Topical Bible: Vision of Elisha's Servant of the Chariots of the Lord

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The Vision of Elisha's Servant is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 6:8-23. This narrative highlights the spiritual insight granted to Elisha's servant, revealing the divine protection surrounding the prophet and his servant during a time of crisis.

Context and Background

The event takes place during the ministry of the prophet Elisha, who succeeded Elijah as a prophet in Israel. At this time, the king of Aram (Syria) was at war with Israel. The king of Aram was frustrated because his plans were consistently thwarted, as Elisha, through divine revelation, informed the king of Israel of the Aramean strategies. This led the king of Aram to target Elisha directly, sending a great army to capture him in the city of Dothan.

The Vision

The narrative unfolds with the Aramean army surrounding the city by night. In the morning, Elisha's servant rises and sees the city encompassed by horses and chariots, causing him great fear. He exclaims to Elisha, "Oh, my master, what are we to do?" (2 Kings 6:15). Elisha responds with calm assurance, "Do not be afraid," the prophet answered, "for those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:16).

Elisha then prays, asking the LORD to open the servant's eyes so that he may see the reality beyond the physical realm. The LORD answers Elisha's prayer, and the servant's eyes are opened to see the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:17). This vision reveals the heavenly army sent by God to protect His prophet, demonstrating the divine presence and power that surpasses any earthly force.

Theological Significance

The Vision of Elisha's Servant serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the unseen spiritual realities that surround His people. It underscores the theme of divine protection and the assurance that God is actively involved in the lives of those who trust in Him. The narrative encourages believers to have faith in God's provision and protection, even when circumstances appear dire.

This event also illustrates the concept of spiritual blindness and sight. While the servant initially sees only the physical threat, his spiritual eyes are opened to perceive the greater reality of God's protection. This transformation from fear to faith is a central lesson for believers, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and reliance on God's power.

Application for Believers

The Vision of Elisha's Servant encourages believers to trust in God's unseen hand at work in their lives. It calls for a perspective that goes beyond the immediate and visible, urging faith in God's promises and His ability to deliver and protect. This account serves as a reminder that, regardless of the challenges faced, God's presence is a constant source of strength and assurance for His people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 6:17
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

Sight and Blindness
... The two parts played by the servant and the prophet are ... Elisha did not pray that
the heavenly guards might come; for ... The truest vision is the vision of faith. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/sight and blindness.htm

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
... hearts and holy desires, have had their vision purged from ... Once his servant was
terrified at the sight of a host compassing the little city where Elisha and he ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/elijahs translation and elishas deathbed.htm

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
... The Seventh (and last) Vision in heaven is divided, as we have seen into two parts ...
Horses and chariots of fire were seen by Elisha's servant at Dothan when ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh vision in heaven.htm

Elijah Come Again
... So, when Elisha's servant was terrified at the sight of the ... before, 'the mountain
full of horses and chariots of fire ... we should see them if our vision was purged ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/elijah come again.htm

Miracles of Healing
... of the first part of these, and is the limit of the prophet's vision. ... The great
spiritual realities are all unseen, as Elisha's young servant was blind ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/miracles of healing.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... Then Elisha prayed to God to open the eyes of the servant, who forthwith beheld ...
Confirmed by the vision he received courage, and could boldly defy the enemy ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

Young Man! a Prayer for You
... I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see!" Elisha reckons his servant's natural
sight as not seeing, and regards the vision which detects the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/young man a prayer for.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... and repressed the insurrection, reaping a rich harvest of spoil"chariots fully equipped ...
at once sent hostages and purchased peace by a tribute; the Lord of Tul ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm