“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV)
Syria (Aram) had declared war on Israel but was thwarted by the man of God who relayed every Syrian strategy to the King of Israel. The Syrian king thought that he had a traitor among his officers but was told that the problem was Elisha, the man of God, in Israel. The order went out immediately, “find him and get him.” During the night, the Syrian army surrounded the mountain in Dothan where Elisha lived. When Elisha’s servant awoke and began his duties, he saw every escape route blocked. Evidently, he ran back in the house and awakened Elisha.
That’s when the servant began wringing his hands in fear. “What are we going to do? The enemy is greater than we are!” But the man of God (Elisha) was not concerned about what he could or would do. He knew he couldn’t defeat the enemy. So, he trusted in the one who would. He confidently said, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v.16). All the servant could see was the small number of people in Elisha’s household.
But Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see” (v.17). When the Lord opened his eyes, he saw an army of horses and chariots of fire. This heavenly army literally covered the mountain upon which Elisha lived. They were God’s soldiers, sent to protect Elisha from the Syrians. Elisha was confident of victory and safety.
Do we ever feel like Elisha’s servant? Help, there is no escape! How are we going to get out of this? Some trust in only what they can see. They put their trust in only what they are able to do. The hand-wringing despair begins as soon as they can’t see any way of escape.
Psalms 20:7 (KJV) “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” We can depend on Him. Whether we ever get to see the army of chariots and fire, we know that they are all around us ready to give victory.
Dear Father, thank you for surrounding us with your chariots of fire. Enable us to see by faith and confidence. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in faith and confidence,