2 Kings 6:21

“And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, etc.] The Syrian army thus in his hands: my father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? he speaks with great reverence and respect to the prophet, whom at other times he neglected and despised; and the repetition of his words shows the eagerness of his mind to fall upon his enemy when they where at a disadvantage.”

“My father - A term of respect used by Jehoram in his joy at seeing an army of Syrians delivered up to him by the prophet. That the king’s character was not changed appears from 2 Kings 6:31-32. Shall I smite them? shall I smite them? - The repetition of the words mean, “Shall I utterly smite them?” Compare similar repetitions with similar meanings in Genesis 22:17; Luke 22:15. return to 'Top of Page'”

“6:21 My father: Elisha had used this term of respect when addressing Elijah (2:12), as had Naaman’s servant when speaking to his master (5:13).”

“My father: This was dastardly. the utmost he ought to have done with these men, when thus brought into his hand, was to make them prisoners of war. Kg2 2:12, Kg2 5:13, Kg2 8:9, Kg2 13:14 shall: Sa1 24:4, Sa1 24:19, Sa1 26:8; Luk 9:54-56, Luk 22:49 4 Kings (2 Kings) 6:22”

“Elisha forbade king Joram to slay the enemy that he had brought to him, because he had not taken them prisoners in war, and recommended him to treat them hospitably and then let them return to their lord. The object of the miracle would have been frustrated if the Syrians had been slain. For the intention was to show the Syrians that they had to do with a prophet of the true God, against whom no human power could be of any avail, that they might learn to fear the almighty God. Even when regarded from a political point of view, the prophet's advice was more likely to ensure peace than the king's proposal, as the result of Kg2 6:23 clearly shows. The Syrians did not venture any more to invade…”