Topical Bible: Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies

◄ Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies ►

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Introduction

Hospitality in the biblical context is a significant theme that reflects the character of God and His people. It is an act of kindness, generosity, and provision for others, often strangers or those in need. The account of Elisha and the Syrian spies provides a profound example of hospitality intertwined with divine intervention and prophetic insight.

Elisha and the Syrian Spies

The narrative of Elisha and the Syrian spies is found in 2 Kings 6:8-23. This account highlights the prophet Elisha's role during a time of conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria). The king of Aram was at war with Israel and sought to capture Elisha, who was revealing the king's military plans to the king of Israel through divine revelation.

Divine Insight and Protection

The king of Aram sent a great army to Dothan to capture Elisha. When Elisha's servant saw the army surrounding the city, he was afraid. 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 prayed for the servant's eyes to be opened, and he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha, signifying God's protection.

Hospitality and Mercy

As the Syrian army advanced, Elisha prayed to the LORD to strike them with blindness, and they were blinded. Elisha then led them to Samaria, the capital of Israel. Upon their arrival, Elisha prayed again, and their sight was restored. The king of Israel, seeing the enemy army delivered into his hands, asked Elisha if he should kill them. Elisha responded with a lesson in hospitality and mercy: "Do not kill them. Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so they may eat and drink and return to their master" (2 Kings 6:22).

The king of Israel prepared a great feast for the Syrian soldiers. After they had eaten and drunk, he sent them back to their master. This act of hospitality and mercy led to a cessation of the raids on Israel by the Aramean bands.

Theological Implications

The account of Elisha and the Syrian spies illustrates several key theological themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Protection: The narrative underscores God's sovereign control over the affairs of nations and His ability to protect His people through supernatural means.

2. Prophetic Authority: Elisha's role as a prophet is central, demonstrating the power of God's word and the authority vested in His prophets to guide and protect Israel.

3. Hospitality as a Reflection of God's Character: Elisha's instruction to show hospitality to the enemy soldiers reflects God's character of mercy and grace. It serves as a reminder that God's people are called to extend kindness even to their enemies, embodying the principles later taught by Jesus Christ.

4. Peace through Hospitality: The act of providing a feast for the enemy soldiers resulted in peace, illustrating the power of hospitality to transform hostility into reconciliation.

Conclusion

The account of Elisha and the Syrian spies is a powerful example of how hospitality, guided by divine wisdom and mercy, can lead to peace and demonstrate the character of God. Through Elisha's actions, the narrative reveals the profound impact of extending kindness and grace, even in the face of enmity.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 6:22
And he answered, You shall not smite them: would you smite those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of the Dead Sea, and we read that, before entering them, they sent out spies to
reconnoitre ... of these raids by Reuben against the Beduin of the Syrian desert is ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm