Monday, November 4 – 2 Kings 6, 7 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 21, “Elisha’s Closing Ministry”

1. How can faith help in difficult situations? (2 Kings 6:14-16)

2. How did Elisha instruct the king to treat his enemies? (2 Kings 6:22-23)

3. Who did the king of Israel blame for the siege of Samaria? (2 Kings 6:30-31)

4. What lesson do we learn from the lepers’ response to their discovery? (2 Kings 7:9)

Commentary and Reflection:

We continue to read about the powerful ministry of the prophet Elisha. 

Because of Israel’s ability to constantly evade the Syrian army, the king of Syria thought he had a spy within his inner circle! Elisha’s reputation had become so widespread that one of his servants informed the king that the true source of Israel’s intelligence was the prophet himself. Determined to destroy this source, the king sent a great army to capture Elisha. 

How little the king of Syria understood what was truly happening! His real problem was not Elisha but his contending with the Lord and His people. No secret can be hidden from Him. 

“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16, NKJV) When we are in the will of God, this statement always holds, no matter the circumstances. 

The blindness that God sent upon the Syrian army was not physical but a blindness of understanding. They were unable to recognize Elisha or discern where he was leading them. Spiritual blindness—lack of discernment—is far worse than physical blindness. Our inclinations and disobedience to God can blind us. It is not wise to contend with God. When the Syrians’ eyes were finally opened, they found themselves in Samaria, their lives spared only by the grace of God. 

Elisha’s response to the king regarding treating the enemy army is a beautiful lesson in magnanimity: “Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” (2 Kings 6:22). This goes beyond martial ethics; it speaks to the character of God’s people. “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17, NKJV). 

“Joram was forbidden to smite the captives, since the object of the miracle was not to have the Syrians put to death but in part, at least, to open their eyes to the fact that it was utterly vain to attempt anything against a prophet of God. Through the captive Hebrew maid in the service of Naaman, the Syrians had had an opportunity to become acquainted with the Lord’s mercy and power. God desired to bring to them further lessons concerning His love and irresistible might. Unless the captive Syrians had now returned to their homeland and told their countrymen what had taken place, the Lord’s object in this miracle would not have been realized.” (SDA Bible Commentary, 2 Kings 6:22). 

Another great trial soon came upon Samaria when the Syrian king returned and laid siege to the city. The siege caused extreme famine within the city walls. Rather than recognizing his responsibility for what was happening, King Joram blamed Elisha and sent men to take his life. 

“Elisha had called upon the people to repent and doubtless had made it clear to them that if they did not put away their sins and turn to the Lord with all their hearts, they might expect trouble and distress. The king was bitter against the prophet and now sought to place the blame on him for the continuance of the siege and famine. In doing so he followed the same course as had his brother Ahaziah, and his father Ahab (see on ch. 1:10).  (SDA Bible Commentary, 2 Kings 6:31). 

Despite God’s clear word through the prophet, Joram did not believe when he received the news that the Syrian army had fled. Even after sending messengers to confirm the truth, he remained in disbelief. But indeed, the prophet’s words were fulfilled—the danger had passed, and once again, the Lord delivered His people from their enemies. 

Today, just as in those days, we can trust in the Lord and the words of His prophets. He is on His people’s side, and in the hour of trial, He will work a glorious deliverance. 

Have a blessed day.