These probably included not only the leaders of the city but also the nobles and chiefs of the entire land. As such they were the most respected and the most substantial citizens of the state. At this hour of emergency they had gone to the home of Elisha, obviously for his advice and assistance. Their imminent peril caused them to acknowledge the power of Jehovah and to seek for help from His prophet. Later, when the inhabitants of Jerusalem found themselves in a similar crisis, Jeremiah was consulted for guidance and information concerning the will of the Lord (Jer. 21:1, 2; 38:14).

Joram sought to take the life of Elisha, and sent a man with orders to behead the prophet. But before his arrival, the Lord forewarned Elisha of the king’s intentions, so that the matter could be clearly set before the leaders of the land.

 Ahab, the father of Joram, was guilty not only of the blood of Naboth but also of the prophets who were slain by Jezebel with his full consent. Even his faithful servant Obadiah feared that he would be put to death by Ahab when told to go to him with a message concerning Elijah (1 Kings 18:9). Joram, the son of a murderer, possessed the same evil traits as his father.

The executioner was already on his way, but Elisha showed no concern. He was a prophet of the Lord and knew that his life was in the hands of God and not at the mercy of evil men.

Literally, “Press him back with [or at] the door.” That is, close the door and hold it fast against him that he may not enter. The prophet had done nothing worthy of death and had not been convicted of any crime. As the messenger of Heaven he had a perfect right to give the instructions he did, even though they countermanded the orders of the king. It is the responsibility of rulers to protect, not persecute, the upright, law-abiding citizen. Murder is as wrong for a king as for any ordinary individual within the realm.

Following close upon the heels of the would-be executioner came the king, to see whether or not his orders had been carried out.