Chariots of Fire

“‘Do not be afraid,’ Elisha answered, ‘for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’” — 2 Kings 6:16

The king of Aram was at war with Israel. He would sit with his officers and plan secret attacks. “We’ll set up camp in such and such a place,” he would say.

But every time, the prophet Elisha sent a message to the king of Israel. “Be careful not to go past that place,” he warned, “because the Arameans are going down there.” God was telling Elisha all the enemy’s secret plans! Again and again, the king of Israel was warned, and his men stayed safe.

The king of Aram was furious. “Which of you is on the side of the king of Israel?” he demanded. “Who is telling him our plans?”

“None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers. “It’s Elisha, the prophet in Israel. He tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom!”

“Go and find out where he is,” said the king, “so I can send men to capture him.” They found out that Elisha was in a town called Dothan. So the king sent horses and chariots and a great army there. They came at night and surrounded the town.

Early the next morning, Elisha’s servant got up and went outside. And there, all around the town, was an army with horses and chariots!

“Oh no, my master!” he cried. “What are we going to do?”

“Don’t be afraid,” said Elisha. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

The servant must have thought Elisha was mad. There were just the two of them! But Elisha prayed, “O Lord, please open his eyes so that he may see.”

And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes. He looked up, and the hills all around were full of horses and chariots of fire, all around Elisha! God’s army had been there all along. The servant just couldn’t see it.

As the Aramean soldiers came down towards them, Elisha prayed, “Lord, please make these men blind.” And God did. Then Elisha went out to them. “This isn’t the right road,” he said. “Follow me, and I’ll take you to the man you’re looking for.” And he led them all the way to Samaria, the capital city of Israel.

When they got inside the city, Elisha prayed, “Lord, open their eyes.” And God opened their eyes, and they found themselves right in the middle of their enemy’s city!

The king of Israel was excited. “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?”

“No,” said Elisha. “Give them food and water, so they can eat and drink and go back to their master.”

So the king of Israel prepared a great feast for them. They ate and drank, and then he sent them home. And after that, the raiders from Aram stopped attacking Israel.

Read it in your Bible: 2 Kings 6:8–23

Dear God, thank you that you are always with your people, even when we can’t see you. When I am afraid, please open my eyes to see how great you are. Amen.