The King Saved by the Prophet

Again, this same king of Israel (Jehoram) was brought into great peril, this time by the king of Syria, Ben-hadad, who invaded his kingdom. Once more the prophet Elisha was led to give the king of Israel counsel that saved him from his enemies. The account is given in the sixth chapter of the second book of Kings.AGP 110.5

In directing his campaign, the king of Syria gave orders to his officers to place ambushments where he had reason to believe the army of Israel would be surprised and captured. But Elisha warned the king of Israel regarding all the plans of Ben-hadad. The repeated failure of Ben-hadad to find Jehoram’s army led him to suspect that he had a traitor among his own men, and he said to his officers, “Will ye not show me which of us is for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, None, my lord, OAGP 110.6

king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.” 2 Kings 6:11, 12.AGP 111.1

Ben-hadad then determined to take the life of the prophet. He ordered his men to find Elisha and bring him to the camp. They departed with “horses, and chariots, and a great host.” But they failed, for when they surrounded Elisha, he “prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray Thee, with blindness. And He smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:14-18.AGP 111.2

In this helpless condition they were led by Elisha straight to the camp of the king of Israel. How impotent is puny man when warring against the purposes of God!AGP 111.3

When this blind host had reached Israel’s camp, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them?” Verses 20, 21.AGP 111.4

This was a great opportunity to win a decisive victory by the slaughter of this Syrian host. But Elisha said, “Thou shalt not smite them…. Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master…. And when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.” Verses 22, 23.AGP 111.5

Thus repeatedly was clear and convincing evidence given to both Israel and Syria that there was One greater than man, who could protect His people against the evil plottings of their enemies, and that Elisha was His prophet—His personal representative. Thus, too, great benefits came to Israel through the services of the prophet of God.AGP 111.6

Besides serving as counselor of kings in behalf of nations, Elisha gave sympathetic attention and helpful service to the people. He journeyed from place to place, forming close association with men and women in all ranks of life.AGP 111.7

At one place the widow of one of the sons of the prophets appealed to him for help to protect her from a creditor who wasAGP 111.8

about to take her “two sons to be bondmen.” His heart was touched by her appeal, and he expressed his sympathy by causing the small quantity of oil she had in a receptacle to continue flowing until all the containers in the house and all she could borrow were filled. Then “the oil stayed,” and Elisha said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.” 2 Kings 4:1-7.AGP 112.1