2 Kings 6-7

 Observations and interpretations:

(1) repeated phrases,

6:5  As one of them was felling a log, the ax head dropped into the water. He shouted, “Oh no, my master! It was borrowed!”

(NAC) “iron was expensive in Bible times, and the student-prophet was very poor.” Elisha removes the almost certain debt by making the axhead float.

15 The prophet’s attendant got up early in the morning. When he went outside there was an army surrounding the city, along with horses and chariots. He said to Elisha, “Oh no, my master! What will we do?”16 He replied, “Don’t be afraid, for our side outnumbers them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he can see.” The LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw that the hill was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Noted, Elisha only asked God to let his servant see the horses and chariots of fire, but he did not ask God to protect him with horses and chariots of fire. They were there!  All Elisha prayed for was for his servant to see them. 

(BKC) He gave the servant the ability to see the normally unseen world of invisible spirits (angels) that are constantly ready to do God’s bidding (cf. Gen. 28:12)

Reflection: Not only God was ready to help His student-prophet when he had financial need, but God provided protection to the prophets before he prayed. He loves and cares about His people. Do we see that? Do we trust that? How many times do you think you have been protected by unseen help from God?

(2) the underestimate of Elisha in the king of Syria

13 The king ordered, “Go, find out where he is, so I can send some men to capture him.” The king was told, “He is in Dothan.” 14 So he sent horses and chariots there, along with a good-sized army. They arrived during the night and surrounded the city.

The king of Syria was furious and therefore he tried to capture just 1 man with a full-sized military force. They even found the most strategic time, night time, to arrive at the city of Dothan. 

(BKC) The fact that Ben-Hadad would try to take Elisha by surprise even after the prophet had repeatedly anticipated the Arameans’ moves indicates the king’s lack of faith in the supernatural origin of Elisha’s ability. Therefore he needed to be convinced that Yahweh is the living and true God.

Reflection: Are we stubborn like the king of Syria? Are we still not convinced that He is God and we should obey Him even after we have encountered His discipline? 

(3) God answered Elisha's prayers

18 As the army approached him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike these people with blindness.” The LORD struck them with blindness as Elisha requested.

20 When they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O LORD, open their eyes, so they can see.” The LORD opened their eyes, and they saw that they were in the middle of Samaria.

(NAC) Elisha discerns where their armies will strike and tells Israel’s king, which spoils all of Syria’s plans. Elisha is Israel’s best line of defense (v.8-10) ...Everyone concerned receives safety from their enemies because of the prophet’s ministry. Again Elisha aids those in distress over “small” matters, such as a lost axhead, and those concerned with larger, societal issues such as war.

Audrey