Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Kings 6:32

32 But Elisha sat in his house (and the elders sat with him) and the king sent a man from before him : but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders , See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head ? Look when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: Is not the sound of his masters feet behind him ?

In the House where he Iodged: for he had no House of his own, having forsaken all when he followed Elijah, 1 King. 19. 20, 21.

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 Ioram 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 publick benefits procured by him, had won to God, and to the True Religion, at least to the profession of it, among which Iehu 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 solicite 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, chap. 7. 1.

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.

Being admonished by God of his danger.

The genuine Son of that wicked Ahab the Murderer of the Lords Prophets, 1 King. 18. 4. and 21. 9. whose son he is not by Birth onely, but also by his Manners and Bloody disposition. Compare Ioh. 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 Ioram, and had Authority to controle and rebuke him in the Name of the King of kings.

To kill me, before he hear what I have to say.

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.

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.