2 Kings 6:24

KJV

¶ And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after this {H310}, that Benhadad {H1130} king {H4428} of Syria {H758} gathered {H6908} all his host {H4264}, and went up {H5927}, and besieged {H6696} Samaria {H8111}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But some time afterwards, Ben-Hadad king of Aram gathered all his army, went up and laid siege to Shomron.

Berean Standard Bible

Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a period of unexpected peace, 2 Kings 6:24 abruptly shifts the narrative to a renewed and devastating conflict. King Benhadad of Syria, despite a previous act of mercy shown to his army by Israel, gathers his entire military force and launches a full-scale siege against Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This aggressive action immediately plunges the city into a period of extreme hardship, famine, and despair, setting the stage for a dramatic test of Israel's faith and an extraordinary display of divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a stark and dramatic reversal in the narrative flow of [2 Kings 6](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles and the Syrian Army"). Immediately preceding this, the prophet Elisha had demonstrated remarkable prophetic insight and divine power by delivering the Syrian army, who had come to capture him, directly into the hands of the king of Israel in Samaria ([2 Kings 6:18-20](/2_kings/6-18 "2 Kings 6:18-20 - Elisha Blinds the Syrian Army")). Instead of executing them, Elisha instructed the king to show an unprecedented act of mercy: to feed them generously and send them back to their master ([2 Kings 6:21-23](/2_kings/6-21 "2 Kings 6:21-23 - Elisha's Mercy to the Syrians")). This act of benevolence resulted in a period where "the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel" ([2 Kings 6:23](/2_kings/6-23 "2 Kings 6:23 - A Period of Peace")). Verse 24 shatters this fragile peace, revealing Benhadad's persistent hostility and setting the stage for the severe famine and subsequent miraculous deliverance described in [2 Kings 7](/2_kings/7 "2 Kings 7 - The End of the Siege").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Monarchy was characterized by frequent conflicts between Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and Aram-Damascus (Syria). Benhadad II (or III, depending on the scholarly view) was a powerful and persistent adversary of Israel, often seeking to expand his territory and influence. Samaria, as the capital city of Israel, was a strategic target. Ancient sieges were brutal affairs, designed to cut off all supplies and communications, forcing surrender through starvation and disease. The gathering of "all his host" indicates a massive, sustained military effort, reflecting the strategic importance of Samaria and Benhadad's determination to conquer it. Such an act would have been a common, albeit devastating, tactic in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, highlighting the constant threat faced by smaller kingdoms like Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the **persistent hostility** of human enemies, demonstrating that even acts of divine intervention and human mercy may not permanently deter those bent on aggression, echoing the broader struggle between Israel and its neighbors seen throughout [the books of Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Kingdom"). Secondly, it highlights the **severity of divine judgment and testing**, as the siege brings immense suffering upon the people of Samaria, revealing their desperate state and testing their faith in God's ability to deliver. Thirdly, it serves as a crucial **setup for divine intervention**. The overwhelming human threat described here implicitly sets the stage for God's extraordinary and miraculous actions to deliver His people, which will unfold in the subsequent verses, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty even in the direst circumstances, a theme consistently found in narratives of Israel's deliverance, such as the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benhadad (Hebrew, _Ben-Hadad'_):** This name, meaning "son of Hadad," refers to the king of Aram (Syria). "Hadad" was a prominent Aramean storm and fertility god, indicating a lineage or devotion to this deity. The recurrence of this name among Syrian kings (cf. [1 Kings 15:18](/1_kings/15-18 "1 Kings 15:18 - Benhadad I")) suggests a dynastic title or a common royal name, emphasizing the continuity of Syrian aggression against Israel across generations. His presence here signifies a powerful, determined, and idolatrous enemy.
* **Host (Hebrew, _ḥayil'_):** This term refers to a military force, an army, or even a mighty host. Its use here, particularly with the preceding "all his," emphasizes the totality and overwhelming nature of the Syrian military might. It signifies not merely a raiding party but a full, organized army, prepared for a sustained and devastating campaign, underscoring the gravity of the threat to Samaria.
* **Besieged (Hebrew, _tsarar'_):** This verb means to "tie up," "bind," "confine," or "be in distress." In a military context, it describes the act of surrounding a city to cut off all access, supplies, and communication, thereby causing immense distress and hardship to those trapped inside. The choice of this word vividly conveys the suffocating, debilitating nature of the siege that Samaria was about to endure, leading to famine and desperation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass after this,"**: This opening phrase serves as a crucial transitional marker, signaling a new development in the narrative that follows the peaceful interlude of [2 Kings 6:23](/2_kings/6-23 "2 Kings 6:23 - A Period of Peace"). The "this" refers directly to the previous account of Elisha's mercy to the Syrian army and the subsequent cessation of Syrian raids. The phrase creates a sense of immediate consequence, highlighting the fragility of peace and the abrupt return to conflict.
