Old Testament
2 Kings 6:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see a powerful king who feels threatened by the actions of the prophet Elisha.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
So the king sent horses, chariots, and a massive army. They arrived at night and surrounded the city.
Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a powerful king who feels threatened by the actions of the prophet Elisha. To protect his kingdom, he sends a large force of horses, chariots, and soldiers to surround the city where Elisha is staying. This shows the lengths to which people will go to eliminate perceived threats. The night setting adds an element of surprise and fear, as the city is suddenly surrounded by a massive army. The king's decision reflects a common human instinct to respond to fear with aggression. However, this situation sets the stage for a remarkable demonstration of faith and divine intervention. Elisha, aware of the army's presence, remains calm, illustrating the contrast between human panic and divine peace. This moment foreshadows a greater truth about reliance on God in times of trouble, reminding us that we are never truly alone, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. The story encourages us to trust in a higher power when faced with daunting challenges.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 6:14 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, remember that fear can cloud our judgment. Instead of reacting impulsively, take a moment to breathe and seek guidance. Trust that you are not alone in your struggles, and look for signs of support and strength around you. Faith can provide peace in the midst of chaos, helping you navigate tough situations with confidence and clarity. Embrace the calm that comes from trusting in something greater than yourself.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 6:14 teach about fear and response?
2 Kings 6:14 illustrates how fear can drive people to take drastic actions, as seen when the king sends a massive army to confront Elisha. This response highlights a common human tendency to react aggressively to perceived threats. However, the passage contrasts this fear-driven response with Elisha's calmness, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God during challenging times.
How does Elisha's reaction in 2 Kings 6:14 inspire us?
Elisha's calm demeanor in the face of a threatening army serves as a powerful reminder of the peace that faith can bring. Instead of succumbing to panic, he demonstrates that reliance on God can provide clarity and strength. This inspires us to maintain our composure and trust in divine support when we encounter overwhelming challenges.
What is the significance of the night setting in 2 Kings 6:14?
The night setting in 2 Kings 6:14 adds an element of surprise and fear, as the city is suddenly surrounded by a large army. This darkness symbolizes the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompany difficult situations. However, it also sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, divine help is present and can illuminate our path.
What lessons can we learn about divine intervention from this verse?
This verse highlights the theme of divine intervention, showing that God is aware of our struggles and can provide protection and support when we face overwhelming odds. Elisha's experience serves as a reminder that faith can lead to miraculous outcomes, encouraging us to trust in God's power to deliver us from our fears and challenges.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
Unlock the full 2 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 25 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.