It is so amazing how Elisha had no fear even when an army came to capture him. It’s amazing how he trusted God and how he trusted that God was with him. He told his servant not to be afraid because those who are with us are more than those who are with them. This account was so incredible, so miraculous and reflects how great our God is. He sent chariots of fire to protect his prophet, Elisha and imagine what He will do for us now.

2 Kings 6:8-23

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.” 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.” 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.

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?”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.” 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.” So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city.

Here Elisha (the man of God) warned the King of Israel and saved them from an impending ambush by the King of Syria. The King of Syria found out that Elisha had warned Israel, so he sent a great army to seize Elisha.

 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?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 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. 

When Elisha’s servant saw the army, he was afraid, and that’s when Elisha told him that those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And the word used for “more” actually means abundant, great, exceedingly, and full, which gives the connotation of not just more but so much greater than the other side.

Elisha prayed, and his servant’s eyes were opened to see that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire. Such a miraculous sight it would have been. I think this vision is worth pondering and meditation. The power of our God is so much greater than we realise.

 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. 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.

 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. 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?” 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.” 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.

At the end of this account, there was no physical battle. Elisha could have destroyed the whole army, but instead, he showed them mercy and grace, which ended the threat.

Can you imagine the confidence that Elisha walked around with, knowing who was with him? Who do we have with us, are they greater than those against us? When we accept Jesus as our Lord and saviour and have repented of our sin, God lives in us. He is with us always. We do not have to go to Him in any specific place. We do not have to ask anyone closer to Him to access Him for us. He gives His angels charge over us to keep us safe (Psalm 91:11-12). We can pray just like Elisha did, and we have even more possibility given that we have God with us always. And so, we have nothing to fear except for God himself (Matthew 10:28).

The word of God reminds us of this so many times. He says, fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).

The Psalmist reminds us that even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff (support of every kind), they comfort me (Psalm 23:4, Psalm 118:6-7). Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

The Bible also speaks of Him sending His angels to protect us. He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11; Luke 4:10). The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him and delivers them (Psalm 34:7).

We are reminded that the one to fear is God, not man. So why are we afraid? Maybe we forget this truth; maybe we think that God won’t do the same for us as he did for so many others. But it is not so; once we follow God and obey Him, once we repent and turn away from our sinful ways, then we know for sure that God is with us and He is for us (Matthew 28:20). We know for sure that He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). So, let us bask in this truth and remind ourselves as much as we need (which is usually often) that He is with us, that He fights for us and that we have nothing to fear in this world. So follow Him and fear not!

All photos were taken by Kyle or Vani. These photos are from the many adventures we have been blessed to experience together. We are so grateful for every blessing from God. No filters were used nor were the photos edited except for an occasional crop. We hope you enjoy.