Bible Reading
2 Kings 6:8-23 (ESV) —
> 8 Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.”
> 9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.”
> 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice.
> 11 And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?”
> 12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.”
> 13 And he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” It was told him, “Behold, he is in Dothan.”
> 14 So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city.
> 15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
> 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
> 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
> 18 And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha.
> 19 And Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he led them to Samaria.
> 20 As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” So the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw, and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
> 21 As soon as the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike them down? Shall I strike them down?”
> 22 He answered, “You shall not strike them down. Would you strike down those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.”
> 23 So he prepared for them a great feast, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the Syrians did not come again on raids into the land of Israel.
Observation Questions
- What was Elisha’s servant’s initial reaction when he saw the enemy army surrounding the city? What did Elisha do in response?
- According to the passage, what did Elisha pray for his servant, and what happened as a result?
- How did Elisha treat the enemy army after they were captured and brought into Samaria?
- What was the outcome for the Aramean raiders after they were shown mercy in Israel?
Interpretation Questions
- Why do you think Elisha’s servant was so afraid, and what does this reveal about how we often see our own problems?
- What does it mean to have “spiritual sight,” and how did it change the servant’s perspective in this story?
- The king of Israel wanted to kill the captured enemy soldiers, but Elisha told him to feed them instead. What does this say about God’s heart toward his enemies?
- The sermon mentioned that God’s deliverance can be immediate (like Elisha) or delayed (like Joseph). How might God use delays or suffering for our good?
Application Questions
- When you feel surrounded by problems or fears, do you tend to focus more on the “armies on the ground” or on God’s presence with you? What would it look like for you to pray for “open eyes” in your current situation?
- The sermon said, “We don’t need our circumstances to change. We just need our eyes to be open.” Can you think of a time when your perspective changed even though your situation didn’t? How did that affect your fear or anxiety?
- Elisha showed mercy to the enemy army instead of giving them what they deserved. Is there someone in your life who has wronged you, and what would it look like to show them unexpected kindness or forgiveness?
- The story points to Jesus, who turns enemies into friends by love and grace. Are there ways you have been “at war” with God—resisting his goodness or love? What would it look like to lay down your “weapons” and trust him?
- The sermon challenged us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” not just once, but daily. What are some practical ways you can return to God’s goodness this week—through Scripture, prayer, community, or worship?
- Sometimes we live as if we’re still enslaved by fear, shame, or spiritual apathy, even after experiencing God’s deliverance. Are there areas in your life where you’re not living in the freedom Jesus has given you? What’s one step you could take to move toward freedom?
- The sermon said, “God’s power is not most clearly seen in the destruction of his enemies, but in his ability to win them over with love, mercy, and grace.” How can you reflect this kind of love and grace in your relationships this week?
