2 Kings 6:20

KJV

And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these [men], that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, [they were] in the midst of Samaria.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when they were come {H935} into Samaria {H8111}, that Elisha {H477} said {H559}, LORD {H3068}, open {H6491} the eyes {H5869} of these men, that they may see {H7200}. And the LORD {H3068} opened {H6491} their eyes {H5869}, and they saw {H7200}; and, behold, they were in the midst {H8432} of Samaria {H8111}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On their arrival in Shomron, Elisha said, "ADONAI, open the eyes of these men, so that they can see." ADONAI opened their eyes, and they saw: there they were, in the middle of Shomron.

Berean Standard Bible

When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open the eyes of these men that they may see.” Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered that they were in Samaria.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Jehovah, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And Jehovah opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[2 Kings 6:20](/2_kings/6-20) marks the dramatic climax of Elisha's ingenious strategy against the Aramean army, showcasing God's profound sovereignty over human perception and military outcomes. After leading the divinely blinded enemy forces from Dothan into the heart of Samaria, the capital of Israel, Elisha prays for their eyes to be opened. The verse captures the astonishing moment of revelation when the Aramean soldiers regain their sight, only to discover their utterly vulnerable position deep within enemy territory, a testament to the LORD's miraculous intervention and protection of His prophet and people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the pivotal moment in a captivating narrative found in [2 Kings 6:8-23](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles and the Aramean Army"). The preceding verses describe the Aramean king's frustration with Elisha, who supernaturally reveals his military plans to the king of Israel. In response, the Aramean king sends a large army to Dothan to capture Elisha. At Dothan, Elisha's servant is terrified by the overwhelming enemy presence until Elisha prays for his eyes to be opened, revealing a mountain full of [chariots and horses of fire](/2_kings/6-17 "2 Kings 6:17 - The Chariots of Fire") surrounding them, a visible manifestation of divine protection. Immediately following this, Elisha prays for the Aramean army to be struck with blindness, which they are ([2 Kings 6:18](/2_kings/6-18 "2 Kings 6:18 - The Aramean Army Struck with Blindness")). Under this supernatural delusion, Elisha then acts as their guide, leading them not back to Aram, but directly into the fortified Israelite capital of Samaria, setting the stage for the dramatic revelation in verse 20.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during a period of frequent conflict between the kingdom of Israel (specifically under King Jehoram, son of Ahab, though the text doesn't name him directly in this episode, his reign is the backdrop for much of Elisha's ministry) and the kingdom of Aram (Syria), often led by King Ben-Hadad II. Samaria was the heavily fortified capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, making it a strategic and symbolic target for enemy forces. To find themselves inside Samaria, unawares, would have been a profound humiliation and a dire predicament for the Aramean army. The cultural understanding of divine intervention in warfare was strong; both sides would have attributed success or failure to their respective deities. Elisha's actions here are not merely strategic but profoundly theological, demonstrating the LORD's active involvement in the geopolitics of the region and His unique power over perception.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in this passage and the broader book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") include the **sovereignty of God** over nations and natural phenomena, particularly His ability to manipulate human sight and perception for His purposes. This episode powerfully illustrates the **contrast between physical and spiritual sight**, as seen in the opening of Elisha's servant's eyes to unseen divine armies ([2 Kings 6:17](/2_kings/6-17 "2 Kings 6:17 - Elisha's Servant Sees the Divine Army")) and the Arameans' physical blindness that masks their true spiritual and physical vulnerability. It also highlights **God's protection of His prophet and people**, demonstrating that His chosen instruments are invincible when acting under divine commission. Furthermore, Elisha's unconventional strategy, leading the enemy into the city rather than destroying them immediately, introduces the theme of **divine wisdom and unexpected mercy**, which culminates in the command to feed the enemy in [2 Kings 6:22](/2_kings/6-22 "2 Kings 6:22 - Elisha's Command to Feed the Arameans"), challenging conventional warfare ethics.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Open the eyes (Hebrew, _paqach 'ayin'_):** This phrase is crucial. While literally referring to the restoration of physical sight, it frequently carries a deeper, spiritual connotation in biblical texts, implying understanding, revelation, or an awakening to a truth previously hidden. In this context, it functions on both levels: the Arameans' physical vision is restored, but more significantly, they are suddenly awakened to the terrifying reality of their location and predicament. This dual meaning underscores the miraculous nature of God's intervention, not just in their physical state but in their complete situational awareness.
* **Samaria (Hebrew, _Shomron'_):** As the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, Samaria was a symbol of Israelite power and a prime military objective for its enemies. To be "in the midst of Samaria" meant to be deep within enemy territory, surrounded, and utterly defenseless. The shock of this realization upon regaining sight would have been immense, transforming their perceived position as captors into that of captives. The name itself evokes the heart of Israel, making their sudden appearance there profoundly ironic and strategically devastating for them.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):** The use of the divine name YHWH (rendered "LORD" in English translations) emphasizes that this is not merely a trick by Elisha or a natural phenomenon, but a direct, powerful act of the covenant God of Israel. It highlights His absolute sovereignty over creation, including human senses, and His active involvement in the protection of His people. Elisha's prayer is directed to the true source of power, and the immediate, effective response confirms YHWH's omnipotence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria":** This clause sets the scene, marking the successful completion of Elisha's audacious plan. The Aramean army, previously blinded and led by Elisha, has now reached their destination—the very heart of the capital city they sought to conquer. The tension is palpable as the reader anticipates the moment of revelation.
