Every time the king Aram of Syria was making plans to attack Israel, they would somehow know so, the king consulted with his servants, saying, “Whatever I say in My camp, we shall be in such and such a place.” Israel always knows!” “Now the heart of the King Aram WAS ENRAGED (sâ‛ar: extremely troubled) over this thing. He called his servants and said to them, “Will you not tell me WHICH OF US IS HELPING THE KING OF ISRAEL?” One of his servants said, “None of us is helping him, my lord, O king; but ELISHA, THE PROPHET who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that YOU SPEAK IN YOUR BEDROOM.” (2 Kings 6:11-12)
Aram of Syria said, “Go, FIND OUT WHERE HE IS,” the king ordered, “SO I CAN send men and CAPTURE HIM.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent HORSES and CHARIOTS and A STRONG FORCE (kâbêd chayil: very fierce huge army) there. They went by night and surrounded the city.” (2 Kings 6:13-14) Aram was outraged and sent HIS ENTIRE ARMY to capture Elisha. Elisha’s servant WAS TERRIFIED, he saw the Syrian army, in chariots, all around the hills surrounding them, but not Elisha. ELISHA PRAYED GOD WOULD OPEN HIS SERVANT’S EYES to see what he could see. And God did. The servant could finally see that THEY WERE SURROUNDED BY AN ARMY OF GOD’S ANGELS – PROTECTING THEM from their enemy.
“Are not all the angels MINISTERING SPIRITS SENT OUT BY GOD TO PROTECT those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14) “The angel of the LORD STANDS GUARD around those who fear him. And HE SAVES THEM.” (Psalms 34:7) “I looked to the LORD, and HE ANSWERED ME. He SAVED ME from everything I was afraid of.” (Psalms 34:4)
“Aram’s army came down toward Elisha. Then HE PRAYED TO THE LORD. He said, “MAKE THESE SOLDIERS BLIND.” So, THE LORD MADE THEM BLIND, just as Elisha had prayed.” (2 Kings 6:18) So, Elisha went to them and said follow me to safety! They followed Elisha and he led them into the camp of Israel. Their eyes we opened, and Elisha told the king to feed them, “So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So, the bands from King Aram STOPPED RAIDING ISRAEL’S TERRITORY.” (2 Kings 6:23) THEY EXPERIENCED THE GREAT POWER OF GOD! “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—is there anything else He wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?” (Romans 8:31-32).
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham