MPV Commentary

18. Please smite this people with blindness, I pray you, so that they do not recognize me as their target.

19-23. This is not the way to go, nor is this the city. Elisha's statement was true in a sense, since he had left his residence and would not have been found by taking this road. However, his words were intentionally ambiguous, meant to deceive the Syrians and lead them astray.

He led them to Samaria, where they arrived in the midst of the city. At Elisha's request, their eyes were opened, and they became aware of their vulnerable position. The king had received a private warning about their arrival, but he was not allowed to kill these defenseless captives. Instead, Elisha advised him to treat them with generous hospitality and then release them back to their own country.

This advice was humane and in line with the principles of war. It would have been unjust to put these captives to death, even if they had been taken by force. The miraculous intervention of God had placed them at the king's mercy, making it all the more fitting for him to show kindness and generosity. By doing so, he would not only prevent future opposition from the Syrians but also demonstrate the power and protection of his God.

The outcome was as Elisha had hoped. A moral victory had been achieved over the Syrians, who were now in awe of a people protected by a prophet of the Lord.