* **"that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these [men], that they may see":** Elisha's prayer is direct and specific, addressed to YHWH. It is a request for the reversal of the miraculous blindness he had previously invoked. The repetition of "open the eyes... that they may see" emphasizes the deliberate nature of the divine action and the intended outcome: not just physical sight, but a full comprehension of their dire circumstances. This highlights Elisha's role as a mediator of God's will.
* **"And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw":** This is the immediate and powerful divine response. The text succinctly states the miracle: the LORD Himself acts, and the blindness is instantly removed. The simplicity of the statement underscores the effortless nature of God's power. It is a direct, undeniable intervention, confirming Elisha's authority as a prophet of YHWH.
* **"and, behold, [they were] in the midst of Samaria":** This is the climactic moment of realization and dramatic irony. The exclamation "behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) emphasizes the sudden, shocking discovery. The Aramean soldiers, who had been led by their "guide," now see their true location. Their mission to capture Elisha has turned into their own capture, as they find themselves completely surrounded and vulnerable within the enemy capital. This revelation underscores the complete reversal of fortune orchestrated by God.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [2 Kings 6:8-23](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles and the Aramean Army"), culminating in [2 Kings 6:20](/2_kings/6-20 "2 Kings 6:20 - The Arameans See Their Folly"), is rich in **Irony**. The Aramean army, sent to capture Elisha, is instead led by him directly into the capital of their enemy, where they become the vulnerable party. This is further amplified by **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader (and Elisha) is aware of the Arameans' true location and predicament, while the Arameans themselves remain oblivious until the climactic moment of revelation. The narrative also employs **Contrast**, particularly between physical and spiritual sight. The initial blindness of the Arameans is a physical affliction, but it also represents their spiritual blindness to God's power and Elisha's divine protection. When their eyes are opened, they gain not only physical sight but also a shocking, albeit unwelcome, clarity about their true situation. Finally, the entire episode is a powerful demonstration of **Divine Intervention**, where God directly manipulates natural laws (sight) and human events to protect His people and demonstrate His sovereignty, turning the tables on Israel's enemies in a surprising and merciful way.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dramatic unveiling in [2 Kings 6:20](/2_kings/6-20 "2 Kings 6:20 - The Arameans' Revelation") profoundly illustrates God's active sovereignty over all of creation, including human perception and the outcomes of conflict. It underscores that true security and victory do not lie in military might or human strategy alone, but in the LORD's protective hand. This passage challenges our understanding of power, demonstrating that God can disarm the strongest foe not through direct confrontation, but through supernatural means and even acts of mercy. It highlights the spiritual reality that often, what we perceive with our physical eyes is not the full truth; there is an unseen realm of divine activity at work, both for protection and for revelation. The narrative also foreshadows God's ultimate desire for reconciliation, even with enemies, as the subsequent verses show Elisha instructing the king to feed the Arameans rather than execute them, demonstrating a divine ethic that transcends human vengeance. This act of mercy, enabled by their vulnerability, sets a precedent for how God's people are called to relate to their adversaries.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalm/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the LORD Encamps")
* [Ephesians 1:18-19](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18-19 - Prayer for Spiritual Enlightenment")
* [Isaiah 42:7](/isaiah/42-7 "Isaiah 42:7 - Opening Blind Eyes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the Aramean army's sudden realization in Samaria offers profound lessons for believers today. We often navigate life with limited vision, both physically and spiritually, prone to misjudging circumstances or underestimating the unseen forces at play. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in our lives, often working in ways we cannot perceive until He chooses to reveal His hand. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of constant prayer for spiritual discernment, asking the LORD to open our eyes to His truth, His presence, and His purposes, especially when we feel overwhelmed or lost. Just as the Arameans were utterly dependent on Elisha's leading while blind, we are called to trust God's guidance even when we cannot fully see the path ahead or understand His methods. Furthermore, the subsequent mercy shown to the Arameans challenges us to consider how we treat our "enemies" or those who oppose us, reminding us that God's ways often involve unexpected grace and opportunities for reconciliation, rather than immediate retribution.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "blind" or lacking clear vision, and how might you pray for God to open your eyes to His perspective?**
* **How does this story encourage you to trust in God's unseen protection and intervention, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?**
* **Considering the mercy shown to the Aramean army, how might God be calling you to extend grace or an unexpected act of kindness to someone who has been an "adversary"?**

### FAQ
**Was Elisha's action ethical, leading a blinded army into a trap?**

Answer: Elisha's actions, while seemingly deceptive, must be understood within the context of divine intervention and prophetic warfare. His primary goal was not to slaughter the Aramean army but to demonstrate the LORD's absolute sovereignty and protection over Israel. The "trap" was not for their destruction, but for their humiliation and the display of God's power. Crucially, in [2 Kings 6:22](/2_kings/6-22 "2 Kings 6:22 - Elisha's Command to Feed the Arameans"), Elisha explicitly tells the king of Israel not to kill them, but to feed them and send them home. This act of mercy, rather than vengeance, elevates the ethical dimension of the event, transforming a potential massacre into a powerful lesson about God's unexpected grace, even towards enemies. It was a strategic move designed to secure peace, as the text notes that "the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel" ([2 Kings 6:23](/2_kings/6-23 "2 Kings 6:23 - The End of Aramean Raids")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Elisha opening the eyes of the Aramean army in Samaria finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as Elisha mediated God's power to grant and restore physical sight, Jesus is the ultimate "Light of the World" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")) who came to open the eyes of the spiritually blind. Many in Jesus' day, like the Arameans, were physically present but spiritually lost, unable to perceive the Kingdom of God among them ([John 9:39-41](/john/9-39 "John 9:39 - Jesus Comes to Bring Sight")). Jesus' miracles of healing the blind (e.g., [Mark 8:22-25](/mark/8-22 "Mark 8:22 - Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida")) were not merely physical acts but powerful symbols of His mission to grant spiritual understanding and salvation. Furthermore, Elisha's surprising act of mercy towards the enemy army, feeding them rather than destroying them, powerfully prefigures Christ's radical command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). Jesus Himself, through His death and resurrection, disarmed the ultimate enemy, sin and death, not through force but through sacrificial love, offering reconciliation to all who were once hostile to God ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled to God")). The ultimate "opening of eyes" occurs when individuals recognize Jesus as Lord, moving from spiritual blindness to seeing the glory of God in the face of Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:4-6](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - The God of This World Has Blinded the Minds")).

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

2 Kings 6:17

And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Judges 20:40

But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.

Judges 20:42

Therefore they turned [their backs] before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which [came] out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.

Luke 24:31

And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

Luke 16:23

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.