And he answered, Thou shalt not smite [them]: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
Ver. 22. Thou shalt not smite them.] Though Elisha well knew that they came down to Dothan with bloody purposes toward him. This was "not to be overcome of evil," as the next was to "overcome evil with good."
Set bread and water before them.] Oh, noble revenge I Thus, thus should a prophet punish his persecutors: "If thine enemy hunger, feed him," &c. Rom 12:20 Pro 25:21 See Trapp on " Rom 12:20 " See Trapp on " Pro 25:21 "
And go to their master.] Praising their cheer, and convincing him of thy beneficence, a shame to his malevolence. We should confute the world's miscarriages by our contrary practices.