Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Elisha, Leading the Syrian Army

◄ Prayer: Answered: Elisha, Leading the Syrian Army ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the prophet Elisha is a prominent figure known for his deep relationship with God and his role as a conduit for divine intervention. One of the most remarkable instances of answered prayer involving Elisha is found in the account of his interaction with the Syrian army, as recorded in 2 Kings 6:8-23.

Context and Background

The kingdom of Israel, during the time of Elisha, was frequently at odds with neighboring nations, including Syria. The king of Syria was waging war against Israel and often set up ambushes to capture the Israelite forces. However, Elisha, through divine revelation, repeatedly warned the king of Israel about the Syrian plans, thus thwarting their efforts.

The Syrian Army's Attempt to Capture Elisha

Frustrated by his failed attempts, the king of Syria discovered that Elisha was the source of Israel's foreknowledge. In response, he sent a great army with horses and chariots to Dothan, where Elisha was residing, to capture him. The Syrian forces surrounded the city by night, intending to seize the prophet.

Elisha's Prayer and Divine Intervention

Upon waking and seeing the city surrounded, Elisha's servant was filled with fear. In 2 Kings 6:16-17 , Elisha reassured him, saying, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Elisha then prayed, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." The LORD answered Elisha's prayer, and the servant's eyes were opened to see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha, a heavenly host sent to protect them.

Blinding the Syrian Army

As the Syrian army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed again, asking the LORD to strike the soldiers with blindness. God answered this prayer, and the entire Syrian army was struck blind. Elisha then approached them and, in their blindness, led them to Samaria, the capital of Israel.

The Syrian Army's Sight Restored

Once inside Samaria, Elisha prayed once more, asking God to open the eyes of the Syrian soldiers. The LORD answered, and their sight was restored. Realizing they were in the midst of Samaria, the Syrian soldiers were at the mercy of the king of Israel.

Mercy and Peace

The king of Israel, eager to seize the opportunity, asked Elisha if he should kill the captured soldiers. However, Elisha instructed him to show mercy, advising him to provide them with food and water. The king prepared a great feast for the Syrians, and after they had eaten and drunk, he sent them back to their master. This act of mercy led to a temporary cessation of hostilities, as the Syrian raiders no longer invaded the land of Israel.

Significance

This account of Elisha and the Syrian army highlights several key themes in the biblical understanding of prayer and divine intervention. It underscores the power of prayer in times of crisis, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the presence of God's protection for His people. Moreover, it illustrates the importance of mercy and forgiveness, even towards one's enemies, as a means of achieving peace. Through Elisha's prayers, God demonstrated His sovereignty and ability to alter the course of events, providing a powerful testimony to His faithfulness and the efficacy of prayer.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 6:17-20
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray you, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... continued to offer sacrifices and prayer there,** but ... Not long before this, we find
Elisha secretly conspiring ... junction of the mountain tracks leading from the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... by Reuben against the Beduin of the Syrian desert is ... of his chariot?'"Her wise ladies
answered her,"yea ... passage, into which all the roads leading from the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... in God's book, because that would not have answered the design ... So long as he was
a ring-leading sinner, the ... The bread and water that was given by Elisha to his ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm