From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 21—Elisha's Closing Ministry

Elisha lived to see many changes in the kingdom of Israel. Hazael the Syrian had scourged the apostate nation. Jehu had slain all the house of Ahab. Jehoahaz, Jehu's successor, had lost some of the cities east of the Jordan. For a time it had seemed as if the Syrians might gain control of the entire kingdom. But the reformation carried forward by Elisha led many to inquire after God. The altars of Baal were being forsaken, and slowly yet surely God's purpose was being fulfilled in those who chose to serve Him with all the heart. SS 137.1

It was because of His love for erring Israel that God permitted the Syrians to scourge them. Because of His compassion for those whose moral power was weak He raised up Jehu to slay Jezebel and the house of Ahab. Once more, through a merciful providence, the priests of Baal and of Ashtoreth were set aside, and their heathen altars thrown down. God foresaw that if temptation were removed, some would forsake heathenism, and this is why He permitted calamity after calamity to befall them. And when His purpose was accomplished, He turned the tide in favor of those who had learned to inquire after Him. SS 137.2

While Satan was doing all in his power to complete the ruin he had wrought during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, Elisha continued to bear his testimony. He met with opposition, yet none could gainsay his words. Many came to him for counsel. Joram, king of Israel, sought his advice; and once, when in Damascus, he was visited by messengers from Benhadad, king of Syria. To all, the prophet bore faithful witness in a time when the great majority of the people were in open rebellion against Heaven. SS 137.3

And God never forsook His chosen messenger. On one occasion, the king of Syria sought to destroy Elisha because of his apprising the king of Israel of the plans of the enemy. The Syrian king had taken counsel with his servants, saying, “In such and such a place shall be my camp.” This plan was revealed by the Lord to Elisha, who “sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.” SS 138.1

“Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not show me which of us is for the king of Israel? And one of his servants said, 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.” 2 Kings 6:8-12. SS 138.2

Determined to make away with the prophet, the Syrian king commanded, “Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him.” The prophet was in Dothan, and, learning this, the king sent “horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots.” Verses 13-15. SS 138.3

In terror Elisha's servant sought him. “Alas, my master!” he said. “How shall we do?” SS 138.4

“Fear not,” was the answer of the prophet, “for they who be with us are more than they that be with them.” Then, that the servant might know this for himself, Elisha prayed, “Lord, ... 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 round about Elisha.” An encircling band of heavenly angels had come in mighty power to minister to the Lord's helpless ones. Verses 15-17. SS 138.5

As the Syrian soldiers boldly advanced, ignorant of the unseen hosts of heaven, “Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray Thee, with blindness. And He smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.” SS 139.1

“And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, ... shall I smite them? And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.” Verses 18-22. SS 139.2