2 Kings Chapter 6 — Miracles and the Siege of Samaria
Elisha performs miracles like making an ax head float and revealing a spiritual army before witnessing the desperate famine caused by a Syrian siege.
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Notable Verses
2 Kings 6:16
“He answered, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.””
This verse is a classic expression of faith in God’s unseen protection over physical threats.
2 Kings 6:17
“Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, please open his eyes, that he may see.” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.”
It illustrates the reality of a spiritual realm that is often invisible to the human eye.
Chapter Summary
2 Kings Chapter 6 begins with the sons of the prophets needing a larger meeting space. While cutting wood by the Jordan, a borrowed ax head falls into the river; Elisha performs a miracle by making the iron float. The narrative shifts to the war between Syria and Israel. Elisha uses his prophetic gift to warn the king of Israel of Syrian ambushes, frustrating the king of Syria. When Syria sends an army to capture Elisha in Dothan, Elisha prays for his terrified servant’s eyes to be opened, revealing a mountain filled with divine chariots of fire. Elisha then blinds the Syrian troops, leads them to Samaria, and orders that they be fed and released rather than killed. However, the peace is temporary. King Benhadad later besieges Samaria, causing a famine so severe that the people resort to horrific measures for survival. The chapter ends with the king of Israel blaming Elisha for the disaster and seeking his life.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a man lost a borrowed ax head in the Jordan River, Elisha cut a stick and threw it into the spot where the iron had fallen, causing the ax head to rise to the surface so the man could retrieve it.
When the Lord opened his eyes, the servant saw that the mountainside was filled with horses and chariots of fire, representing a heavenly host protecting Elisha from the surrounding Syrian army.
Elisha misled the blinded army to the capital city of Israel to show the king and the Syrians that the prophet was under divine protection, and then he showed mercy by providing them with a feast instead of execution.
The famine was caused by a prolonged military siege led by Benhadad, the king of Syria, which cut off all food supplies and trade into the city of Samaria.
Study Note
The high price of 'dove’s dung' mentioned during the famine is sometimes interpreted by scholars as a literal reference to waste used for fuel or a colloquial name for a cheap vegetable or seed.
Related Chapters
2 Kings 5
The previous chapter details Elisha’s healing of Naaman the Syrian, providing context for the relations between the two nations.
2 Kings 7
This chapter continues the story of the siege of Samaria and the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy regarding the end of the famine.
Psalm 34
This Psalm speaks of the angel of the Lord encamping around those who fear Him, mirroring Elisha's vision of the chariots of fire.
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