2 Kings 6:32 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

In his house; in the house where he lodged; for he had no house of his own, having forsaken all when he followed Elijah, 1 Kings 19:20,21. The elders; so they might be called, either, first, from their age; or rather, secondly, from their office, which was either ecclesiastical or civil: so they were either the sons of the prophets; or rather, some godly men who were then in some power and office, either in the court, or army, or city, as may seem probable from what he requires of them. And though Jehoram was a wicked king, and most of his officers probably like himself; yet there were some of them, whom Elisha's holy life, and powerful ministry, and glorious miracles, and the great and public benefits procured by him, had won to God, and to the true religion, at least to the profession of it, among which Jehu might be one: and these were here sitting with him, either to receive comfort and counsel from him in this distressed time, or rather to solicit him to use his power with God for their relief; which accordingly he doth, and in compliance with them, not out of any fear of the king, (from which he very well knew by frequent experience, and certain assurance, that God both could and would deliver him,) he gives the following answer, 2 Kings 7:1. A man from before him, or, one of them who stood before his face, one of his guard, or some other officer, to take away his head, as it follows. He said to the elders; being admonished by God of his danger. This son of a murderer; the genuine son of that wicked Ahab the murderer of the Lord's prophets, 1 Kings 18:4, 1 Kings 21:9; whose son he is not by birth only, but also by his manners and bloody disposition. Compare 1 Thessalonians 8:44. This expression may seem very harsh and unfit; nor is it to be drawn into imitation by others; but it must be considered that he was an extraordinary prophet, intrusted with a power in some sort superior to that of Jehoram, and had authority to control and rebuke him in the name of the King of kings. To take away mine head; to kill me, before he hear what I have to say. Hold him fast; not the king, but the messenger, who was last mentioned; that he may not break in upon me, and take away my life, before the king comes. Is not the sound of his master's feet behind him? you shall not need to hold him long, for the king is just at his heels, coming, as is probable, either to recall his rash and furious sentence, or at least to debate the matter with the prophet, and to procure relief.