ELISHA SERIES: REVELATION KNOWLEDGE IN OPERATION

Revelation knowledge is a priceless asset to have in operation in one’s life, and it is usually functioning in the lives of prophets. 2 Kings 6 highlights this gift in Elisha’s life and how he was able to use it to help a mentee, a king, and nation, and finally when threatened with death himself.

2 Kings 6 opens with the sons of the prophets telling Elisha they had outgrown their present abode and needed a larger place to accommodate them. They suggested they move closer to the Jordan River to which Elisha agreed and accompanied them. As the prophets were cutting down wood, a borrowed axe fell into the river. The prophet who dropped it cried out, and Elisha responded by casting a stick in the water. God revealed to Elisha what is do and where to do it, and thankfully the axe came to the surface, and the young prophet was able to retrieve it.

The next portion of the chapter shares the events that took place when the king of Syria planned ambushments against Israel. Three times his plans failed because God revealed to Elisha the plans, and Elisha informed the king of Israel. At first, the king of Syria thought he had an informant amongst them who was sharing information with Israel. However, he was told by one of his servants, “None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.” With this news, the king sent a spy to find out where the prophet was. When the king was told Elisha was residing in Dothan, which was twelve miles from Samaria, the king sent horses, chariots, and a great host: and they surrounded Dothan during the night.

In the morning, when Elisha’s servant went out, he became alarmed when he saw The Syrian host, but Elisha said, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” Additionally, he prayed, “Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.” The Lord immediately answered this prayer by opening the eyes of the servant, and he saw the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around them. Because of the prayer request to God and the revelation knowledge Elisha shared with his servant, the servant could move from fear to faith.

As the enemy host came toward Elisha, he requested God to cause them to be blinded, which God did. Blinded and unbeknown to whom they were speaking, Elisha told them, “This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek, “and he led them into Samaria. Once again, he prayed, but he asked God to open their eyes this time. The king of Israel thought about killing these men, but first, he asked Elisha what should be done to them. Instead of killing the men, Elisha instructed the king to feed them and send them back to Syria.

After this, Israel experienced a period of peace, but then King Benhadad of Syria came with his army and besieged Samaria, causing a great famine to occur. This resulted in the animals forbidden by God to eat being consumed by the people. Additionally, after the king passed by the Samaria walls a woman requested help from him. Knowing his inability to do so, he said, “If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? Consequently, the woman then described the cannibalistic act of her and her neighbor on her child, which made the king angry and blame Elisha for the famine.

Next, the enraged king sent an executioner to cut off Elisha’s head. God revealed to Elisha what was happening, and he instructed the elders to keep the door shut so the assassin could not get in. The last verse in this chapter reveals that the king who followed the executioner to Elisha’s abode felt God was causing the famine, so God was not going to intervene on their behalf. I will share what transpired after this in my next blog, which covers 2 Kings 7.  

In closing, here are my thoughts and nuggets that I gathered from this chapter:

• When needed, industrious people do not mind working.
• Leadership that is valued will be sought after.
• A thoughtful leader will accompany his workers when requested.
• While working, be diligent in handling the work equipment.
• Confess what you have lost and what needs to be recovered.
• God is concerned about the welfare of His servants.
• When you borrow something, that item’s return is expected.
• If you desire success, take counsel with God and not man.
• Unbelievers do not know or understand the power of God.
• God can reveal your secrets to a prophet.
• A revelatory word accomplished the safety of a nation.
• Thank God for those that will warn you of the enemy’s entrapments
• You will be known far and near when you are a vessel God uses to do great exploits.
• Particularly when it is dark, the enemy delights in setting up traps
• When the enemy surrounds you, there is no need to fear, for the angels of God are present to assist you.
• When in fear, speak to someone that can calm you.
• Being able to see in the spirit realm is a valuable asset.
• When needed, God will blind the eyes of your enemy.
• God both opens and closes eyes.
• To be charitable and hospitable to your enemy is pleasing to God.
• Do good to those that hate you.
• Kindness extended to the enemy army resulted in peace in the land.
• Even kings must acknowledge it is from God that help comes
• When people are starving, they will eat the unthinkable.
• Anger and frustration cause people to forget who helped them in their time of need.
• Before blaming others, look within yourself.
• Attempting to kill a servant of God is not wise.