Yet talked. — Was still speaking.
The messenger. — Ewalďs correction, “the king” (melek for maľâk), is certainly right. In the rapid progress of the story, the arrival and momentary exclusion of the messenger is understood. The approach of the king may have been seen from the upper part of Elisha’s house.
Came down. — Was coming down, to the prophet’s house, from the ramparts. (Comp. 2 Kings 5:24.)
And he said. — That is, the king said.
Behold, this evil is of the Lord. — Rather, Behold, such (this) is the distress from Jehovah. Things have come to this pitch by the will of Jehovah.
What (rather, why) should I wait for the Lord any longer? — As I have hitherto done, at your persuasion. Why should I not now surrender to the Syrians, and slay the prophet who has so long deluded me with vain hopes?