2 Kings 6:9

KJV

And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} of God {H430} sent {H7971} unto the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Beware {H8104} that thou pass {H5674} not such {H2088} a place {H4725}; for thither the Syrians {H758} are come down {H5185}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man of God sent this message to the king of Isra'el: "Be careful not to go past such-and-such a place, because Aram will attack there."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful passing by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.”

American Standard Version

And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are coming down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 6:9 presents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria), highlighting the prophet Elisha's supernatural insight and divine intervention. Through Elisha, God reveals the hidden ambush plans of the Syrian king to the King of Israel, enabling him to avoid danger. This verse underscores God's active protection over His people, His omniscience, and the crucial role of His chosen messenger in safeguarding the nation against its adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a remarkable narrative in [2 Kings 6](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles and Deliverance of Samaria"), which showcases Elisha's prophetic power and God's providential care for Israel. The chapter opens with Elisha performing a miracle for the sons of the prophets ([2 Kings 6:1-7](/2_kings/6-1 "2 Kings 6:1-7 - Elisha and the Floating Ax Head")), setting the stage for his extraordinary abilities. Immediately following this, the narrative shifts to the escalating military tension between Aram and Israel. The King of Aram repeatedly attempts to ambush the King of Israel, but Elisha, supernaturally aware of these plans, consistently warns the Israelite king, thwarting every attempt. [2 Kings 6:9](/2_kings/6-9 "2 Kings 6:9 - Elisha Warns the King of Israel") is one such specific warning, part of a series of divine intelligence reports that baffle the Syrian monarch. This continuous frustration leads the Syrian king to suspect a spy within his own ranks, as detailed in [2 Kings 6:11](/2_kings/6-11 "2 Kings 6:11 - Syrian King's Confusion"), before discovering that "Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber." This entire sequence demonstrates God's direct involvement in the geopolitical affairs of His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Kingdom saw frequent conflicts between Israel and its northern neighbor, Aram (Syria), often led by King Ben-hadad II. These were not merely border skirmishes but existential threats, with Aram consistently seeking to assert dominance and raid Israelite territory. Ambushes were a common military tactic in ancient warfare, relying on surprise and knowledge of terrain. The King of Israel, as the military leader, would typically rely on human intelligence and scouts. However, in this account, the source of his intelligence is entirely supernatural, highlighting a unique aspect of Israel's relationship with God. The concept of a "man of God" (prophet) serving as a divine intelligence agent, providing strategic warnings, was not unique to Elisha, but his consistent and precise foreknowledge of enemy movements was particularly striking, demonstrating God's active involvement in the nation's defense, transcending conventional military strategies.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Kings 6:9](/2_kings/6-9 "2 Kings 6:9 - Elisha Warns the King of Israel") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 2 Kings and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's absolute knowledge of all things, even secret enemy plans, and His supreme control over human affairs and national destinies. Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Protection and Providence**, revealing God's active and personal care for His people, using extraordinary means to safeguard them from harm. This echoes the broader biblical promise of God as a shield and protector, as seen in [Psalm 91](/psalms/91 "Psalm 91 - God Our Refuge and Fortress"). Thirdly, it highlights the **Authority and Efficacy of Prophetic Ministry**. Elisha, as the "man of God," is not merely a spiritual guide but a direct instrument of God's will, whose words carry divine authority and have tangible, life-saving consequences. His ministry demonstrates that true power resides with God, who works through His chosen servants to accomplish His purposes, even in military and political spheres, as also seen in the ministry of Elijah in [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _'ish ha'elohim'_):** This title, frequently applied to Elisha (and Elijah before him), denotes a person uniquely chosen, called, and empowered by God. It signifies someone who stands in a special relationship with the Almighty, acting as His representative, spokesman, and instrument. In this context, it emphasizes that Elisha's knowledge and authority are not his own, but are divinely sourced, lending absolute credibility and urgency to his warning. The title highlights his prophetic office and the direct channel of communication he has with God.
* **Beware (Hebrew, _hishamer'_):** This is an imperative verb, carrying a strong sense of urgency, caution, and vigilance. It's a direct command to be on guard, to take heed, and to actively protect oneself from a known and imminent danger. It implies a necessity for immediate and decisive action on the part of the King of Israel, emphasizing that the warning is not merely informative but prescriptive, demanding a response of careful avoidance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the message. Elisha, identified by his authoritative title, acts as God's direct messenger, initiating communication with the highest authority in the land. The act of "sending" implies a deliberate, urgent, and official communication, underscoring the gravity of the intelligence being conveyed.
* **"Beware that thou pass not such a place;"**: This is the core of Elisha's warning. The indefinite "such a place" suggests that Elisha is either referring to a specific, previously identified location known to the king, or that the king would understand the precise location from the context of Elisha's continuous warnings. The imperative "Beware" (as analyzed above) conveys the critical importance of avoiding this particular spot due to imminent danger. It's a precise, actionable instruction for the king's safety.
* **"for thither the Syrians are come down."**: This final clause provides the crucial justification for the warning. The Syrians (Aramaeans), Israel's adversaries, have strategically positioned themselves in that specific location, likely for an ambush. "Come down" suggests movement from a higher vantage point or from their own territory into Israelite land, implying a descent into a specific, perhaps concealed, area designed for an attack. This divine intelligence gives the King of Israel a decisive advantage, enabling him to circumvent the enemy's trap.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is the overarching theme, as God supernaturally reveals hidden enemy plans through His prophet, demonstrating His active involvement in human affairs. The repeated warnings throughout [2 Kings 6](/2_kings/6 "2 Kings 6 - Elisha's Miracles and Deliverance of Samaria") create a sense of **Repetition**, emphasizing God's consistent protection and Elisha's unique prophetic gift. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is privy to Elisha's divine source of information, while the Syrian king remains bewildered and frustrated, unable to comprehend how his secret plans are continually foiled. This irony highlights the vast disparity between human cunning and divine omniscience. Furthermore, Elisha's role serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the ultimate divine protection and guidance that God offers His people, culminating in the person and work of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of God's omniscience and His active providence over His people. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the affairs of nations, even to the extent of exposing secret military strategies to protect His chosen ones. Elisha's role as a divine intelligence agent underscores the multifaceted nature of prophetic ministry, extending beyond spiritual guidance to practical, life-saving intervention. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating that His watchful eye and protective hand are always upon them, thwarting the plans of their adversaries. It reinforces the idea that human wisdom and might are ultimately futile against the sovereign will and knowledge of the Almighty.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "The Lord Reveals His Secret")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in 2 Kings 6:9 offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as God supernaturally revealed the hidden dangers to the King of Israel, He continues to be aware of every hidden scheme and potential pitfall that we face, whether from spiritual adversaries or the complexities of life. This verse reminds us of God's constant, watchful eye and His desire to protect us. While we may not receive direct prophetic warnings about physical ambushes, God provides guidance and discernment through His inspired Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the counsel of wise believers. We are called to cultivate a posture of attentiveness to God's voice, trusting that He will reveal what we need to know for our safety, spiritual well-being, and navigation through life's challenges. This divine foresight offers immense peace, assuring us that we are never truly alone or without guidance in a world full of unseen dangers. Our security ultimately rests not in our own vigilance, but in God's sovereign knowledge and protective care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's unseen knowledge and protective hand?**
* **How does this account encourage you to seek God's guidance and wisdom through His Word and prayer, even when the path ahead seems unclear?**
* **What "ambushes" or hidden dangers, spiritual or otherwise, might God be warning you about today, and how are you responding to His subtle or overt guidance?**

