2 Kings 6:23

He. — The king of Israel.

Prepared great provision. — Or, a great feast. The Hebrew verb (kârâh) occurs nowhere else in this sense. The noun (kçrâh) is cognate with it, and the root meaning seems to be union: such as takes place at a common meal. Thenius renders kçrâh by “das Gastrund” — i.e., the circle of guests.

So the bands of Syria came no more. — The stress lies on the word “bands.” The Syrians, dreading Elisha, did not make any further clandestine attempts to injure Israel, like those above described, which only involved the despatch of predatory bands. They now resolved to try the fortunes of regular war with the whole strength of their army (2 Kings 6:24). It is evident, therefore, that we must not think of any gratitude on their part for the clemency of Jehoram.

Into the land. — Syriac, “into the border;” Targum, “into the border of the land.” (Comp. 1 Samuel 7:13.)