2 Kings 6:21

21 When he saw them, Israel's king said to Elisha, "Should I kill them, my father? Should I?"

2 Kings 6:21 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 6:21

And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them,
&c.] The Syrian army thus in his hands:

my father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
he speaks with great reverence and respect to the prophet, whom at other times he neglected and despised; and the repetition of his words shows the eagerness of his mind to fall upon his enemy when they where at a disadvantage.

2 Kings 6:21 In-Context

19 Elisha said to them, "This isn't the right road or the right city. Follow me, and I'll lead you to the man you are looking for." But he took them to Samaria!

20 When they arrived in Samaria, Elisha said, "LORD, open the eyes of these men so they can see." The LORD opened their eyes, and they saw that they were right in the middle of Samaria!

21 When he saw them, Israel's king said to Elisha, "Should I kill them, my father? Should I?"

22 He said, "No, don't kill them. Did you capture them with your own sword or bow? Do you have the right to kill them? Put food and water in front of them so they can eat and drink and return to their master."

23 So the king gave them a great feast, and they ate and drank. Then the king let them go, and they returned to their master. After that, Aramean raiding parties didn't come into Israel anymore.