MAY 12, 2026 – BLINDNESS

READ: 2 Kin. 6:1–23: … Bring it to yourself … Strike this people, I pray, with blindness … Do not kill them … so he sent them away …

The prophet-disciples are distraught when they attempt to build a new dwelling with limited resources and a borrowed axe falls into the water. But Elijah performs a miracle: the stick he throws into the water causes the axe to float to the surface. God stands above the laws of nature created by Him. The disciples see the power that God works out through His prophet.

But Elisha also addresses the government of Israel on behalf of the LORD. King Joram faces hostilities from the king of Syria (Benhadad III), the successor of Hadadezer, in whose service Naaman was in service. Once again, Elisha wants to point to the LORD, in Whom alone salvation is possible. He receives information from the LORD about the enemy’s conversations and warns the king of Israel.

This is discovered in the Syrian camp, whereupon a manhunt is launched to capture Elisha in Dothan. A large army with horses and chariots surrounds the city. But facing that army stands an army of angels (cf. Ps. 34:8; 91:11,12; Matt. 26:53).

Elisha prays that one of his followers who is becoming confused may see this. At Elisha’s next prayer, the enemy is subsequently blinded by God and they are led to Samaria, a four-hour walk away. There, Elisha has their eyes opened again. The enemy is now at the mercy of their opponents.

At Elisha’s command, they remain alive, are fed, and sent away (cf. Deut. 20:10-18). Their lesson is this: they cannot capture Elisha if Almighty God does not want it. They themselves are defenseless.

For the time being, the bands do not return. The question is whether King Joram of Israel turns to the LORD. 

What is the ministry of angels for believers in our time?

Singing: Ps. 27:1