Welcome to “Ehrman Errs,” a blog series devoted to using our conversational AI to refute each alleged biblical contradiction that is posed in the article on Bart Ehrman’s website: 50 Contradictions in the Bible: The Biggest, Most Shocking Differences.
Today’s alleged contradiction:
#32 – Did the Arameans Stop Invading Israel?
In 2 Kings 6:23, we read that after a miraculous intervention where the prophet Elisha spares captured Aramean soldiers, the text concludes: “So the bands of Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.” This statement suggests a cessation of hostilities between Aram (Syria) and Israel. However, in the very next verse (2 Kings 6:24), the narrative takes an opposite turn, as Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, gathers his entire army and lays siege to Samaria, the capital of Israel.
How Does Ehrman Err?
The supposed contradiction between 2 Kings 6:23 and 2 Kings 6:24 dissolves, however, when we carefully read the passage in its historical and literary context.
1. Immediate Context: Local Raids vs. a Later Full‑Scale War
2 Kings 6:23 (ESV) says:
“So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel.”
According to BibleRef.com, this describes the end of a specific kind of conflict—the marauding bands or raiding parties sent from Aram (Syria) into Israel, rather than a total cessation of warfare. These were small, recurring border attacks by marauders, not formal military campaigns. The text explicitly mentions “bands” (Heb. gĕdûdîm), referring to limited military units, not the national army.
Following this miraculous encounter—where Elisha leads the Aramean soldiers to Samaria, spares them, and has them fed—a measure of peace prevailed. The Arameans “did not come again on raids,” meaning they stopped their small-scale incursions after being treated graciously.
2. Later Context: A Renewed, Large‑Scale Attack
Then, 2 Kings 6:24 opens with a new episode, marked by the transitional phrase “afterward”:
“Afterward Ben-hadad king of Syria mustered his entire army and went up and besieged Samaria.”
This denotes a later event, likely months or even years later. Now the king himself leads a large, organized military campaign — very different from those earlier “bands.”
So there is no contradiction when we understand that 6:23 describes the end of raiding, while 6:24 begins a new episode of open warfare following a period of relative peace.
3. Theological Meaning: Mercy that Temporarily Restrains Evil
From a theological standpoint, Elisha’s merciful act reflects God’s heart toward enemies — offering mercy even to those who intend harm. GotQuestions.orgnotes that Elisha counseled the king of Israel not to kill the captives but to prepare a feast for them instead. This act of grace so astonished Israel’s enemies that “Aram ceased raiding Israel” for a time.
This episode beautifully foreshadows the gospel principle later articulated by Jesus:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
Elisha’s mercy restrained violence temporarily, demonstrating that kindness can disarm hostility, though ultimately the hearts of nations may harden again — as Aram’s did later.
4. Historical Flow of Aram–Israel Conflicts
This distinction also aligns with the broader chronology. As Precept Austin notes when discussing Isaiah 7 and the Aramean threat, Aram/Syria continued to rise and fall in power until Assyria eventually conquered Damascus (2 Kings 16:9). Thus, fluctuating hostility between Israel and Aram fits the wider historical pattern — alternating peace and warfare, depending on each king’s actions.
5. Summary
- 2 Kings 6:23: Describes the cessation of raids by Aramean bands due to Elisha’s merciful intervention.
- 2 Kings 6:24: Begins a new narrative unit, later in time, when Aram’s king launches a formal military siege.
- These verses describe different events at different scales of conflict, with no contradiction.
Supporting Scriptures
- Proverbs 16:7 (ESV) – “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
- Romans 12:20 (ESV) – “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”
- 2 Kings 6:23 (ESV) – Elisha demonstrates this mercy, leading to temporary peace with Aram.