Definition: But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and [the king] sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: [is] not the sound of his masterâs feet behind him?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 6:32. It's a really intense and dramatic passage from the Book of Judges, and it’s packed with symbolism. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Elisha, a prophet, is sitting alone in his house while the elders of Israel are gathered. They’re waiting for news from the king – someone who’s going to punish the people for their sins. What Happened Next: Suddenly, a man named “the son of a murderer” arrives and tells Elisha that the king has sent a messenger to take his head. He's warning Elisha that this person is trying to kill him. The Key Symbolism – The Door and the Messenger: This verse is incredibly rich in symbolism, and it’s the core of what makes it so powerful: The Door: The “door” represents a barrier or protection. It’s a place of safety and security. The Messenger: The messenger symbolizes the king's authority, judgment, and the inevitable coming of punishment. Shutting the Door: This is the most important part. Elisha is telling the elders to immediately shut the door. He’s saying this isn’t just a warning – it’s a desperate plea for protection. What's Elisha Saying? Elisha is essentially saying: “I'm so terrified! This person is trying to kill me, and I need you to stop him right now .” He's expressing deep fear and recognizing the danger he’s in. He’s asking for a physical barrier – a locked door – to keep the messenger out. The Significance & Interpretation: This verse speaks to several important themes: Fear of Judgment: It highlights the overwhelming fear Elisha felt about the king's coming punishment. Protection and Vigilance: It emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and protecting oneself against danger, even when facing a powerful and intimidating figure. The Power of God’s Protection: The verse suggests that God is actively intervening to shield Elisha from harm. In short, this passage is about a moment of extreme fear and a desperate plea for protection in the face of impending doom. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these symbols in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or biblical themes? Give you a slightly simpler explanation of the context of the story?