What does 2 Kings 6:20 teach about God's protection over His people? Setting the Scene • The king of Aram sends a large force to seize Elisha at Dothan. • Elisha prays, the LORD strikes the soldiers with blindness, and the prophet leads them into Samaria, the very capital of Israel. • Verse 20 captures the critical moment when God reverses the blindness. Key Verse “After they had entered Samaria, Elisha said, ‘O LORD, open the eyes of these men so they can see.’ Then the LORD opened their eyes, and they looked around and discovered they were in Samaria.” (2 Kings 6:20) What 2 Kings 6:20 Reveals about God’s Protection • Protection is personal: God acts in direct response to Elisha’s prayer. • Protection is absolute: The army is helpless until God allows sight; the timing is entirely under His control. • Protection is strategic: God positions the enemy where they can no longer harm His people. • Protection is merciful: Though the soldiers are enemies, God spares their lives—a reminder that His safeguarding often includes surprising grace (vv. 21-23). • Protection glorifies God: The deliverance testifies to His sovereignty over nations and eyesight alike (cf. Psalm 33:10-11). Supporting Scriptures • 2 Kings 6:17 — God opens the servant’s eyes to see angelic armies surrounding them. • Psalm 34:7 — “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” • Psalm 91:3-4 — “He will rescue you… He will cover you with His feathers…” • Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon formed against you shall prosper…” • Romans 8:31 — “If God is for us, who can be against us?” • 2 Thessalonians 3:3 — “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” How God’s Protection Works Today • He controls circumstances just as surely as He controlled enemy eyesight. • He often shields in unseen ways—closed doors, rerouted plans, spiritual barriers (Psalm 121:7-8). • He answers prayer: earnest intercession still moves His hand (James 5:16b). • He combines protection with purpose, turning threats into testimonies (Genesis 50:20; Acts 12:6-11). Our Response to His Protection • Trust rather than fear—“Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9). • Pray confidently, knowing God hears and acts. • Walk in obedience; the safest place is inside His will (Proverbs 18:10). • Show mercy as we have received mercy—Elisha’s treatment of the Arameans models this (Matthew 5:7). |
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