2 Kings 6:22

Elisha answered, “You must not kill them. Would you kill those whom you had taken captive with your sword and bow? Put bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

21The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, “My father, should I kill them? Should I kill them?”

23So the king prepared much food for them, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went back to their master. Those bands of Aramean soldiers did not return for a long time into the land of Israel.

Read all of 2 Kings 6

Cross References

Deuteronomy 20:11If they accept your offer and open their gates to you, all the people who are found in it must become forced labor for you and must serve you.

2 Chronicles 28:8The army of Israel took captive from their relatives 200,000 wives, sons, and daughters. They also took much plunder, which they carried back to Samaria.

Psalms 44:6For I will not trust in my bow, 1 neither will my sword save me. 1

Hosea 1:7Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah, 1 and I will save them by myself, Yahweh their God. 1 I will not save them 1 by bow, sword, battle, horses, or horsemen.”

Matthew 5:44But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, + 5:44 The best ancient copies omit Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you .

Matthew Henry on 2 Kings 6:14-24

13 And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. 14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. 15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more… Read the whole commentary →

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