2 Kings 6:15–6:17
Sources
Reformed ConsensusReformation Study BibleGeneva Bible Notes (1599)John Trapp (1647)Matthew Poole (1685)John Gill (1748)Matthew Henry (1714)Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBarnes (1832)Cross-References (TSK)Reformed Consensus
When Elisha's servant awoke to find the Syrian army encircling Dothan, his terrified question — "What shall we do?" — exposed the default posture of unbelief: judging reality by what the eye can see rather than by the word and promise of God. Elisha's calm reply, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them," was not a private intuition but a confession grounded in covenant theology — the God of Israel is a warrior who fights on behalf of his people (Ex. 14:14; Deut. 20:4). The subsequent opening of the servant's eyes was not a permanent upgrade of his faculties but a gracious, momentary unveiling of what had been true all along, underscoring that the angels of the Lord encamp around those who fear him (Ps. 34:7) whether or not they are perceived. Reformed interpreters rightly note that Elisha did not pray for the chariots to appear, but only for his servant to *see* them — the divine army required no summoning, because providential protection is continuous and prior to human awareness. The passage thus functions as a rebuke to every theology that shrinks God's sovereignty to the measure of visible circumstances, and as an anchor for the believer's assurance that the unseen realities of grace are more determinative than any earthly threat.
Reformation Study Bible
those who are with us. Elisha is referring to God's heavenly host or army (cf. Josh. 5:13-15; 2 Chr, 32:7, 8; Dan. 10:20; 12:1). In fighting wars for God, the Israelites believed that they were not fighting alone, but with the power of God (Ex. 15:1-12; Deut. 20:1-4; 2 Sam, 22:7-16, 31-51). See also Matt. 26:53. | open his eyes. Elisha prays that the servant would see something that does not appear to the naked eye: God's heavenly armies waiting to do battle with the Syrians.
Geneva Bible Notes (1599)
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
John Trapp (1647)
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? Alas, my master! how shall we do? — Vox desperantis. Flesh and blood in an exigent gives up all for lost. Infidelity limiteth God’s boundless power and bottomless mercy: this is a kind of taking away of the Almighty. Hope above hope. Qui nil potest sperare, desperet nihil.
Matthew Poole (1685)
The servant having been with him but a little time, even since Gehaziâs dismission, had not yet seen any experiments of his great power; or if he had, his faith might easily be shaken upon so great and sudden a danger. Gone forth; either out of the gates of the city, where he might see them; or out of his house into the streets of the city, where he might learn this by the common fame and tumult of the people.
John Gill (1748)
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth,.... Either out of his master's house, or out of the city upon some business to be done early in the morning; this was not Gehazi, but a new servant: behold, an host compassed the city, both with horses and chariots; which he could see at the door of his master's house, the city being built upon an eminence; or which he perceived, as soon as he came out of the gates of the city, or was about so to do: and his servant said unto him; Elisha being with him; or else he returned to his master on the sight of such an army, and not being able to go forward: alas, my master! how shall we do? to get out of the city, and through this host, and proceed on our intended journey; and if he understood that the intention of this formidable host was to take his master, his concern might be the greater; and the more as he was a new servant, and not so well acquainted with his master's being possessed of a power of doing miracles.
Matthew Henry (1714)
What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the eyes of our faith, that with them we may see thy protecting hand. The clearer sight we have of the sovereignty and power of Heaven, the less we shall fear the troubles of earth. Satan, the god of this world, blinds men's eyes, and so deludes them unto their own ruin; but when God enlightens their eyes, they see themselves in the midst of their enemies, captives to Satan, and in danger of hell, though, before, they thought their condition good. When Elisha had the Syrians at his mercy, he made it appear that he was influenced by Divine goodness as well as Divine power. Let us not be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. The Syrians saw it was to no purpose to try to assault so great and so good a man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
15. his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?—When the Syrian detachment surrounded the place by night, for the apprehension of the prophet, his servant was paralyzed with fear. This was a new servant, who had only been with him since Gehazi's dismissal and consequently had little or no experience of his master's powers. His faith was easily shaken by so unexpected an alarm.
Barnes (1832)
Dothan - See the marginal reference note. It was at no great distance from Shechem. Its ancient name still attaches to a Tel or hill of a marked character (compare 2 Kings 6:17 ), from the foot of which arises a copious fountain.
Cross-References (TSK)
2Kings 6:14; 2Kings 6:16; 2Kings 3:11; 2Kings 5:20; Exodus 24:13; 1Kings 19:21; Matthew 20:26; Acts 13:5; 2Kings 6:5; 2Chronicles 20:12; Psalms 53:5; Matthew 8:26; 2Kings 6:1; 2Kings 6:8; 2Kings 6:13; 2Kings 6:19; 2Kings 6:24; 2Kings 6:30; 2Kings 4:43; 2Kings 3:22; 2Kings 6:7; 1Kings 20:25; 1Kings 8:20; 2Kings 4:30; 2Kings 5:25; 1Kings 7:24; 2Kings 5:22; Proverbs 23:29; 2Kings 22:12; 2Kings 10:2; 2Kings 7:14; 2Kings 6:17; 2Chronicles 4:3; 2Kings 8:21; 2Kings 19:35; 2Kings 9:5; 2Kings 8:3; 2Kings 9:19; 2Kings 6:22; 2Kings 7:9; 2Kings 8:2; 2Kings 7:5; 2Kings 8:4; 1Chronicles 2:23; 2Kings 8:28; 2Kings 6:15