### FAQ
**How did Elisha know the Syrian king's secret plans?**

Answer: Elisha knew the Syrian king's secret plans through divine revelation. He was a "man of God," a prophet through whom the Lord communicated directly. As [2 Kings 6:12](/2_kings/6-12 "2 Kings 6:12 - Elisha's Divine Knowledge") explicitly states, when the Syrian king's servants suggested a spy, one of them clarified, "None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber." This indicates that God supernaturally revealed the king's most private and strategic conversations to Elisha, demonstrating God's omniscience and His active involvement in protecting His people.

**What is the significance of Elisha being called "the man of God" in this context?**

Answer: The title "man of God" (Hebrew: _'ish ha'elohim'_) is highly significant as it designates Elisha as a divinely appointed and empowered messenger. It emphasizes that his knowledge, authority, and actions are not from himself but are directly from God. In this context, it assures the King of Israel that the warning is not mere human intelligence or speculation, but a reliable, authoritative word from the Lord Himself. It underscores the divine source of Israel's protection and the prophet's crucial role as God's instrument.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The protective and omniscient work of God through Elisha in [2 Kings 6:9](/2_kings/6-9 "2 Kings 6:9 - Elisha Warns the King of Israel") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Elisha, as a "man of God," received revelation from God, Jesus is the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. He possesses inherent omniscience, knowing not only the plans of earthly kings but the deepest thoughts and intentions of every heart ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew All People")). Just as Elisha warned the King of Israel of physical ambushes, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, continually warns His sheep of spiritual dangers, providing guidance and protection from the schemes of the true adversary, Satan ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief Comes to Steal")). He is the ultimate protector, promising that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). The divine foresight and protective care demonstrated through Elisha are perfectly embodied in Christ, who not only warns of danger but has already triumphed over the ultimate enemy through His cross and resurrection, securing eternal safety and peace for all who believe in Him ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")).

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.