Elisha convened with the company of the prophets in Jordan, but as their numbers swelled, the meeting place began to feel cramped. Concerned about the space limitations, the prophets engaged Elisha in discussions about relocating and constructing a new meeting place. Each individual brought their own poles and collectively endeavoured to pitch a spacious venue for their gatherings. The venues where these prophets gathered, appear to be the earliest examples of churches mentioned in the Bible, where believers would convene to share their experiences with God and learn from one another.
Perhaps the prophets found spiritual enrichment in their encounters with Elisha and sought a more spacious setting for their regular gatherings, where they could draw inspiration from his experiences in serving God. If this was indeed the case, it would seem to serve as a model for a place of worship. Analogous to how conferences or business seminars enable individuals to exchange insights and acquire new strategies for advancing their businesses, christian seminars and conferences also seek to foster a culture of adaptation to the wordly needs for the growth of their churches. Unfortunately, this growth in our churches is not translated into the extension of the kingdom of God.
As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. “Oh no, my lord!” he cried out. “It was borrowed!”
2 Kings 6:5 (NIV)
Elisha cast a stick into the water causing the iron axehead to float to the surface, allowing the prophet to retrieve it from the water. This was not the first time he performed such a miracle as he used everyday items like salt to cure the water or flour to counteract the poisoned food. People feel the need for a medium between them and God and while these miracles came from God, people hang onto such actions of men of God and try to replicate them expecting similar results.
Elisha was aware of the prophet’s concern regarding the lost axehead, contemplating the time it would take to repay the axe owner. This event demonstrates the support of our God, not only in advancing His kingdom on earth but also in the seemingly trivial aspects of our lives that cause us distress. We only need to step out of our comfort zone and approach Him for help and He will take care of the rest.
The Blind Army of Aram
The peace between Israel and Aram was short-lived, as the king of Aram initiated warfare against Israel. After consulting with his officers, he meticulously planned strategic locations to launch attacks against the king of Israel. However, God informed Elisha of the king of Aram’s plans, and Elisha, in turn, relayed this information to the king of Israel.
Consequently, Joram was able to elude the sneak attacks from the king of Aram. Even though God was displeased with Joram’s reign, He granted him an extended period to repent. Regrettably, Joram disregarded God’s warnings and admonishments, ultimately meeting his downfall at the hands of the king of Judah.
This infuriated the king of Aram, who was perplexed by the failure of his men to assassinate Joram despite painstaking planning. After discovering that it was the prophet Elisha who had issued the warning, the very same man who had cured the leprosy of his commander Naaman, the king dispatched men to apprehend Elisha. He sent horses and chariots and a strong force to Dothan, the place where Elisha was residing. They went by night and surrounded the city.
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 no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV)
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that 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.
Elisha beheld the vast armies of God, far outnumbering the forces of Aram, safeguarding the city from the hills. When encompassed by our enemies, we start engaging with them, losing sight of God entirely. Much like Elisha’s servant, we often remain blind to this reality when ensnared by troubles on all fronts. Yet, when we entreat God to unveil this truth to us, we discover His protection amidst our trials, leading us to the understanding that we are incapable of overcoming anything without Him. If we can only open our eyes then we will see the hills full of horses and chariots of fire to recognise that our God will never forsake us.
As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.
2 Kings 6:18 (NIV)
Elisha tricked the blind Arameans, leading them to the heart of Samaria. Then, the LORD opened their eyes, revealing that they were now in the custody of the Israelite army. Upon seeing the trapped men, the king of Israel inquired of Elisha whether he should execute them.
“Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.”
2 Kings 6:22 (NIV)
When a ruler achieved victory in a war, they would often display the prisoners in the city to elevate their own status. However, when Joram received a gift from God in the form of the blinded Arameans, he sought permission from Elisha to execute them. Similarly, when we believe that we have achieved success through our own endeavours, we tend to boast about it and milk the praises we receive as a result of it. Yet, when we recognize that our triumphs are due to God’s intervention, we seldom boast about our victories not realising that all our victories are because of Him.
Never before in Israel had there been a case where the opposing army, who had arrived seeking blood, were not only set free but were also sent away with full bellies from a banquet. By feeding and releasing the Arameans, Elisha demonstrated one of the earliest instances of practising the principle preached by Jesus about turning the other cheek. Can we practice the same in our lives and let the glory be redirected to God in all our victories?
Discussion Questions
- Why is Elisha helping Joram evade the attacks from the Arameans when he has not made any efforts to mend his ways?
- Like Elisha, when people come against us do we have the confidence in God that he has His forces protecting us?
- Why is Joram seeking Elisha’s permission, a man he detests?
- By feeding and releasing the Arameans, did Elisha exhibit the earliest application of Jesus’s sermon about turning the other cheek?
The Jordan Valley 
Reply