2 Kings 6:32

KJV

But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and [the king] sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: [is] not the sound of his master's feet behind him?

KJV (with Strong's)

But Elisha {H477} sat {H3427} in his house {H1004}, and the elders {H2205} sat {H3427} with him; and the king sent {H7971} a man {H376} from before {H6440} him: but ere the messenger {H4397} came {H935} to him, he said {H559} to the elders {H2205}, See {H7200} ye how this son {H1121} of a murderer {H7523} hath sent {H7971} to take away {H5493} mine head {H7218}? look {H7200}, when the messenger {H4397} cometh {H935}, shut {H5462} the door {H1817}, and hold him fast {H3905} at the door {H1817}: is not the sound {H6963} of his master's {H113} feet {H7272} behind {H310} him?

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha was sitting in his house, and the leaders were sitting there with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the leaders, "Do you see how this son of a murderer has sent someone to remove my head? Look, when the messenger comes, close the door and keep it shut against him. You can hear his master's footsteps following right behind him!"

Berean Standard Bible

Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?”

American Standard Version

But Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him; andthe kingsent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away my head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold the door fast against him: is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 6:32 presents a dramatic scene during the severe Syrian siege of Samaria, showcasing the prophet Elisha's extraordinary divine insight and the desperate, murderous rage of the King of Israel. As Elisha sits with the elders, he supernaturally perceives the king's secret intent to execute him and foresees the immediate arrival of the king's messenger, followed closely by the king himself. This moment underscores God's active involvement in protecting His servants and revealing hidden truths, even amidst intense national crisis and human depravity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of a deeply distressing narrative detailing the siege of Samaria by Ben-hadad, king of Syria. The preceding verses vividly portray the horrific famine within the city, where conditions became so dire that two women resorted to cannibalism, a desperate act that shocked the King of Israel (likely Jehoram, son of Ahab). Upon hearing of this abomination, the king, in a fit of despair and misplaced anger, tore his clothes and vowed to kill Elisha, whom he held responsible for the calamity. This immediate context of extreme suffering and the king's rash, violent reaction directly sets the stage for Elisha's prophetic awareness and response. The narrative then immediately shifts to the king's arrival and Elisha's subsequent prophecy of deliverance in [2 Kings 6:33](/2_kings/6-33 "2 Kings 6:33 - The King's Arrival and Elisha's Prophecy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Monarchy was marked by constant political instability, idolatry in Israel, and frequent conflicts with neighboring nations, particularly Aram (Syria). Sieges were common but devastating, leading to extreme privation and, as seen here, even cannibalism, a horror prophesied as a consequence of covenant disobedience in [Deuteronomy 28:53-57](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53-57 - Consequences of Disobedience"). Kings in the ancient Near East held absolute power, and rash decrees were not uncommon, especially under duress. The king's immediate blame of Elisha reflects a common human tendency to scapegoat prophets who deliver unwelcome truths or whose God does not immediately intervene as desired. Elisha, as a prophet of Yahweh, often challenged royal authority and idolatry, making him a potential target for a king who, though perhaps acknowledging Yahweh, still largely operated outside of true covenant faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Kings and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Prophetic Insight**, demonstrating God's supernatural knowledge and His ability to disclose hidden intentions and events to His chosen servants, as seen in [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to Prophets"). Secondly, the passage underscores **God's Protection of His Servants**, even when they face mortal threats from powerful human authorities. Elisha is not caught unawares but is divinely forewarned, enabling him to take precautionary measures. Thirdly, it exposes the **Rashness and Desperation of Ungodly Leadership**. The King of Israel's decision to kill Elisha is born out of extreme pressure and a failure to seek divine counsel, illustrating the dangers of leadership driven by fear and anger rather than faith and wisdom, a recurring motif in the history of Israel's kings, such as King Saul's similar attempts against David in [1 Samuel 19:9-10](/1_samuel/19-9 "1 Samuel 19:9-10 - Saul's Attempt on David's Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **murderer (Hebrew, _râtsach_):** Elisha's scathing indictment of the king as "this son of a murderer" is deeply significant. The Hebrew term _râtsach_ specifically denotes a killer, often one who commits premeditated murder, rather than accidental homicide. By calling the king "son of a murderer," Elisha is not merely insulting him but prophetically linking Jehoram's present murderous intent to the infamous legacy of his father, King Ahab, who orchestrated the unjust murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard ([1 Kings 21:1-19](/1_kings/21-1 "1 Kings 21:1-19 - Naboth's Vineyard")). This accusation highlights a generational pattern of unrighteousness and violence within the Omride dynasty, emphasizing that the king's current action is consistent with his family's character.
* **head (Hebrew, _rôʼsh_):** The phrase "to take away mine head" is a stark and unambiguous idiom for execution by decapitation. The word _rôʼsh_ literally means "head" and is used here in its most direct and brutal sense. This emphasizes the severity of the king's command and the mortal danger Elisha faced. It is a blunt declaration of the king's lethal intent, leaving no room for misinterpretation of his decree.
