2 Kings 6:15
New International Version
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

New Living Translation
When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.

English Standard Version
When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

Berean Standard Bible
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?”

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

New American Standard Bible
Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “This is hopeless, my master! What are we to do?”

NASB 1995
Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

NASB 1977
Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the attendant of the man of God arose early and went out, and behold, a military force with horses and chariots was all around the city. And his young man said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

Amplified Bible
The servant of the man of God got up early and went out, and behold, there was an army with horses and chariots encircling the city. Elisha’s servant said to him, “Oh no, my master! What are we to do?”

Christian Standard Bible
When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?”

American Standard Version
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host with horses and chariots was round about the city. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

Contemporary English Version
When Elisha's servant got up the next morning, he saw that Syrian troops had the town surrounded. "Sir, what are we going to do?" he asked.

English Revised Version
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host with horses and chariots was round about the city. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the servant of the man of God got up in the morning and went outside, he saw troops, horses, and chariots surrounding the city. Elisha's servant asked, "Master, what should we do?"

Good News Translation
Early the next morning Elisha's servant got up, went out of the house, and saw the Syrian troops with their horses and chariots surrounding the town. He went back to Elisha and exclaimed, "We are doomed, sir! What shall we do?"

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, the attendant to the man of God got up early in the morning and went outside, and there were the elite forces, surrounding the city, accompanied by horses and chariots! So Elisha's attendant cried out to him, "Oh no! Master! What will we do!?"

Majority Standard Bible
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, ?Oh, my master, what are we to do??

NET Bible
The prophet's attendant got up early in the morning. When he went outside there was an army surrounding the city, along with horses and chariots. He said to Elisha, "Oh no, my master! What will we do?"

New Heart English Bible
When the servant of the man of God had risen early, and gone out, look, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. His servant said to him, "Alas, my master. What shall we do?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And when the servant of the man of God had risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

World English Bible
When the servant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. His servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the servant of the man of God rises early, and goes out, and behold, a force is surrounding the city, and horse and chariot, and his young man says to him, “Aah! My lord, how do we do?”

Young's Literal Translation
And the servant of the man of God riseth early, and goeth out, and lo, a force is surrounding the city, and horse and chariot, and his young man saith unto him, 'Alas! my lord, how do we do?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he serving the man of God will rise early to stand up, and he went forth, and behold, strength surrounding the city, and horse and chariot And his boy will say to him, Alas, my lord! how shall we do?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the servant of the man of God rising early, went out, and saw an army round about the city, and horses and chariots: and he told him, saying: Alas, alas, alas, my lord, what shall we do?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the servant of the man of God, arising at first light, went out and saw the army all around the city, with horses and chariots. And he reported it to him, saying: “Alas, alas, alas, my lord! What shall we do?”

New American Bible
Early the next morning, when the servant of the man of God arose and went out, he saw the force with its horses and chariots surrounding the city. “Alas!” he said to Elisha. “What shall we do, my lord?”

New Revised Standard Version
When an attendant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. His servant said, “Alas, master! What shall we do?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the servant of the prophet of God arose early and went out, behold, an army surrounded the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, Alas, my master! what shall we do?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Minister of the Prophet of God arose to go out and he went out and he saw the army that surrounded the city, and the horses and chariots, and his young Manservant said to him: “Oh, my Lord! what shall we do?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host with horses and chariots was round about the city. And his servant said unto him: 'Alas, my master! how shall we do?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the servant of Elisaie rose up early and went out; and, behold, a host compassed the city, and horses and chariots: and the servant said to him, O master, what shall we do?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elisha Captures the Blinded Arameans
14the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. 15When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” 16“Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”…

Cross References
Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 91:11-12
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. / They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Daniel 6:22
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”

Matthew 26:53
Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Hebrews 1:14
Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Psalm 27:3
Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Psalm 3:6
I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.

Psalm 46:7
The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

1 John 4:4
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

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 to him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

servant.

2 Kings 3:11
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

2 Kings 5:20,27
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him…

Exodus 24:13
And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

Alas

2 Kings 6:5
But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

2 Chronicles 20:12
O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

Psalm 53:5
There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.

Jump to Previous
Alas Army Attendant Carriages Chariot Chariots Circling City Compassed Early Force Forth Horse Horses Host Master Morning Risen Riseth Rose Round Servant Surrounded Surrounding War Young
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Alas Army Attendant Carriages Chariot Chariots Circling City Compassed Early Force Forth Horse Horses Host Master Morning Risen Riseth Rose Round Servant Surrounded Surrounding War Young
2 Kings 6
1. Elisha, allowing the young prophets to enlarge dwellings, floats an axhead
8. He discloses the king of Syria's counsel
13. The army which was sent to Dothan to apprehend Elisha, is blinded
19. Being brought into Samaria, they are dismissed in peace
24. The famine in Samaria causes women to eat their own children
30. The king sends to slay Elisha














