There are more with God’s people than there are against them.
In 2 Kings 6:16, Scripture narrates that Elisha, the prophet of God, calms the fears of his attendant when they see the Aramean army encircling the city of Dothan. Elisha’s response comes after his attendant panics at the enormous threat. He says, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v.16). These words assure the servant that God’s invisible forces vastly outnumber any earthly army. Indeed, looking around with earthly eyes might stir terror, but trusting God’s protection invites an entirely different perspective. This event occurs near Dothan, a location in the northern part of Israel, situated roughly twelve miles north of Samaria.The Arameans (often called Syrians in the Old Testament) came from the region northeast of Israel—present-day Syria. The King of Aram (Syria) was a persistent adversary during the 9th century BC, the time of the prophet Elisha who served roughly from around 850 to 800 BC. In the broader context, this verse underscores how God’s power works out of sight, ensuring His people that He is constantly surrounding them with His might, as also indicated in Psalm 139:5 where David proclaims God’s protective presence.Elisha’s role in Israel’s history was critical during turbulent times marked by conflicts with neighboring kingdoms. He had succeeded Elijah, who ministered in the northern kingdom from around 875 to 848 BC. Elisha continued this ministry, performing miracles and conveying God’s messages to Israel’s kings. When his fearful servant looks at the armies of Aram, Elisha prays for him to see the heavenly chariots of fire that encircle them (2 Kings 6:17). This prayer reveals the unseen reality of God’s guardianship. Elisha’s statement, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v.16), epitomizes the theme that God’s presence, though not always visible, far outweighs any earthly obstacle.In modern application, this verse reminds us that difficulties or threats may be imposing, but those who trust in God remain under His powerful care. This same principle surfaces throughout Scripture, including passages like Romans 8:31 where Paul affirms that if God is for believers, who can stand against them? The spiritual reality, just like the chariots of fire around Elisha, encourages faith and patience under duress. Believers can draw courage from this example, trusting that unseen spiritual forces accompany and protect the faithful.
Set to dark mode
2 Kings 6:16 meaning
In 2 Kings 6:16, Scripture narrates that Elisha, the prophet of God, calms the fears of his attendant when they see the Aramean army encircling the city of Dothan. Elisha’s response comes after his attendant panics at the enormous threat. He says, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v.16). These words assure the servant that God’s invisible forces vastly outnumber any earthly army. Indeed, looking around with earthly eyes might stir terror, but trusting God’s protection invites an entirely different perspective. This event occurs near Dothan, a location in the northern part of Israel, situated roughly twelve miles north of Samaria.The Arameans (often called Syrians in the Old Testament) came from the region northeast of Israel—present-day Syria. The King of Aram (Syria) was a persistent adversary during the 9th century BC, the time of the prophet Elisha who served roughly from around 850 to 800 BC. In the broader context, this verse underscores how God’s power works out of sight, ensuring His people that He is constantly surrounding them with His might, as also indicated in Psalm 139:5 where David proclaims God’s protective presence.Elisha’s role in Israel’s history was critical during turbulent times marked by conflicts with neighboring kingdoms. He had succeeded Elijah, who ministered in the northern kingdom from around 875 to 848 BC. Elisha continued this ministry, performing miracles and conveying God’s messages to Israel’s kings. When his fearful servant looks at the armies of Aram, Elisha prays for him to see the heavenly chariots of fire that encircle them (2 Kings 6:17). This prayer reveals the unseen reality of God’s guardianship. Elisha’s statement, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v.16), epitomizes the theme that God’s presence, though not always visible, far outweighs any earthly obstacle.In modern application, this verse reminds us that difficulties or threats may be imposing, but those who trust in God remain under His powerful care. This same principle surfaces throughout Scripture, including passages like Romans 8:31 where Paul affirms that if God is for believers, who can stand against them? The spiritual reality, just like the chariots of fire around Elisha, encourages faith and patience under duress. Believers can draw courage from this example, trusting that unseen spiritual forces accompany and protect the faithful.