By James R. Strange, Ph.D.
Professor of Biblical and Religious studies, Samford University
GOD’S HAND IN FACING OPPOSITION
2 Kings 6:8–12, 15–23
Today marks the end of our series on seeing God’s hand in the ministry of Elisha. This ninth-century B.C. prophet and his predecessor, Elijah, are remembered more for wondrous deeds than for prophetic oracles. Several of their miracles anticipate those of Jesus.
In many episodes, we see the anxiety and self-doubt of kings contrasted with Elisha’s quiet confidence. We are reminded not only where power truly lies, but also that the correct object of our trust is not human might but God’s lovingkindness.
After all, that is the lesson we learn from these prophets’ names. To say “Elijah” is to confess, “My God is Yahweh.” To intone “Elisha” is to proclaim to all who hear, “My God is Salvation.”
Nothing is beyond God’s knowledge. (8–12)
Aram (Syria) lay northeast of Israel. The Bible presents this kingdom as Israel’s frequent enemy. In Elisha’s day, Israel and Aram were engaging in border raids, but in the time of the prophet Isaiah, Israel and Aram will form an alliance against King Ahaz of Judah (2 Kings 16, Isa. 7:1–8:15).
When the Israelite army continues to avoid his ambushes, the Aramean king suspects treachery. But Elisha’s reputation is such that an Aramean officer knows the truth: God reveals to Elisha what is spoken in the innermost part of the palace.
God opens our eyes to see His work. (15–17)
Elisha’s Dothan is not the one in Alabama but was about 11 miles north of Samaria. The Aramean king plans to kidnap Elisha, no doubt to stop him from revealing military secrets to the king of Israel.
Once again, the Aramean cavalry arrives at Elisha’s doorstep. (See 5:9.) Elisha’s attendant is terrified at the sight, but Elisha’s vision when Elijah was assumed into heaven (2:11–12) now takes on meaning. In response to his prayer, the eyes of the attendant are opened to see a mountain filled with “horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Be kind and gracious to those who oppose you. (18–23)
The Aramean army is blinded when Elisha prays. They see neither the heavenly cavalry nor the man who is standing in front of them, the very one they seek. In this way, Elisha is able to lead them to a place where the Israelite army can destroy them.
But this is not the plan. When God opens the Arameans’ eyes, they find themselves in the heart of the Israelite capital and at the mercy of Israelite troops, who no doubt have swords drawn and arrows nocked.
Notice that the king asks Elisha what he should do. The king’s double question echoes Elisha’s double cry in 2:12, and we are meant to see the contrast. Whereas Elisha had been in awe at the sight of the fiery chariots, the king panics even though it is his troops that surround the Arameans.
In the context of the Israelite wars, we are shown an astonishing act of mercy. Rather than slaughtering their enemies, the Israelites serve them a great feast and then send them home.
Based on verse 24, we know that this kindness had no effect on the next king, Ben-hadad. One story thus becomes two: God’s extraordinary mercy and the next king’s capacity to ignore that mercy because it did not happen to him.
May we be those who rejoice that God’s grace extends to all.
Share with others: