New International VersionNow the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
New Living TranslationWhen the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.”
English Standard VersionOnce when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.”
Berean Standard BibleNow the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.”
King James BibleThen the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
New King James VersionNow the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.”
New American Standard BibleNow the king of Aram was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, “In such and such a place shall be my camp.”
NASB 1995Now the king of Aram was warring against Israel; and he counseled with his servants saying, “In such and such a place shall be my camp.”
NASB 1977Now the king of Aram was warring against Israel; and he counseled with his servants saying, “In such and such a place shall be my camp.”
Legacy Standard BibleNow the king of Aram was warring against Israel; and he counseled with his servants saying, “In such and such a place shall be my camp.”
Amplified BibleNow the king of Aram (Syria) was making war against Israel, and he consulted with his servants, saying, “My camp shall be in such and such a place.”
Christian Standard BibleWhen the king of Aram was waging war against Israel, he conferred with his servants, “My camp will be at such and such a place.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen the king of Aram was waging war against Israel, he conferred with his servants, “My camp will be at such and such a place.”
American Standard VersionNow the king of Syria was warring against Israel; and he took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
Contemporary English VersionTime after time, when the king of Syria was at war against the Israelites, he met with his officers and announced, "I've decided where we will set up camp."
English Revised VersionNow the king of Syria warred against Israel; and he took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhenever the king of Aram was fighting against Israel, he asked for advice from his officers about where they were to camp.
Good News TranslationThe king of Syria was at war with Israel. He consulted his officers and chose a place to set up his camp.
International Standard VersionEventually the king of Aram went to war against Israel, taking counsel with his advisors and concluding, "In such and such a place I'll build my encampment."
NET BibleNow the king of Syria was at war with Israel. He consulted his advisers, who said, "Invade at such and such a place."
New Heart English BibleNow the king of Aram was warring against Israel; and he took counsel with his servants, saying, "My camp will be in such and such a place."
Webster's Bible TranslationThen the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.”
World English BibleNow the king of Syria was at war against Israel; and he took counsel with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king of Aram has been fighting against Israel, and takes counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place [is] my encamping.”
Young's Literal Translation And the king of Aram hath been fighting against Israel, and taketh counsel with his servants, saying, 'At such and such a place is my encamping.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the king of Aram was warring against Israel, and he counseled with his servants, saying, To such a certain place my encampments. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying: In such and such a place let us lay ambushes.
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow the king of Syria was fighting against Israel, and he took counsel with his servants, saying, “In this and that place, let us set up an ambush.”
New American BibleWhen the king of Aram was waging war on Israel, he would make plans with his servants: “I will bivouac at such and such a place.”
New Revised Standard VersionOnce when the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he took counsel with his officers. He said, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the king of Aram warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall we lie in wait.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the King of Edom fought with Israel, and he took counsel, he and his Servants, and he said: “Lie in wait and hide in a certain place.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now the king of Aram warred against Israel; and he took counsel with his servants, saying: 'In such and such a place shall be my camp.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the king of Syria was at war with Israel: and he consulted with his servants, saying, I will encamp in such a place.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans8Now the kingof Aramwasat waragainst Israel.After consultingwithhis servants,he said,“My camp will beinsuchand sucha place.”9Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful passing by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.”…
Cross References 2 Kings 1:1After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel.
2 Kings 3:5-7But after the death of Ahab, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. / So at that time King Jehoram set out from Samaria and mobilized all Israel. / And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”
2 Kings 5:1-2Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. / At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife.
2 Kings 7:6-7For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives.
2 Kings 13:3So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad.
1 Kings 20:1-12Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it. / Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, / saying, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and gold are mine, and your best wives and children are mine!’” ...
1 Kings 22:31-33Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” / When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “Surely this is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out. / And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.
Judges 6:3-4Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, / encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys.
Judges 7:12Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.
1 Samuel 23:19-23Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? / Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” / “May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. ...
1 Samuel 30:1-2On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.
2 Chronicles 18:30-32Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” / When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him. / And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.
Isaiah 7:1-2Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.
Jeremiah 49:23-27Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed. / Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. / How is the city of praise not forsaken, the town that brings Me joy? ...
Amos 1:3-5This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. / So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. / I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD.
Treasury of Scripture Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. the king 2 Kings 6:24 And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. 1 Kings 20:1,34 And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: andthere were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it… 1 Kings 22:31 But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. took 1 Kings 20:23 And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their godsare gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. Job 5:12,13 He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot performtheir enterprise… Proverbs 20:18Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. camp. Jump to Previous AramArmyCampChiefsConferringCounselCounseledEncampingFightingIsraelMakingMeetingOfficersOnceSecretServantsSyriaTimeWaitingWarWarredWarringJump to Next AramArmyCampChiefsConferringCounselCounseledEncampingFightingIsraelMakingMeetingOfficersOnceSecretServantsSyriaTimeWaitingWarWarredWarring2 Kings 6 1.Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead8.He discloses the king of Syria's counsel13.The army which was sent to Dothan to apprehend Elisha, is blinded19.Being brought into Samaria, they are dismissed in peace24.The famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own children30.The king sends to slay ElishaNow the king of Aram was at war against Israel.The king of Aram, also known as Syria, was frequently in conflict with Israel during this period. Aram was a powerful kingdom located to the northeast of Israel, with its capital in Damascus. The ongoing hostilities between Aram and Israel reflect the turbulent political landscape of the ancient Near East, where regional powers often vied for control and influence. This conflict is part of a series of skirmishes and wars that are documented throughout the books of Kings, highlighting the persistent threat Aram posed to Israel. Theologically, these conflicts can be seen as part of the divine testing and judgment upon Israel, as they often strayed from their covenant with God. After consulting with his servants,
The king's consultation with his servants indicates a strategic military planning session. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often relied on their advisors and military commanders to devise plans and strategies. This phrase suggests a level of organization and intent behind Aram's military actions. It also reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient kingdoms, where decisions were made by the king in consultation with trusted officials. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, where kings often seek counsel from their advisors, prophets, or wise men. he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.”
