technique employed by Elisha, which, in this context, serves a higher, divine purpose rather than a malevolent one. It is a strategic maneuver, not a moral failing, used to achieve a non-violent resolution. Furthermore, the entire episode is framed by **Divine Intervention**, as God directly causes the "blindness" and enables Elisha's audacious plan. This emphasizes God's sovereignty over human affairs and His ability to protect His servants through unconventional means. The narrative also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Elisha's leading the enemy into a vulnerable position, followed by an act of mercy, anticipates the principle of "feeding your enemy" that is explicitly stated in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account in 2 Kings 6:19 powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His protective care for His servants and His sovereign control over nations. Elisha's unconventional strategy, though appearing as deception, is divinely sanctioned and serves a righteous purpose: to disarm the enemy without bloodshed and showcase God's power and mercy. This challenges human notions of warfare and conflict resolution, suggesting that God's wisdom often operates outside conventional methods. It underscores that God can use unexpected means to deliver His people and even to extend grace to their adversaries, ultimately aiming for a cessation of hostilities and a demonstration of His character.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Against the Lord")
* [Romans 12:20](/romans/12-20 "Romans 12:20 - If Your Enemy Is Hungry, Feed Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Elisha and the Syrian army in 2 Kings 6:19 offers profound lessons for believers today, encouraging a deeper trust in God's unconventional wisdom and His unfailing protection. In moments of overwhelming opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges, we are called to remember that God's resources and strategies far exceed our own. Elisha's calm and strategic response, rooted in prayer and divine guidance, teaches us that the most effective way to address conflict is not always through direct confrontation, but often through seeking God's wisdom for a path that may seem counterintuitive to human logic. This passage also challenges us to consider our response to those who oppose us. While Elisha's initial act is a strategic maneuver, the subsequent mercy shown to the Syrian army in Samaria serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of grace and kindness, even towards our adversaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elisha's unconventional strategy challenge our typical approaches to conflict or problems in our own lives?**
* **In what ways might God be calling us to trust His protection and guidance, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or His methods seem illogical?**
* **Considering the mercy shown to the Syrian army, how can we apply the principle of showing kindness and grace to those who oppose us, even when we have an advantage?**

### FAQ

**Was Elisha's statement ("This is not the way, neither is this the city") a lie, and is it morally justifiable?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "blindness" in [2 Kings 6:18](/2_kings/6-18 "2 Kings 6:18 - Elisha Prays for Blindness") is *sanwerim*, which implies a state of confusion, disorientation, or a spiritual/mental inability to recognize, rather than complete physical sightlessness. The Syrian soldiers were not entirely blind, but they were supernaturally disoriented, unable to recognize Elisha or their true location. Elisha's statement was a strategic misdirection that capitalized on this divine confusion. From a theological perspective, this act is often understood as a divinely sanctioned ruse, a form of "warfare deception" or "cunning" employed for a higher, righteous purpose. It was not intended to cause harm or gain selfish advantage, but to disarm the enemy without bloodshed, demonstrate God's power, and ultimately lead to an act of mercy. It aligns with God's sovereign plan to protect His prophet and to show His power to the nations, rather than being a malicious falsehood.

**What kind of "blindness" did the Syrian army experience?**

Answer: The "blindness" mentioned in [2 Kings 6:18](/2_kings/6-18 "2 Kings 6:18 - Elisha Prays for Blindness") is not necessarily a complete physical loss of sight, but rather a profound disorientation or inability to recognize their surroundings and, crucially, Elisha himself. The Hebrew term *sanwerim* (סַנְוֵרִים) is rare, appearing elsewhere only in [Genesis 19:11](/genesis/19-11 "Genesis 19:11 - Men of Sodom Struck with Blindness") when the men of Sodom were struck with confusion and could not find the door to Lot's house. This suggests a state where one can see, but is utterly bewildered and unable to process visual information correctly or discern what is truly before them. Elisha's ability to walk among them and lead them indicates they could still follow, but their perception was so skewed that they could not identify him as their target or realize they were being led into enemy territory. It was a supernatural confusion that perfectly served God's strategic purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The account of Elisha leading the disoriented Syrian army to Samaria serves as a powerful Old Testament type, foreshadowing aspects of Christ's greater work of salvation and His ultimate victory over spiritual enemies. Elisha, as a prophet empowered by God, demonstrates divine wisdom, sovereignty, and unexpected mercy. Similarly, Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, confronts the forces of evil not with conventional warfare, but with divine strategy and sacrificial love. Just as Elisha led a physically disoriented army into a vulnerable position only to show them mercy, Christ, through His death and resurrection, disarmed the spiritual principalities and powers, leading them captive and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Powers and Authorities")). The "blindness" of the Syrian army can also be seen as a parallel to the spiritual blindness that afflicts humanity due to sin ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The God of This World Has Blinded the Minds")). Yet, Christ, like Elisha, does not destroy those who are spiritually blind, but seeks to lead them to the true "city" of God's kingdom. His call to "love your enemies" ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")) is the ultimate fulfillment of the mercy shown to the Syrian army, revealing God's desire for reconciliation and redemption even for those who oppose Him. The entire episode points to Jesus as the one who ultimately conquers through surprising means, offering grace where judgment might be expected, and leading His people to ultimate victory and peace.

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

Matthew 16:24

¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

2 Samuel 16:18

And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

2 Samuel 16:19

And again, whom should I serve? [should I] not [serve] in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.

Mark 8:34

And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Luke 24:16

But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

Luke 9:23

And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.