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
In the biblical narrative of 2 Kings 6, the prophet Elisha miraculously blinded an Aramean army that had been sent to capture him during a time of conflict between Israel and Aram in the 9th century BC. When the soldiers were led into Samaria and their sight was restored, the king of Israel wanted to kill them as enemies. Instead, Elisha instructed the king to show mercy by providing food and water, emphasizing a response of kindness rather than vengeance.
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