2 Kings 6:8-23
Read 2 Kings 6:8-23
Helpful Background Information:
Aram was an ancient kingdom located in present day Syria, and in this passage, they were at war with Israel (the northern kingdom). Elisha, whose name means "God is salvation," was the successor of Elijah, a prophet of Israel. Elisha’s ministry lasted about 60 years, spanning the reigns of kings Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joash.
Although the passage does not specify which king was in this story, most timelines would point to King Jehoram, son of the infamous King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Jehoram and Elisha did not typically have a good relationship due to King Jehoram’s allowance of idol worship. Yet, because of God’s grace, Elisha was able to save the king’s life and army by acting as a divine agent.
Executing captives was standard in ancient warfare, yet Elisha chose to feed them instead. The men had been delivered into Samaria by the power of God, not Israel’s military strength. Elisha had mercy on his helpless enemies, and reversed the expected pattern of retaliation by publicly demonstrating Israel’s God was not like the violent gods of the nations. The Arameans were treated as men under God’s mercy rather than objects of revenge. Israel’s radical hospitality to their literal enemies was a visible testimony of the Lord’s power and character.
Reflection Questions:
Elisha’s servant panicked at the sight of being surrounded by an enemy army, which was a very natural response in this extreme and overwhelming circumstance. Yet, Elisha did not deny the danger, but instead prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened and focus to be shifted to the power and presence of their God. What “enemy army” feels like it is surrounding you right now? What circumstance is causing you to panic? How might your perspective shift if you paused to remember that God’s invisible presence and protection are already working on your behalf, and are bigger than your present circumstances?
Verse 16 of this passage matches the sentiment that "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). What causes us to doubt this statement is true? How can Elisha’s story combat those doubts/lies?
Elisha chose to love his enemies rather than destroy them. How does his example challenge you? Where is God calling you to show unexpected grace or kindness to someone who feels like an adversary in your life?