2 Kings 6:21

21 The king of Israel saw them. So he asked Elisha, "Should I kill them? I need your advice. You are like a father to me. Should I kill 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 Elisha told them, "This isn't the right road. This isn't the right city. Follow me. I'll lead you to the man you are looking for." He led them to Samaria.

20 They entered the city. Then Elisha said, "Lord, open the eyes of these men. Help them see again." Then the LORD opened their eyes. They looked around. And there they were, inside Samaria!

21 The king of Israel saw them. So he asked Elisha, "Should I kill them? I need your advice. You are like a father to me. Should I kill them?"

22 "Don't kill them," he answered. "Would you kill men you have captured with your own sword or bow? Put some food and water in front of them. Then they can eat and drink. They can go back to their master."

23 So he prepared a big dinner for them. After they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away. They returned to their master. So the companies of soldiers from Aram stopped attacking Israel's territory.