Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Kings 6:22

"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." — 2 Kings 6:22 (ASV)

And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow?

For if you had conquered them in fair fight, you would not think of killing them; I have captured them by God's power, I have taken them prisoners, and they are not to be put to death.

Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.

This is the way of carrying on war, the best way in all the world; to conquer by grace, to conquer by kindness.