2 Kings 6:21

21 And the king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite? shall I smite [them]?

2 Kings 6:21 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 6:21

And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them,
&c.] The Syrian army thus in his hands:

my father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
he speaks with great reverence and respect to the prophet, whom at other times he neglected and despised; and the repetition of his words shows the eagerness of his mind to fall upon his enemy when they where at a disadvantage.

2 Kings 6:21 In-Context

19 And Elisha said to them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. And he led them to Samaria.

20 And it came to pass when they entered 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.

21 And the king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite? shall I smite [them]?

22 And he said, Thou shalt not smite [them]: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.

23 And he prepared a great repast for them, and they ate and drank; and he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.