* **sound (Hebrew, _qôwl_):** In the phrase "is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?", the word _qôwl_ refers to a voice or sound. Here, it signifies the audible approach of the king. Elisha's prophetic insight is so precise that he not only knows the messenger is coming with murderous intent but also perceives that the king himself, the "master" of the messenger, is closely following to ensure the execution is carried out or to confront Elisha directly. This detail elevates Elisha's knowledge beyond mere intuition to a profound, divinely-granted awareness of immediate future events, including subtle sensory details.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him;":** This sets the scene, depicting Elisha in a posture of teaching or counsel, surrounded by the elders of Israel. This gathering suggests a context of spiritual authority and community, perhaps a prophetic school or a place where people sought Elisha's wisdom during the crisis. It contrasts Elisha's calm, divinely-informed state with the king's agitated despair.
* **"and [the king] sent a man from before him:":** This brief clause confirms the king's decisive action. Having heard the women's plea and made his vow, the king immediately dispatches an executioner. The phrase "from before him" implies a direct order and dispatch from the king's presence, underscoring the immediacy and royal authority behind the command.
* **"but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head?":** This is the pivotal moment revealing Elisha's supernatural insight. Before the messenger even reaches the door, Elisha, by divine revelation, knows the king's secret, murderous intent. His reference to the king as "this son of a murderer" is a prophetic denunciation, linking the king's present evil design to the notorious actions of his father, Ahab. It's a statement of profound spiritual discernment and moral judgment.
* **"look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door:":** Elisha's instructions to the elders demonstrate his calm and strategic response to the impending threat. He is not surprised or afraid. His command to "shut the door, and hold him fast" implies a temporary restraint, preventing the messenger from entering and carrying out his deadly mission, thereby gaining crucial time.
* **"[is] not the sound of his master's feet behind him?":** This rhetorical question reveals the astonishing depth of Elisha's prophetic vision. He knows that the king himself is following closely behind the messenger, likely to ensure the deed is done or to confront Elisha personally. This detail confirms that Elisha's knowledge is not merely of the messenger's arrival but of the king's immediate presence and involvement, underscoring God's comprehensive revelation to His prophet.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Kings 6:32](/2_kings/6-32 "2 Kings 6:32 - Elisha's Prophetic Insight") is rich with literary devices that heighten its dramatic impact and theological significance. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Elisha's pre-knowledge of the messenger's arrival and, more strikingly, the king's imminent follow-up, building suspense for the confrontation that immediately ensues. There is profound **Irony** in the king, a "son of a murderer" (referencing Ahab), attempting to murder a righteous prophet, thereby perpetuating his family's dark legacy. The scene is charged with **Dramatic Tension**, created by the contrast between the king's desperate rage and Elisha's serene, divinely-informed composure, as well as the race against time before the messenger arrives. The core of the passage relies on **Divine Omniscience** and **Prophetic Insight**, where Elisha's supernatural knowledge serves as a powerful demonstration of God's active presence and control, even in moments of extreme human chaos and evil intent. This prophetic foresight is not merely a plot device but a theological statement about God's intimate knowledge of human hearts and His sovereign protection over His chosen instruments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in Elisha's ministry powerfully illustrates God's sovereign oversight and His intimate knowledge of human hearts and intentions. Even in the chaos of siege and famine, and the king's desperate, murderous rage, God is not absent or unaware. He grants Elisha supernatural insight, not only into the king's secret decree but also into the immediate sequence of events, including the king's personal pursuit. This demonstrates that God's protection of His faithful servants is not passive but active and pre-emptive, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled despite human opposition. It reinforces the truth that no human scheme, however powerful or secretive, can thwart the divine will or catch God off guard.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience and Knowledge of Our Thoughts")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of [2 Kings 6:32](/2_kings/6-32 "2 Kings 6:32 - Elisha's Divine Insight") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating a complex world. In moments of crisis, whether personal or societal, it is natural to feel overwhelmed, fearful, or even to lash out in anger, much like the King of Israel. However, Elisha's calm and divinely-informed response provides a powerful counter-example. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem dire and human solutions fail, God remains sovereign, aware of every hidden intention and every impending threat. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in His omniscience and His protective care, knowing that He sees beyond what is immediately apparent. This passage encourages us to seek God's wisdom and guidance diligently, especially when under pressure, rather than succumbing to rash decisions or misplaced blame. It underscores the importance of spiritual discernment, allowing God to reveal truths and provide direction that transcends human understanding, enabling us to respond with faith and strategic wisdom rather than panic.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elisha's supernatural insight challenge my understanding of God's active involvement in my daily life and in global events?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to react with fear or anger, rather than seeking God's perspective and trusting in His protective care?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment, so that I might perceive God's leading and warnings more clearly?**
* **How does the king's rashness serve as a warning against making decisions under extreme pressure without seeking divine counsel?**

