GOD PROTECTS ELISHA
II Kings 6;8-23
The King of Syria looked at the little country of Israel to the south. He wished Israel belonged to him. So he planned to attack one city at a time until he had taken the country from King Jehor'am.
The Syrian soldiers attacked one city. How surprised they were to find Jehoram had the city strongly guarded! How could he have known that he should guard the city?
When the Syrian soldiers returned home, their King sent them to attack another city of Israel. Again Jehoram had a strong guard protecting the city and waiting to drive the Syrians away.
Several times the Syrians tried to capture cities in Israel, but every time the forces of Israel were waiting to drive them back. How strange that Jehoram always new just which city the Syrians were going to attack!
The King of Syria decided that someone was telling Jehoram his military secrets. "I must find the guilty man and punish him," he thought. Calling all his soldiers together he said, "Show me which man is giving our secrets to the King of Israel."
None of the Syrian soldiers were being untrue to their King and their country, but one of them knew how Jehoram found out which cities to fortify. He said, "O King, I know who your enemy is. None of us are telling your plans. It is the Prophet Eli'sha. He tells the King of Israel where you are going to attack. Then Jehoram sends his soldiers to protect that city."
The King of Syria knew he could never win the battles so long as Elisha was telling the Israelites his plans. He told his men, "Go and find out where Elisha is. Then I will capture him."
The men returned to tell the King that Elisha was at Dothan. To make sure that they captured Elisha the King sent a large army after the prophet. The Syrian chariots and horses and soldiers surrounded the city where Elisha lived.
When Elisha's servant saw soldiers coming from every side, he ran to Elisha. In fear he cried out. "O master, what shall we do?"
Elisha answered quietly, "Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than with the Syrians."
The servant could not understand. There were only two of them, but there were thousands of Syrians coming from every direction to take them prisoners.
Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open the eyes of my servant that he may see."
And the servant saw the mountains full of horses and chariots of fire to protect Elisha.Now he knew God was caring for them. He was not afraid any longer.
When the Syrians reached Dotham, all of them became blind. Then Elisha went out to them. He said, "Follow me, and I will take you to the man you want."
The Syrians followed and Elisha led them to the city of Samar'ia. When all were inside the city gates, Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open the eyes of these men so that they can see."
The men opened their eyes and looked around. How afraid they were! Here they were inside the walls of Samaria. This was King Jehoram's city. No wonder they were afraid!
Jehoram looked on all the Syrian's. How surprised he was to have them all in his city without the least bit of trouble. He thought Elisha wanted him to take the Syrian's prisoners. "Shall I kill them?" he asked the prophet.
Elisha answered, "No. You must give them bread and water, for they are hungry. Then you must send them on their way."
Jehoram was not a good man. Yet he respected Elisha and obeyed his words. He had much food cooked and gave it to the Syrians. When they finished eating, he sent them back to their own land. Never again did the Syrians try to harm Elisha
: )
God is with you each and every day!