Old Testament
2 Kings 6:32
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Meanwhile, Elisha was sitting in his house with the elders. The king had sent a messenger ahead, but before the man arrived, Elisha told the elders, "Do you see what this son of a murderer is doing? He's sent someone to cut off my head! When the messenger gets here, shut the door and hold it against him. His master's footsteps are right behind him."
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But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him?
What 2 Kings 6:32 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this scene, Elisha is at home with the elders, discussing a serious threat. The king has sent a messenger to kill him, but Elisha, with his prophetic insight, knows the danger is coming. He warns the elders about the messenger, referring to the king as a 'son of a murderer,' highlighting the severity of the situation. Elisha instructs them to shut the door and hold it against the messenger when he arrives, indicating the urgency of their response. This moment shows Elisha's awareness of the political tensions and the danger he faces. It also emphasizes the importance of being alert and prepared for challenges. Elisha's calmness in the face of danger reflects his faith and confidence in God’s protection. This passage illustrates the tension between divine insight and human threats, reminding us that we can find strength in our faith during difficult times. Elisha's actions serve as a model for how to respond to threats with wisdom and courage, trusting in a higher purpose.
How to apply 2 Kings 6:32 to your life
When faced with threats or challenges, remember to stay calm and seek wisdom. Like Elisha, trust in your understanding and intuition. Prepare yourself and those around you for potential difficulties, and rely on your faith to guide your actions. Courage can be found in the midst of fear and uncertainty, leading to strength and resilience in tough times. “Trust in a higher purpose.” “Be alert and prepared.” “Respond with wisdom.”
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of 2 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 6:32 mean?
2 Kings 6:32 describes a tense moment where the prophet Elisha is aware of a plot against his life by the king. He refers to the king as a 'son of a murderer,' indicating the seriousness of the threat and shows his prophetic insight by anticipating the messenger's arrival.
What is the significance of Elisha's calmness in 2 Kings 6:32?
Elisha's calmness in the face of danger highlights his faith and confidence in God's protection. Despite the threat to his life, he remains composed and instructs the elders on how to respond, demonstrating wisdom and preparedness.
What does 'son of a murderer' mean in 2 Kings 6:32?
In 2 Kings 6:32, Elisha refers to the king as a 'son of a murderer' to emphasize the king's violent intentions and the severity of the situation. This phrase underscores the moral corruption and danger posed by the king's actions.
What can we learn from Elisha's actions in 2 Kings 6:32?
Elisha's actions teach us the importance of being alert and prepared for challenges. His response to the threat shows that wisdom, courage, and faith can guide us through difficult situations.
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