John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 6:1-33
Elisha and the Siege of Samaria1. The place where we dwell] The mention of the Jordan (2 Kings 6:2) suggests that these sons of the prophets dwelt near Jericho: cp. 2 Kings 2:5. Probably Elisha did not permanently abide with them, but visited them occasionally for supervision and instruction. 6. The iron did swim] The prophet’s powers were exerted to help one who was honest enough to be the more concerned for his loss because the axe was not his own.8. The king of Syria] perhaps the Benhadad of... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Kings 6:8-23
God’s ability to defend and deliver His people from her enemies 6:8-23The king of Aram was probably Ben-Hadad II, though the writer did not mention him by name (2 Kings 6:8). Perhaps since he only identified Elisha and Yahweh by name, he wished to focus attention on them as the main characters in this drama. Dothan stood about 12 miles north of Samaria (2 Kings 6:13). Compare Genesis 37:17-28 where another hostile foreign foe, the Ishmaelites, surrounded another prophet, Joseph, at Dothan. Here... read more