### FAQ
**Who was "this son of a murderer" that Elisha referred to?**

Answer: Elisha was referring to the current King of Israel, Jehoram (sometimes spelled Joram), who was the son of King Ahab. Elisha's epithet "son of a murderer" was a direct and scathing indictment, linking Jehoram's present murderous intent against Elisha to the infamous legacy of his father, Ahab, who notoriously orchestrated the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard ([1 Kings 21:19](/1_kings/21-19 "1 Kings 21:19 - Ahab's Murder of Naboth")). This was not merely an insult but a prophetic declaration highlighting the continuity of unrighteousness within the Omride dynasty.

**Why did the king want to kill Elisha?**

Answer: The king's desire to kill Elisha stemmed from extreme desperation and misplaced blame during the severe Syrian siege of Samaria. The famine within the city had become so horrific that people resorted to cannibalism, as revealed in the verses immediately preceding [2 Kings 6:32](/2_kings/6-32 "2 Kings 6:32 - Elisha's Divine Insight"). Overwhelmed by the suffering and perhaps feeling helpless, the king, in a fit of rage and despair, tore his clothes and vowed to execute Elisha, whom he held responsible for the calamity, likely viewing the prophet as either the cause of the disaster or as failing to deliver the city from it. This reaction reflects a common human tendency to blame God's messenger when His judgments or delays are not understood or welcomed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic confrontation in [2 Kings 6:32](/2_kings/6-32 "2 Kings 6:32 - Elisha's Prophetic Insight"), where Elisha supernaturally discerns the king's murderous intent and imminent arrival, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ. Like Elisha, Jesus possessed perfect divine knowledge, not only of human thoughts and intentions ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knows Their Thoughts")) but also of future events, including His own impending suffering and death at the hands of those in authority ([Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Foretells His Death")). While Elisha was divinely protected from the king's murderous plot, Jesus, the true Lamb of God, willingly submitted to the murderous intentions of religious and political leaders, allowing Himself to be "taken away" for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His omniscience was not used for self-preservation but for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "son of a murderer" in 2 Kings 6:32 reminds us of humanity's fallen nature and its propensity for violence against God's messengers, a pattern that culminated in the crucifixion of the Son of God. Yet, through Christ's willing sacrifice, God's ultimate protective and redemptive purpose was achieved, offering salvation where human kings offered only 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

Ezekiel 8:1

¶ And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, [as] I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me.

Ezekiel 14:1

¶ Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.

1 Kings 18:4

For it was [so], when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

Ezekiel 20:1

¶ And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth [month], the tenth [day] of the month, [that] certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me.

1 Kings 21:10

And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And [then] carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

1 Kings 18:13

Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

1 Kings 18:14

And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah [is here]: and he shall slay me.