And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
And he answered, 'You must not kill them. Would you kill prisoners that you captured in battle with your own weapons? Instead, give them food and water so they can eat and drink, then send them back to their king.'
The prophet is telling the king to show mercy to enemy soldiers by feeding them and sending them home rather than killing them.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during a conflict between Israel and Syria (Aram), when the Syrian army was supernaturally blinded and led into Samaria. The king of Israel wanted to kill these trapped enemy soldiers, but the prophet Elisha instructed him to show hospitality instead. This act of mercy would demonstrate God's power and potentially end the raids against Israel.
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