| The tactical importance of Elisha to the nation was demonstrated by his being made the focus for Aram’s attack. Elisha knew he was safe. His eyes seem to have been always open to the power of God among his people, but a vision was provided for his servant who feared for their safety. The servant had seen the enemy all around Dothan, but now he saw that the army of God was all around Elisha. This event became the occasion for Elisha’s loyalty to be even more remarkably demonstrated. He led the vast but blinded Aramean force into Samaria. |
| More importantly, Elisha was able to demonstrate that the power of the Lord had more to do with mercy than vengeance. In such a manner, the people of Christ are now told to feed their enemies and overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:20–21). In various ways, the Spirit of Christ in Elisha was already opening the eyes of the blind: the fearful saw his protection, the rebellious were delivered into the hands of the Lord’s people for judgement, only to discover that they were pardoned. The feast may have sealed a covenant of peace precluding any further hostilities. The king of Israel had been sufficiently moved by these events to call Elisha, not ‘my enemy’ (as Ahab had done), but ‘my father’. It was easy for him to respect the prophet when his enemies were in his power, but he had little idea of the gracious powers of the kingdom of God. |
