2 Kings 6:21

21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? 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 unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek . But he led them to Samaria.

20 And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said , LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see . And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw ; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.

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

22 And he answered , 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 great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk , he sent them away , and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.