2 Kings 6:17
2 Kings 6:17 in Multiple Translations
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
And Elisha prayed, and said, Jehovah, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Then Elisha made a prayer to the Lord, saying, Lord, let his eyes be open so that he may see. And the Lord made the young man's eyes open; and he saw that all the mountain was full of horses and carriages of fire round Elisha.
Elisha prayed, saying, “Lord, please open his eyes so he can see.” The Lord opened the servant's eyes, and when he looked he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Then Elisha prayed, and saide, Lord, I beseech thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the seruant, and he looked, and beholde, the mountaine was full of horses and charets of fyre round about Elisha.
And Elisha prayeth, and saith, 'Jehovah, open, I pray Thee, his eyes, and he doth see;' and Jehovah openeth the eyes of the young man, and he seeth, and lo, the hill is full of horses and chariots of fire, round about Elisha.
Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, please open his eyes, that he may see.” the LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
And Eliseus prayed, and said: Lord, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw: and behold the mountain was full of horses, and chariots of fire round about Eliseus.
Then he prayed, “Yahweh, I request that you open my servant’s eyes in order that he can see what is out there!” So Yahweh enabled the servant to look out and see that surrounding the hill on which the town was built was a huge number of horses, and chariots made of fire!
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 6:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 6:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל
אֱלִישָׁע֙
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
יְהוָ֕ה
פְּקַח
נָ֥א
אֶת
עֵינָ֖י/ו
וְ/יִרְאֶ֑ה
וַ/יִּפְקַ֤ח
יְהוָה֙
אֶת
עֵינֵ֣י
הַ/נַּ֔עַר
וַ/יַּ֗רְא
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
הָ/הָ֜ר
מָלֵ֨א
סוּסִ֥ים
וְ/רֶ֛כֶב
אֵ֖שׁ
סְבִיבֹ֥ת
אֱלִישָֽׁע
וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלִישָׁע֙
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
Elisha
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֕ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
פְּקַח
pâqach
H6491
to open
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֵינָ֖י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
וְ/יִרְאֶ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וַ/יִּפְקַ֤ח
pâqach
H6491
to open
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
הַ/נַּ֔עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
וַ/יַּ֗רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
הָ/הָ֜ר
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-ms
מָלֵ֨א
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Qal
סוּסִ֥ים
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-mp
וְ/רֶ֛כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
Conj | N-ms
אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
סְבִיבֹ֥ת
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp
אֱלִישָֽׁע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
Elisha
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 6:17
וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.
Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.
אֱלִישָׁע֙
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
"Elisha"
N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֕ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
פְּקַח
pâqach
H6491
"to open"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to open, like opening your eyes or ears to something new. It can also mean being observant and aware of your surroundings. In the Bible, it is used to describe physical and spiritual awakening.
Definition: 1) to open (the eyes) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to open (the eyes) 1a2) to open (the ears) 1b) (Niphal) to be opened
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: open. See also: Genesis 3:5; Psalms 146:8; Proverbs 20:13.
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֵינָ֖י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/יִרְאֶ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וַ/יִּפְקַ֤ח
pâqach
H6491
"to open"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to open, like opening your eyes or ears to something new. It can also mean being observant and aware of your surroundings. In the Bible, it is used to describe physical and spiritual awakening.
Definition: 1) to open (the eyes) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to open (the eyes) 1a2) to open (the ears) 1b) (Niphal) to be opened
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: open. See also: Genesis 3:5; Psalms 146:8; Proverbs 20:13.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
הַ/נַּ֔עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וַ/יַּ֗רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
הָ/הָ֜ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
מָלֵ֨א
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Qal
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
סוּסִ֥ים
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וְ/רֶ֛כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
סְבִיבֹ֥ת
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
אֱלִישָֽׁע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
"Elisha"
N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 6:17
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Context — Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans
15When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?”
16“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
17Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
18As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. 19And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 68:17 | The chariots of God are tens of thousands— thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai. |
| 2 | Psalms 34:7 | The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them. |
| 3 | Zechariah 6:1–7 | And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?” And the angel told me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going forth from their station before the Lord of all the earth. The one with the black horses is going toward the land of the north, the one with the white horses toward the west, and the one with the dappled horses toward the south.” As the strong horses went out, they were eager to go and patrol the earth; and the LORD said, “Go and patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth. |
| 4 | Hebrews 1:14 | Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? |
| 5 | 2 Kings 2:11 | As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind. |
| 6 | Acts 26:18 | to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ |
| 7 | Isaiah 42:7 | to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. |
| 8 | Matthew 26:53 | Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? |
| 9 | Psalms 119:18 | Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law. |
| 10 | Zechariah 1:8 | I looked out into the night and saw a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. |
2 Kings 6:17 Summary
In Second Kings 6:17, the Lord opens the eyes of Elisha's servant to see the spiritual reality of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them, showing us that the Lord is always with us and protecting us, even when we cannot see it with our physical eyes (as in Hebrews 13:5). This verse reminds us to trust in the Lord's presence and protection in our lives, and to seek spiritual insight and understanding through prayer. By doing so, we can have peace and confidence in the Lord's care for us, just like Elisha and his servant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to 'open someone's eyes' in a spiritual sense?
In Second Kings 6:17, the Lord opens the eyes of Elisha's servant to see the spiritual reality of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them, indicating that the Lord can give us spiritual insight and understanding, as also seen in Ephesians 1:18 where Paul prays for the eyes of our understanding to be enlightened.