* **"that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host,"**: This clause identifies the instigator of the renewed conflict, King Benhadad, and emphasizes the scale of his aggression. "Gathered all his host" signifies a comprehensive military mobilization, not just a small raiding party, indicating a deliberate and full-scale war effort aimed at conquering Israel's capital. This demonstrates his persistent animosity despite the previous act of mercy.
* **"and went up,"**: This phrase indicates the direction of travel, typically implying an ascent to a higher geographical location or a movement towards a significant city like a capital. Samaria was built on a hill, so "went up" accurately describes the approach to the city, reinforcing the military objective.
* **"and besieged Samaria."**: This final clause states the direct action and its target. To "besiege" means to surround a city with military forces to cut off all supplies and communications, aiming to starve out the inhabitants and force surrender. Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, making its siege a direct and existential threat to the nation, initiating a period of extreme suffering and testing for its inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the gathering of "all his host" and the act of besieging Samaria immediately signals impending doom and severe suffering for the city's inhabitants, setting the stage for the horrific famine described in the subsequent verses of [2 Kings 6](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - The Siege of Samaria"). There is a strong sense of **Irony** in Benhadad's renewed aggression; despite Elisha's unprecedented act of mercy, which led to a period of peace, the Syrian king's inherent hostility resurfaces, demonstrating the limits of human benevolence in deterring entrenched animosity. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Climactic Setup**, building tension by presenting an overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable human threat, thereby preparing the reader for the extraordinary divine intervention that will be required and subsequently unfolded in [2 Kings 7](/2_kings/7 "2 Kings 7 - The End of the Siege"). This stark **Contrast** between the previous peace and the sudden, brutal siege underscores the volatile nature of the geopolitical landscape and the constant need for divine protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a simple statement of historical fact, carries profound theological weight. It highlights the persistent reality of human sin and hostility, demonstrating that even acts of grace and mercy (like Elisha's feeding of the Syrian army) do not always soften the hearts of those bent on destruction. The renewed siege of Samaria underscores God's allowance of severe trials to test His people's faith, reveal their utter dependence on Him, and ultimately provide a context for His miraculous power to be displayed. It reminds us that God's sovereignty extends even over the actions of hostile nations and their leaders, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, whether through judgment or deliverance. The suffering of Samaria serves as a crucible, purifying and preparing the people for a deeper revelation of God's provision.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength")
* [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - God's testing in the wilderness")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God works all things for good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The abrupt return of conflict in 2 Kings 6:24, following a period of peace, offers a sobering but vital lesson for believers today. Just as Benhadad's hostility resurfaced despite a previous act of mercy, we can expect that periods of spiritual or personal tranquility may be interrupted by renewed challenges, temptations, or opposition. This verse underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and resilience, reminding us that our ultimate security does not rest on the absence of external threats but on our unwavering trust in God's sovereign care. When overwhelming "sieges" come into our lives—whether they are financial crises, health battles, relational conflicts, or spiritual attacks—they serve to expose our weaknesses and drive us to a deeper, more desperate dependence on God for deliverance. It is in these moments of profound need that God often chooses to display His most extraordinary power and provision, transforming our desperation into a testimony of His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when a period of peace or relief in my life is suddenly interrupted by renewed challenges or conflicts?**
* **In what ways might current "sieges" or overwhelming difficulties in my life be an opportunity for God to reveal His extraordinary power and provision?**
* **What does Benhadad's renewed aggression, despite Elisha's mercy, teach me about the nature of sin and the need for persistent spiritual vigilance?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper dependence on God, even when circumstances seem overwhelming and human solutions are exhausted?**

