2 Kings 6 is an amazing chapter, where we learn that God is much more powerful than any enemy on this earth. Even Israel was surrounded by the Syrians in war, but they had no need to fear. Why is this? Because Elisha, the prophet of God, had God and his army as their protector. He was even able to tell the king of Israel what their plans were before they happened. Now, for you to understand what I am saying, let’s read this wonderful story together. In 2 Kings 6, starting with verse 8, it reads, 1“then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.” (2 Kings 6:8-14)
So we have Elisha that was able to see the King of Syria give his plans to war against Israel, even in a vision. This he relayed to the king of Israel and he was saved many times, which made the king of Syria very upset. This is just one of the gifting’s of the Holy Spirit that God gave unto His servant Elisha. Now, in these verses, it would seem that Israel was in a lot of trouble, after being surrounded by the enemy. It was then that the people began to fear for their lives, even the servant of Elisha was very fearful of what he saw. However, Elisha was able to assure him that there was no need to fear. This leads us to what his servant saw, which changed the way he thought about everything. This chapter continues and reads, 1“and when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:15-17) So who was also fighting for Israel? It was God’s holy army. Wow. There was no denying after this sighting that Israel was going to come out victorious. The same can be said when God is with us, we can then overcome temptation and win the battle.
As we read further in this chapter, it says that 1“Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria. And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? 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. And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.” (2 Kings 6:18-23) What we learn here is that God is merciful even unto His enemies. This is why the Syrians were giving the food and drink necessary, before letting them go free. This ended with the Syrians not desiring to fight with Israel anymore. So we learn that God is compassionate upon everyone, no matter who they are. Everyone has a chance to repent and come to God before it is too late.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we can all get to the point of not fearing the enemy, but to trust in You for our safety. Our earthly enemies may want to kill and destroy us, but to these wicked people, we will show kindness and compassion. Even love will flow through me and into the lives who hate me. Who is it for me to hate anyone, but hate their sin alone. I love my neighbors and am willing to love my enemies, even to the point of death. As You died for the sins of the world, there are many people who have become martyrs because of their great faith in You, Lord Jesus. We cannot deny what we know and love and will continue to share the truths of Your gospel message, even until our dying breath. As for the spiritual warfare that is taking many souls to hell, I pray that all Christians will rise up in faith, that the enemy will no longer have power over them. Give these people over to righteousness and holiness, which Satan hates. Help people know what it means to walk out our faith and not be just like the world any longer. For You have made us different. We are born again in the Holy Spirit, and now have new desires to live and act for Your kingdom. It is so refreshing to know that You have cleansed me of all my sins and that I am forgiven. How could You save a wretch like me? I will always be amazed at the work You have done in my life and many others like me. What great compassion and love is in You Lord. Your mercy endures forever. I love You, Lord. You are the rock upon which I stand. No enemy will take me down, for I will always rise up to follow You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.