Why did Elisha pray for the servant's eyes to be opened?
Elisha prayed for the servant's eyes to be opened so that he could see the spiritual reality of their situation and trust in the Lord's protection, as Elisha had already assured him in Second Kings 6:16 that those who are with them are more than those who are with their enemies.
What is the significance of the 'horses and chariots of fire' in this verse?
The horses and chariots of fire represent the Lord's heavenly army and His powerful presence, which is also seen in Psalm 68:17, where it says the Lord has many thousands of chariots and is the Lord among them, in the holy place.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by trusting in the Lord's presence and protection in our lives, even when we cannot see it with our physical eyes, and by seeking spiritual insight and understanding through prayer, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need the Lord to 'open my eyes' to see His presence and plan?
- How can I, like Elisha, trust in the Lord's protection and provision even when faced with overwhelming circumstances?
- What are some ways I can seek spiritual insight and understanding, like Elisha's servant, to deepen my faith and trust in the Lord?
- How can I apply the truth of Second Kings 6:17 to my daily life, trusting in the Lord's powerful presence and protection?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see,.... Not the eyes of his body, which were not shut nor blinded, but the eyes of his mind; or, in other words, grant him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:17
That he may see; that by some visible appearance he may see the invisible guard of angels which encompass and defend us. Chariots of fire; which is useful, both for defence to those that are surrounded by it, and offence to the enemies who shall attempt to break through it. Round about Elisha: either the mountains were round about the city, and therefore round about Elisha, who was within it; or he saw in a vision Elisha upon the mountain encompassed with fiery horses and chariots.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:17
2 Kings 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.Ver. 17. Horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.] These were angels. It is a good note that one here maketh: Both those chariots that came to fetch Elijah, and those that came to defend Elisha, were fiery. God is no less lovely to his own in the midst of his judgments, than he is terrible to his enemies in the demonstration of his mercies.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:17
(17) And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw.—Just as the Lord had opened Elisha’s own eyes to see the like vision of unearthly glory when his master was taken away (2 Kings 2:10; 2 Kings 2:12). (Comp. also Numbers 22:31.) The mountain.—On which Dothan stood. Horses and chariots of fire.—Literally, horses and chariots, to wit, fire. Fire was the well-known symbol of Jehovah’s visible presence and protective or destroying might, from the days of the patriarchs onwards (Genesis 15:17; Exodus 3:2; Exodus 13:21, seq., 19:16, seq.; Isaiah 29:6; Isaiah 30:30; Isaiah 30:33; Isaiah 33:14). As fiery chariots and horses parted Elijah from Elisha (2 Kings 2:12), so now a similar appearance surrounds and protects the latter. “It is a fine thought,” says Thenius, “that on this occasion the veil of earthly existence was lifted for a moment for one child of man, so as to allow him a clear glimpse of the sovereignty of Providence.” The form of the supernatural appearance was, no doubt, conditioned by the circumstances of the time. Chariots and horses were the strength of the Aramean oppressors of Israel; therefore, Jehovah causes His earthly ministers to see that He also has at His command horses and chariots, and that of fire.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:17
Verse 17. Lord - open his eyes] Where is heaven? Is it not above, beneath, around us? And were our eyes open as were those of the prophet's servant, we should see the heavenly host in all directions. The horses and chariots of fire were there, before the eyes of Elisha's servant were opened.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 6:17
17. open his eyes] To the servant there was need of a more manifest vision, and for this Elisha prays, and God vouchsafes to grant it, that the servant may become as confident as his master. It is not that the troops may be gathered that Elisha prays, they are there already, but that the servant may have a seeing eye bestowed upon him to discern how well he and his master are protected. the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire] Just as in chapter 2 Kings 2:11 we read of appearances so described. It is not necessary that we suppose the vision to have been of literal horses and chariots. The heavenly host was seen encamped about God’s servant in such wise as to disperse all fear. round about Elisha] The enemy compassed the town all round, but there was an inner circle filled by God’s army. Dothan stood on an eminence and so the summit could thus be encircled, and the barrier against the Syrians appear complete.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 6:17
Open his eyes that he may see - Elisha’s servant lacked the faith of his master.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 6:17
17. The Lord opened the eyes of the young man — His natural eyes saw only the horses and chariots of Syria, and he could not understand Elisha’s meaning when he said, They that be with us are more than they that be with them.
Sermons on 2 Kings 6:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Actuality or Reality by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of turning to the Word of God amidst the confusion and changing circumstances of the world. He quotes 2 Corinthians 4:18, which |
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Praise by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his servant when they saw the mountains full of chariots, representing the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that when w |
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Angels Are Real by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilia Schlink shares a story of a little boy who miraculously survives being run over by a truck. The boy claims that there were two angels protecting him during |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Kings by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories and lessons from the 2nd book of Kings, highlighting the different kings who ruled Israel and Judah, the consequences of their actions, the impo |
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Behold, the Mountain Was Full of Horses And by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine protection surrounding God's saints, illustrated by the vision of Elisha, where the mountains were full of horses and chariots of fire. He reassure |
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Unbelief: Its Cause and Cure - Matthew 13:53-58 by Jon Courson | Jon Courson preaches about the dangers of unbelief, using the example of Jesus being limited in performing miracles in Nazareth due to the people's lack of faith. Unbelief blinds o |
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Spiritual Warfare (Luke 22:34) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Christian's warfare is spiritual rather than physical, as illustrated by Jesus' command to arm oneself with a sword, which symbolizes readiness |