Topical Bible: Blindness: Syrians

◄ Blindness: Syrians ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of blindness, both physical and spiritual, is a recurring theme. One notable instance involving the Syrians is found in the account of the prophet Elisha, as recorded in the book of 2 Kings. This event highlights the power of God to intervene in human affairs and demonstrates His ability to alter perception and understanding.

2 Kings 6:8-23
The account of the Syrians' blindness occurs during a time of conflict between Israel and Syria. The king of Syria was waging war against Israel and was perplexed by the Israelites' ability to anticipate his military strategies. This was due to Elisha, the prophet of God, who was revealing the king's plans to the king of Israel. In response, the Syrian king sent a great army to capture Elisha in the city of Dothan.

When Elisha's servant saw the surrounding army, he was filled with fear. Elisha, however, reassured him, saying, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:16). Elisha then prayed for the Lord to open the servant's eyes, and he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.

As the Syrian army advanced, Elisha prayed to the Lord, saying, "Please strike this nation with blindness." The Lord answered his prayer, and the Syrian soldiers were struck with blindness (2 Kings 6:18). Elisha then led the blind Syrians to Samaria, the capital of Israel. Once there, he prayed again, and the Lord opened their eyes, revealing to them their location.

The king of Israel, upon seeing the captured Syrians, asked Elisha if he should kill them. Elisha responded, "Do not kill them. Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword and bow? Set food and water before them, so that they may eat and drink and return to their master" (2 Kings 6:22). The king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had eaten and drunk, he sent them back to their master. As a result, the bands of Syrian raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.

Theological Implications
This account of the Syrians' blindness serves as a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty and mercy. The physical blindness inflicted upon the Syrian soldiers symbolizes the spiritual blindness that can afflict individuals and nations. It underscores the biblical truth that God has the power to open and close eyes, both physically and spiritually, according to His divine purposes.

Furthermore, the narrative highlights the theme of mercy over judgment. Instead of exacting vengeance on the captured Syrians, Elisha's directive to feed and release them exemplifies the biblical principle of loving one's enemies and overcoming evil with good (cf. Romans 12:20-21). This act of mercy led to a cessation of hostilities, demonstrating the transformative power of grace and forgiveness.

Historical Context
The historical context of this event is set during the divided monarchy period of Israel's history, specifically during the reign of Jehoram, king of Israel. The Arameans, or Syrians, were a significant military power in the region, often clashing with Israel. The miraculous blinding and subsequent release of the Syrian army would have been a profound demonstration of God's protection over Israel and His ability to confound the plans of their enemies.

In summary, the account of the Syrians' blindness in 2 Kings 6 serves as a testament to God's miraculous intervention, His ability to alter human perception, and His call to extend mercy even to one's adversaries.

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2 Kings 6:18-23
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray you, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
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Library

Sight and Blindness
... The blindness which fell on the Syrians does not seem to have been total loss of
sight,"for, if so, they could not have followed Elisha to Samaria, nearly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/sight and blindness.htm

Justice Should be Observed Even in War and with Enemies. ...
... As they came down to him the prophet says: "Smite, O God, the army of Syria with
blindness." And this prayer being granted, he says to the Syrians: "Follow me ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxix justice should be.htm

After the Terrible Siege of Samaria was Ended in Accordance with ...
... up the siege and to avert the famine; or else he was angry because the prophet had
not allowed the king to smite the Syrians whom he had struck with blindness. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xx after the terrible.htm

Elisha's Closing Ministry
... Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come ... Elisha prayed
unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray Thee, with blindness. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 21 elishas closing ministry.htm

Great Surprises.
... Very unexpected was this case of the Syrians, that the prophet prayed for them ... We
have no right to plead blindness and ignorance, if hereafter we find that we ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xxxviii great surprises.htm

The Expedition against Elisha
... Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are coming down ... prayed
unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/v the expedition against elisha.htm

Whether an Angel Can Change the Human Senses?
... French version, "eblouissement"), which the Latin "caecitas" (blindness) does not
necessarily imply.] The same is recorded of the Syrians whom Eliseus led into ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether an angel can change 2.htm

Introduction.
... the King of Israel by the symbol that he would push the Syrians till he ... In these
cases, however, the wilful blindness of men's hearts appears as the sin which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/introduction.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... [5000] In the war of liberation under the Maccabees the Syrians had attempted
to fortify Jericho. ... oh, terribly fatal blindness and jealousy! ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm

Letter xxii. St. Ambrose in a Letter to his Sister Gives an ...
... Scripture relates that Elisha, when surrounded by the army of the Syrians, told
his ... the truth of his visitation whom he had as witnesses of his blindness. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xxii st ambrose in.htm