And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
So the king prepared a great feast for them. After they had eaten and drunk their fill, he sent them back to their own country. From that time on, the Syrian raiding parties stopped attacking the land of Israel.
The writer is showing how kindness and hospitality toward enemies can bring about peace - after being treated well, the Syrian raiders stopped their attacks on Israel.
📚 Historical Context
This verse concludes the story of Elisha capturing a Syrian army that had been sent to arrest him. Instead of killing the captured soldiers, King Joram of Israel (following Elisha's advice) showed them extraordinary hospitality with a great feast before sending them home safely. This act of mercy occurred during a period when Syria regularly sent raiding parties to harass and plunder Israel.
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