When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning
This phrase sets the scene for a significant event in the life of Elisha, the prophet. The "servant of the man of God" refers to Elisha's attendant, who is unnamed in this passage. The early morning timing suggests a routine start to the day, yet it quickly turns into a moment of crisis. In biblical times, early morning was often a time for prayer and preparation, indicating the servant's diligence. This moment parallels other biblical instances where God reveals His plans or protection in the morning, such as the provision of manna for the Israelites (Exodus 16:21).

behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city
The presence of an army with horses and chariots indicates a formidable military force, typical of ancient Near Eastern warfare. Horses and chariots were symbols of power and might, often used by nations like Egypt and Assyria. The city referred to is Dothan, a location mentioned earlier in 2 Kings 6:13. Dothan was strategically significant, situated on a trade route, making it a target for military action. This scenario reflects the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria), highlighting the political and military tensions of the time.

So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?”
The servant's question to Elisha reveals his fear and uncertainty in the face of overwhelming odds. Addressing Elisha as "my master" shows respect and recognition of Elisha's authority and spiritual insight. This moment of crisis prompts a reliance on divine guidance, a common theme in Scripture where human limitations are met with God's intervention. The servant's reaction is reminiscent of other biblical figures who faced daunting challenges, such as Moses at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-12) or the disciples during the storm (Mark 4:38). This phrase sets the stage for Elisha's demonstration of faith and the subsequent revelation of God's protection.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elisha
The prophet of God, known for his miracles and guidance to the people of Israel. He is the central figure in this account, demonstrating faith and reliance on God.

2. The Servant
The unnamed servant of Elisha, who represents the human tendency to fear and doubt when faced with overwhelming circumstances.

3. The Aramean Army
The military force sent by the king of Aram to capture Elisha, illustrating the physical threats that often confront God's people.

4. Dothan
The city where Elisha and his servant were staying, symbolizing a place of divine revelation and protection despite being surrounded by enemies.

5. The King of Aram
The antagonist who seeks to capture Elisha, representing opposition to God's plans and people.
Teaching Points
Faith Over Fear
Elisha's response to his servant's fear teaches us to trust in God's unseen protection rather than be overwhelmed by visible threats.

Spiritual Vision
The account encourages believers to pray for spiritual insight to see God's hand at work in their lives, even when circumstances seem dire.

Divine Protection
God's protection is often invisible but very real. Believers can take comfort in knowing that God surrounds them with His presence and power.

Prayer as a Response
When faced with fear or uncertainty, turning to God in prayer should be our first response, as demonstrated by Elisha's calm assurance.

God's Sovereignty
The account underscores God's control over all situations, reminding us that no earthly power can thwart His plans for His people.(15) The servant of the man of God.--One waiting on (i.e., a minister of) the man of God. Not Gehazi, who is never called Elisha's minister, and is usually mentioned by name.

Was risen early.--For the Hebrew construction, comp. Psalm 127:2; Isaiah 5:11; Hosea 6:4.

Gone forth.--To the outside of the house, which commanded a view of the valley below, where the Syrians lay.

And his servant said.--On returning into the house. The narrative is contracted.

Verse 15. - And when the servant of the man of God was risen early - he had, perhaps, heard the arrival of the Syrian forces during the night, and "rose early" to reconnoiter - and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots; rather, an host compassed the city, and horses, and chariots. A force of footmen, a force of horsemen, and a chariot force, are intended (cutup. ver. 14). And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? Though the servant could not know that it was Elisha's person which was especially sought, yet he was naturally alarmed at seeing the city invested by a hostile force, and anticipated either death or capture, which last would involve the being sold as a slave. Hence his "Alas!" and his piteous cry, "How shall we do?" Can we, i.e. in any way, save ourselves?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When the servant
מְשָׁרֵ֨ת (mə·šā·rêṯ)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to

of the man
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of God
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֮ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

got up
לָקוּם֒ (lā·qūm)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

and went out
וַיֵּצֵ֕א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

early in the morning,
וַ֠יַּשְׁכֵּם (way·yaš·kêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7925: To load up, to start early in the morning

an army
חַ֛יִל (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

with horses
וְס֣וּס (wə·sūs)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird)

and chariots
וָרָ֑כֶב (wā·rā·ḵeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

had surrounded
סוֹבֵ֥ב (sō·w·ḇêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

the city.
הָעִ֖יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

So he
נַעֲר֥וֹ (na·‘ă·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

asked Elisha,
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Oh,
אֲהָ֥הּ (’ă·hāh)
Interjection
Strong's 162: Alas!

my master,
אֲדֹנִ֖י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

what
אֵיכָ֥ה (’ê·ḵāh)
Interjection
Strong's 349: How?, how!, where

are we to do?”
נַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃ (na·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make


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OT History: 2 Kings 6:15 When the servant of the man (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 6:14
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