### FAQ
**Why did Benhadad attack Samaria again after Elisha's act of mercy?**

Answer: The text doesn't explicitly state Benhadad's motivation, but it strongly implies that the previous act of mercy, while temporarily halting "bands of Syria" (small raiding parties), did not fundamentally change Benhadad's strategic ambitions or his deep-seated animosity towards Israel. Kings in the ancient Near East were driven by geopolitical power, territorial expansion, and the desire for tribute. While Elisha's act of mercy was a powerful demonstration of God's character and a test for Israel's king, it did not necessarily translate into a lasting political peace treaty or a change of heart for a pagan king like Benhadad. His renewed attack with "all his host" suggests a calculated, full-scale military objective to conquer Samaria, indicating that his previous withdrawal was likely a tactical pause, not a permanent cessation of hostilities. This highlights the persistent nature of conflict and human sin, even in the face of divine grace.

**What was the significance of Samaria as a target?**

Answer: Samaria was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by Omri ([1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")). As the capital, it was the administrative, political, and often religious center of the kingdom. Its capture would have been a decisive blow, effectively crippling Israel's leadership and potentially leading to the subjugation of the entire kingdom. Its strategic location on a hill made it naturally defensible but also a prime target for powerful enemies like Syria who sought to control the region's trade routes and resources. Therefore, besieging Samaria was an attempt to deliver a knockout blow to Israel.

**How long did the siege of Samaria last, and what were its immediate consequences?**

Answer: The biblical text does not specify the exact duration of the siege, but it was prolonged enough to cause extreme suffering and a severe famine within the city. [2 Kings 6:25](/2_kings/6-25 "2 Kings 6:25 - The Famine in Samaria") describes the horrific conditions, with food becoming incredibly scarce and expensive, leading to desperate acts like cannibalism ([2 Kings 6:26-29](/2_kings/6-26 "2 Kings 6:26-29 - The Woman and Her Son")). The siege brought the city to the brink of collapse, highlighting the severity of the trial and the desperate need for divine intervention that would follow in [2 Kings 7](/2_kings/7 "2 Kings 7 - The End of the Siege").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The siege of Samaria in 2 Kings 6:24, with its overwhelming enemy and the subsequent dire straits of God's people, serves as a powerful Old Testament type and shadow of the greater "siege" humanity faces under the dominion of sin and death. Just as Benhadad gathered "all his host" to besiege Samaria, so too does humanity find itself besieged by an enemy far more formidable than any earthly army: Satan, whose "host" of spiritual forces seeks to enslave and destroy ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). The famine and desperation within Samaria vividly portray the spiritual starvation and hopelessness that grips humanity apart from God, a condition from which no human effort can deliver. Yet, the narrative of 2 Kings 7, where God miraculously delivers Samaria, points forward to the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. He is the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who, through His sacrifice on the cross, utterly defeated the powers of darkness and broke the siege of sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He provides the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) to a spiritually famished world, offering abundant life and freedom where there was once only despair. In Christ, the ultimate divine intervention has occurred, ensuring that those who trust in Him are forever delivered from the ultimate enemy and brought into His eternal kingdom ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")).

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

1 Kings 20:1

¶ And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and [there were] thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

2 Kings 17:5

Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.

Ecclesiastes 9:14

[There was] a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:

1 Kings 22:31

But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

Deuteronomy 28:52

And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

2 Kings 18:9

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which [was] the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.

2 Kings 25:1

¶ And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.