They That are with Us

The King of Syria came down upon Israel. He counseled with his men, saying we shall camp just there. But Elisha warned the King of Israel to avoid that spot; and this happened yet again, and again. The Syrian King was so vexed that he called his cabinet together and demanded, “Which of you is for Israel? And they answered and said, “None of us. It is Elisha that tells the Israelite King even those most secret words you speak in your bedroom.”

 Then the King demanded to know where this Elisha person was, and it was told him that he was in Dothan. So he sent a great host of men with horses and chariots down to Dothan by night, and surrounded the city. When Elisha’s servant arose and went out he beheld this sight. He ran to Elisha and said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?" And Elisha answered and said, “Chill. Have no fear: for they that are with us are more than they that are with them.” and he prayed and said, “Lord, open his eyes that he may see; and the young man’s eyes were opened and he saw. The mountain was filled with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

When the Syrians came down to him, Elisha again prayed, “Lord, smite these people blind.” and so it was. Then the Man of God told them, “This is not the way, nor is it the city. Come, I will take you to the man you seek.” So he took them into Samaria and prayed the Lord to open their eyes. And when they saw, they beheld that they were in the midst of Samaria. And the Israelite King said to Elisha, “My father, shall I smite them?”

“Nah,” said Elisha. You wouldn’t smite those that you captured by the sword and the bow. Set food and water before them that they may eat and drink, then send them on their way. The Syrians ceased for a time from pestering Israel.  (Based on 2 Kings 6)

What are we to take away from this account?

1.  Elisha was not called "the Man of God" for nothing.

2.  Elisha kept his cool in a troubling circumstance.

3.  Elisha prayed, not once, but at each turn of events.

4.  Elisha saw clearly God's power in the event.

5.  Finally, Elisha dispensed mercy when he could have just as easily meted out death.

What key phrase should we commit to our heart's storehouse?

--They that be with us are more than they that be with them."--

  When we give control to God, there is no foe who can overcome us, for He provides a    host sufficient to overpower the evil that would swamp us.