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.
2 KINGS 6:19KJVWhat does 2 Kings 6:19 mean?
2 Kings 6:19 describes how Elisha misleads a group of enemy soldiers by telling them they are on the wrong road and in the wrong city, and offers to lead them to the man they are seeking—himself—while actually leading them into Samaria, the capital city of Israel. Elisha uses this strategy to protect himself and the city, turning the situation to Israel’s advantage.
In this scene, Elisha is speaking to Aramean soldiers who have come to capture him. Instead of revealing himself, Elisha tells them, “This is not the way, neither is this the city,” and offers to guide them. The verse shows Elisha’s wisdom and courage, as he leads the blinded soldiers into Samaria, where they are surrounded by Israel’s army. This moment is part of a larger story showing God’s protection of Elisha and the people of Israel.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 6:19
- "Way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word means "road" or "path." Elisha’s use of דֶּרֶךְ (derek) emphasizes that the soldiers are not just lost physically, but also being redirected in their mission.
- "City" (עִיר, ir): The word for "city" here highlights that Elisha is claiming they are in the wrong place, even though they are actually near where he wants them to be.
- "Follow" (יָלַךְ, yalak; אַחַר, achar): The phrase uses both the verb for "go" and the preposition for "after," stressing that the soldiers are to physically follow Elisha’s lead.
- "Seek" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word means "to search for" or "to seek." Elisha refers to himself as the one they are seeking, but he does not reveal his identity directly.
- "Samaria" (שֹׁמְרוֹן, Shomron): Naming Samaria is significant because it is the heart of Israel’s territory, showing how Elisha brings the enemy right into Israel’s stronghold.
Why 2 Kings 6:19 matters
- This verse clears up the misconception that Elisha simply lied; instead, he uses clever words and God-given authority to protect his people without violence.
- The verse highlights Elisha’s role as a prophet who relies on wisdom and faith rather than force, showing a different kind of leadership in a time of crisis.
- Understanding this verse helps readers see the larger story of God’s protection over Israel and the unique ways prophets like Elisha acted in dangerous situations.