And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

2 KINGS 6:9KJV
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2 Kings 6:9 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 6:9 mean?

2 Kings 6:9 describes how the prophet Elisha, called "the man of God," warned the king of Israel not to travel through a certain place because the Syrian army had set an ambush there. Elisha sent this message to protect the king from danger.

In this verse, Elisha is acting as a messenger between God and the king of Israel, using his prophetic insight to reveal enemy plans. The situation takes place during a time of conflict between Israel and Syria, and Elisha’s warning shows his role in safeguarding Israel by revealing hidden threats.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 6:9

  • "Man" (אִישׁ, ish) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, elohim): The phrase "man of God" is a common way to refer to a prophet, highlighting Elisha’s authority and connection to God.
  • "Sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word emphasizes that Elisha took the initiative to communicate directly with the king, showing his active involvement in Israel’s safety.
  • "Beware" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This verb often means "to keep" or "to guard," stressing the seriousness of Elisha’s warning and the need for the king to be vigilant.
  • "Syrians" (אֲרָם, aram): This term refers to Israel’s main enemy in this passage, making clear who posed the threat and why the warning was urgent.

Why 2 Kings 6:9 matters

  • This verse shows that Elisha’s prophetic role included practical guidance, not just spiritual teaching, directly affecting the safety of Israel’s leaders.
  • The warning demonstrates that God’s knowledge is not limited by human boundaries; Elisha knows the enemy’s secret plans without being physically present.
  • The verse sets up the following events, where Elisha’s repeated warnings frustrate the Syrians and highlight the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Where else these words appear

“such” Hebrew H2088 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
  • Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
  • 1 Samuel 25:21 Now David had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained unto him: and he hath requited me evil for good.

“Syrians” Hebrew H758 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • 1 Kings 22:35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.