Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 6
At their first meeting, Joram, the king of northern and central Israel, came with two other kings to Elisha’s tent (3:12-14). He came then because he wanted Elisha’s help. It was the custom for a less important person to come to the home of a more important person. Joram was the king – but Elisha deserved greater respect because he was there on God’s behalf.
For this last meeting, Joram again came to Elisha’s home. He came because he wanted to murder Elisha – but God brought him there because he needed to hear an especially important message from God.
Several other important leaders were also present when Elisha declared this message. There were the elders, who were probably the leaders of the city, its judges and the king’s advisers. They had probably gathered because they wanted Elisha to inquire of God on their behalf. Also present was an important army officer – probably the leader of Joram’s army (compare 2 Kings 7:2 with 5:1 and 5:18). God wanted them all to hear this message. In it, God would provide powerful evidence that he was rescuing Israel’s people. That evidence would give Joram another opportunity – perhaps his last opportunity – to turn to the true God. If he did not, God’s judgment against his family would happen very soon (1 Kings 21:21-24).
However, before Elisha declared his message, either the king spoke, or his servant on his behalf. The king blamed the true God for his troubles. He had waited for God to rescue the city, but nothing good had happened. He asked Elisha to give any reason why he should continue to wait. He expected Elisha’s answer to give him an excuse to order Elisha’s death.
Next part: Elisha declares cheap prices at Samaria's market (2 Kings 7:1)
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