2 Kings 6:21

21 When the king of Israel saw them he said to Elisha, "Father, shall I kill them? Shall 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 said to them, "This is not the way, and this is not the city; follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek." And he led them to Samaria.

20 As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, "O Lord, open the eyes of these men so that they may see." The Lord opened their eyes, and they saw that they were inside Samaria.

21 When the king of Israel saw them he said to Elisha, "Father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?"

22 He answered, "No! Did you capture with your sword and your bow those whom you want to kill? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink; and let them go to their master."

23 So he prepared for them a great feast; after they ate and drank, he sent them on their way, and they went to their master. And the Arameans no longer came raiding into the land of Israel.