The phrase "such and such a place" implies a specific location that is not disclosed in the text, possibly for narrative purposes. This secrecy highlights the tactical nature of the king's plans, as military camps were often set up in strategic locations to launch attacks or defend against enemies. The use of unspecified locations in biblical narratives can also serve to focus the reader's attention on the unfolding events rather than the geographical details. In the broader biblical context, God often reveals the plans of Israel's enemies to His prophets, as seen in the subsequent verses where Elisha, the prophet, warns the king of Israel about Aram's movements. This divine intervention underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and protection over Israel, even amidst their disobedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of AramThe ruler of Aram, an ancient kingdom located in present-day Syria, who is at war with Israel. His strategic decisions set the stage for the events that follow. 2. IsraelThe northern kingdom of the divided Israelite nation, often in conflict with neighboring nations like Aram during this period. 3. Servants of the King of AramThese are the king's advisors or military officers with whom he discusses his plans for war against Israel. 4. Elisha (implied in the broader context)Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Elisha, the prophet, plays a crucial role in the surrounding account by revealing the king of Aram's plans to the king of Israel. 5. WarThe ongoing conflict between Aram and Israel, which is a backdrop for the miraculous interventions that follow in the account. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsGod is in control of the nations and their leaders, and His purposes will prevail despite human plans. The Role of ProphetsProphets like Elisha serve as God's mouthpiece, providing guidance and insight that can alter the course of history. Divine ProtectionGod protects His people, often in ways that are unseen or unexpected, as He did for Israel through Elisha's warnings. The Importance of Spiritual InsightSpiritual discernment is crucial in understanding and navigating the challenges we face, much like Elisha's insight into the king of Aram's plans. Trust in God's PlanEven when surrounded by conflict or uncertainty, believers can trust that God is working behind the scenes for their good. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 6
2 Kings 6:18–20: How could Elisha strike an entire enemy force with blindness and then restore their sight?
What events are described in 2 Kings?
How could Ahijah, who was nearly blind (1 Kings 14:4–5), immediately recognize Jeroboam’s wife in disguise?
What are the key events in Elisha's life?(8) Then the king of Syria warred.--Rather, Now the king of Syria(Aram) was warring, i.e., continually. The time intended cannot be the reign of Jehoahaz, for here the Syrians achieve nothing of importance. (Comp. 2Kings 6:32.) Took counsel with.--Comp.2Chronicles 20:21. Such and such.--The compound Hebrew expression (p?loni 'almoni) means "a certain one, I will not mention which;" the Greek,? ?????. My camp.--Heb.,tah?nothi; a difficult expression, found only here. Its form is anomalous, and probably corrupt. The Targum renders "house of my camp:" but the Syriac, "Set ye an ambush, and lurk;" the Vulg., "ponamus insidias:" and similarly the Arabic. This has suggested that the true reading is "hide ye," i.e., lie in ambush (t?h?b-, i.e., t?h?b?-: Thenius). It is, however, a more obvious change to read, "ye shall go down" (tinh?th-:Psalm 38:3). This agrees better with the construction, "Unto ('el) such and such a place shall ye go down,"i.e., on a plundering incursion. Verse 8-2 Kings 7:20. - PUBLIC MIRACLES or ELISHA ( resumed). Verse 8. - Then the King of Syria warred against Israel. It may seem strange that, so soon after sending an embassy to the court of Samaria, and asking a favor ( 2 Kings 5:5, 6), Benhadad should resume hostilities, especially as the favor had been obtained ( 2 Kings 5:14); but the normal relations between the two countries were those of enmity ( 2 Kings 5:2), and a few years would suffice to dim the memory of what had happened. The gratitude of kings is proverbially short-lived. And took counsel with his servants - i.e., his chief officers - saying, In such and such a place (comp. 1 Samuel 21:2) shall be my camp; or, my encampment. תַּחְחֲנֹח appears to be "a noun in the form of the infinitive." It does not occur elsewhere.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Now the kingוּמֶ֣לֶךְ(ū·me·leḵ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Aramאֲרָ֔ם(’ă·rām)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758:Aram -- Syriawasהָיָ֥ה(hā·yāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beat warנִלְחָ֖ם(nil·ḥām)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3898:To feed on, to consume, to battleagainst Israel.בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל(bə·yiś·rā·’êl)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descAfter consultingוַיִּוָּעַץ֙(way·yiw·wā·‘aṣ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3289:To advise, to deliberate, resolvewithאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tohis servants,עֲבָדָ֣יו(‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servanthe said,לֵאמֹ֗ר(lê·mōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559:To utter, say“My camp [will be]תַּחֲנֹתִֽי׃(ta·ḥă·nō·ṯî)Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8466:An encamping, encampmentinאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tosuchפְּלֹנִ֥י(pə·lō·nî)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6423:Such a, one, a specified peccrsonand suchאַלְמֹנִ֖י(’al·mō·nî)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 492:Someone, a certain (one)a place.”מְק֛וֹם(mə·qō·wm)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a condition
Links 2 Kings 6:8 NIV2 Kings 6:8 NLT2 Kings 6:8 ESV2 Kings 6:8 NASB2 Kings 6:8 KJV
2 Kings 6:8 BibleApps.com2 Kings 6:8 Biblia Paralela2 Kings 6:8 Chinese Bible2 Kings 6:8 French Bible2 Kings 6:8 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Kings 6:8 Now the king of Syria was warring (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
