2 Kings 6:15

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

And when the servant {H8334} of the man {H376} of God {H430} was risen {H6965} early {H7925}, and gone forth {H3318}, behold, an host {H2428} compassed {H5437} the city {H5892} both with horses {H5483} and chariots {H7393}. And his servant {H5288} said {H559} unto him, Alas {H162}, my master {H113}! how shall we do {H6213}?

The servant of the man of God got up early in the morning; on going outside, he saw an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. His servant said to him, "Oh, my master, this is terrible! What are we going to do?"

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?”

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host with horses and chariots was round about the city. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

Commentary

2 Kings 6:15 vividly portrays a moment of stark contrast between human perspective and divine reality. The scene opens early in the morning as the servant of Elisha, the prophet of God, steps out to find their city, very likely Dothan, completely surrounded by a massive Syrian army, equipped with horses and chariots. This overwhelming display of military might immediately causes the servant to panic, leading him to exclaim, "Alas, my master! how shall we do?"

Context

This verse is central to a narrative in 2 Kings Chapter 6 where Elisha consistently thwarts the plans of the King of Syria against Israel by supernaturally revealing the Syrian army's movements. Frustrated, the Syrian king dispatches a large force to capture Elisha in Dothan. The servant's fearful reaction in verse 15 sets the stage for Elisha's profound demonstration of faith and God's unseen protective power, which is revealed in the verses that follow.

Key Themes

  • Fear Versus Faith: The servant's immediate response is one of terror and despair, seeing only the formidable physical threat. This highlights the natural human tendency to fear when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.
  • Limited Physical Sight: The servant's vision is restricted to the visible, earthly army, leading to a sense of utter helplessness and hopelessness.
  • The Necessity of Spiritual Perspective: The servant's desperate cry underscores the critical need for spiritual insight, which Elisha soon provides, revealing a greater, unseen reality at work.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "host" (machaneh) refers to an encampment or army, emphasizing the sheer scale and organized nature of the Syrian military force. The servant's exclamation, "Alas!" (Hebrew: 'ah), is a poignant cry of distress or lament, conveying his deep despair and feeling of being utterly overwhelmed. His question, "how shall we do?" (Hebrew: mah na'aseh), powerfully expresses his belief that escape or victory is impossible.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that our perception of reality can be severely limited by what we see with our natural eyes. In moments of crisis, much like the servant facing the Syrian army, it is easy to become consumed by visible challenges and threats. However, this narrative encourages believers to look beyond immediate circumstances and to trust in God's unseen hand and divine protection. Just as Elisha would soon reveal, there are often spiritual realities at play that far outweigh physical dangers. This passage prompts us to reflect on whether we are relying solely on our own understanding or actively seeking God's perspective and intervention in our own lives, especially when facing overwhelming odds.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 8:26 (6 votes)

    And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:12 (4 votes)

    O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes [are] upon thee.

  • Psalms 53:5 (3 votes)

    There were they in great fear, [where] no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God hath despised them.

  • Exodus 24:13 (3 votes)

    And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

  • 2 Kings 5:20 (2 votes)

    ¶ But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, [as] the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

  • 1 Kings 19:21 (2 votes)

    And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

  • 2 Kings 5:27 (2 votes)

    The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.