2 Kings 6:1-6 — An Axe Head Floats
2 Kings 6:7-33 — Elisha and Chariots of Fire, Ben-hadad in Samaria
2 Kings 7 — Elisha Promises Food, The Syrians Flee
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Elisha demonstrates God’s power here by 1) making an axe head float, 2) asking God to show his servant the heavenly hosts protecting them and 3) by prophesying the end of the dreadful siege. Three completely separate instances that demonstrated God was with Elisha.
In the first case, Elisha doesn’t ask God explicitly; apparently he knew what to do to cause the axe head to float on the water and thus avoid a difficult situation (the prophets working on the tent presumably borrow the precious axe head). Elisha doesn’t make a show or any announcement; rather, he matter-of-factly handled the situation.
The second instance is often quoted in Christian circles, “Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fir all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17). The Lord provided protection from those who meant Elisha harm. Elisha’s response is amazing, he asks God to make them blind and leads them to Samaria, feeds them and treats them well “so the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory (6:23).
Thirdly, Elisha apparently hears from the Lord and tells Joram (Israel’s king at this time) that the siege will end in about a day. A group of men with leprosy decided to check out the camp of the Arameans and found the camp empty…a ghost town. They ate and drank and hid some plunder then went back to tell Joram’s people that the Arameans were gone. Not to be believed, they launch out scouts to see for themselves and Elisha’s prophecy is fulfilled.
It’s amazing to me that Elisha does these works without any fanfare, any particular claim to fame–nor does he seek any recognition–he’s just doing what God has called him to do. I may never make an axe head float, see a host of heavenly angels or prophesy specific intentions for the Lord, but I hope that I can simply do what God has called me to do with complete humility.