The prophet Elisha, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, was known for performing numerous miracles through the power of God. One of the most remarkable of these miracles is the smiting of the Syrian army with blindness, as recorded in 2 Kings 6:8-23. This event not only demonstrates the divine authority vested in Elisha but also serves as a testament to God's protection over His people, Israel.

Context and Background

The incident occurs during a period of conflict between Israel and Syria. The king of Syria was waging war against Israel and had set up camp in various strategic locations to ambush the Israelites. However, each time he planned an attack, Elisha, through divine revelation, would warn the king of Israel, thus thwarting the Syrian king's plans. This led the Syrian king to suspect a traitor among his ranks, but he was informed that it was Elisha, the prophet in Israel, who was revealing his plans.

The Miracle

In an attempt to capture Elisha, the king of Syria sent a great army with horses and chariots to Dothan, where Elisha was staying. They surrounded the city by night. When Elisha's servant awoke and saw the 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 surrounding Elisha.

As the Syrian army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, saying, "Please strike this nation with blindness." The Lord answered his prayer, and the entire Syrian army was struck with blindness (2 Kings 6:18). Elisha then led the blind soldiers to Samaria, the capital of Israel.

Aftermath

Once they arrived in Samaria, Elisha prayed again, asking the Lord to open the eyes of the soldiers. When their sight was restored, they found themselves in the midst of Samaria. The king of Israel, seeing the Syrian army delivered into his hands, asked Elisha if he should kill them. Elisha, however, instructed him to show mercy, saying, "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 then return to their master" (2 Kings 6:22). The king of Israel prepared a great feast for them, and after they had eaten and drunk, he sent them back to their master. Consequently, the bands of Syrian raiders stopped coming into Israel's territory.

Significance

This miracle highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the power of God working through His prophets, demonstrating that divine intervention can alter the course of human events. Secondly, it illustrates the principle of mercy over vengeance, as Elisha's actions led to a cessation of hostilities rather than further bloodshed. Lastly, it serves as a reminder of God's protection over His people, assuring them that His presence is greater than any earthly threat.

The account of the Syrians being smitten with blindness through Elisha's prayer is a powerful example of faith, divine authority, and the unexpected ways in which God can deliver His people from danger.2 Kings 6:20
And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the middle of Samaria.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Elisha's Closing Ministry
... according to the word of the Lord" through His prophet ... the part of rulers and people
had wrought their baleful ... him words to speak and power to work miracles. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 21 elishas closing ministry.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... given of his birth, life, death, doctrine, and miracles, in the ... had been imperfect,
not through man's weakness, but through impediment in God, or in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus