Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” 2 Kings 6:8-12 NIV
This fun story not only demonstrates the superiority of God, but also gives us a glimpse into the life of a man who had a very special relationship with God. Psalm 25 tells us the Lord confides in those who fear him and that’s exactly what we see happening in this account. God is letting Elisha in on the military secrets of the enemy. This infuriated the king of Aram!
“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 there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 2 Kings 6:13-14 NIV
So the enemy sent a strong military force to surround the entire city just to capture one man. But this wasn’t just any man, this was a man with whom God shared secrets. Elisha had a close walk with God; he was focused and listening for God’s voice. He spent time in prayer and waited on God for insight. This was a man who need not fear an attack from the enemy for he understood that his life was completely in the hands of God.
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.” “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV
What a contrast between the fear of the servant and the confidence of Elisha! What made the difference? One could see the army of God and the other could only see the enemy. Which one can you relate to? When you are surrounded and under attack, does your view of God give you confidence and peace? Can you see the God you serve and rest in His protection or does fear grip your heart?
As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. After they entered the city, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” 2 Kings 6:18-21 NIV
As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord. That’s the answer. When the enemy moves toward you, pray! For we have no power over the enemy in our own strength, but God always has the upper hand. God was the source of Elisha’s confidence. He will be the source of yours too.
“Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” 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 Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory. 2 Kings 6:22-23 NIV
Because Elisha was a man of prayer, he had insight; for God gives insight to those who take the time to seek Him in prayer. His close walk with God gave him so much confidence that he had no fear of the enemy and no desire to harm those who came against him. He was able to demonstrate the love and mercy of God because he know God personally.
So the bands of Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory. When the enemy comes up against a servant of God who has the confidence and insight of Elisha, he moves on.