Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 8 - Verse 10

8:10
And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.

Meaning

In this verse, Elisha is seen conveying a message to someone about the fate of another individual. Despite being told by the Lord that the person will inevitably die, Elisha instructs the messenger to inform the person that they may recover. This apparent contradiction raises questions about the nature of prophecy and divine intervention. The verse illustrates the complex relationship between human agency and divine will, highlighting the element of uncertainty that can exist even in situations where a future outcome seems predetermined. It serves as a reminder that while God's plans may be ultimately unknowable, humans are still called to act in accordance with what they believe to be right. This verse challenges readers to consider the ways in which they navigate between faith in a higher power and their own understanding of the world around them.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the complex relationship between human free will and divine foreknowledge. Here, Elisha informs the messenger to tell the king that he will recover from his illness, even though the Lord has revealed to Elisha that the king will actually die. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans will ultimately prevail, despite any human actions or intentions. It also emphasizes the importance of trust and obedience in God's ultimate plan, even when the outcome may seem contradictory or difficult to understand.

American Standard Version

And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou shalt surely recover; howbeit Jehovah hath showed me that he shall surely die.
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