2 Kings 6:18 – “As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, ‘Strike this army with blindness.’ So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Elisha prays to God to strike the Aramean army with blindness as they approach to capture him. The army had surrounded the city of Dothan, thinking that their overwhelming military power would allow them to take Elisha by force. But Elisha’s prayer to God shows his complete confidence in God’s ability to protect him. In response to his prayer, God blinds the entire army, rendering them powerless and confused. This act of divine intervention not only protects Elisha but also demonstrates God’s control over even the most powerful forces.
Historical Context
At this time, Israel was constantly under threat from neighboring nations, including Aram. Elisha had been a key figure in thwarting the Aramean king’s attempts to ambush the Israelites by revealing their military plans. Enraged, the king of Aram sent a large army to capture Elisha, believing that by removing him, Israel would lose its advantage. Elisha was staying in Dothan, a small town surrounded by the enemy forces. The blindness God inflicted on the Aramean army wasn’t just physical—it represented the futility of trying to oppose God’s will. This event demonstrates that no amount of military strength can stand against divine power.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights God’s power to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. The Aramean army had the upper hand in terms of physical strength, but Elisha’s simple prayer to God reversed the situation. This shows that God’s protection doesn’t depend on human strength or resources but on His sovereign will. It also underscores the importance of prayer—Elisha didn’t panic or try to escape; he turned to God in faith, and God responded. The blindness of the army also symbolizes spiritual blindness—those who oppose God’s people may seem powerful, but they are ultimately blind to God’s power and purposes.
Literary Analysis
The verse builds on the tension of the preceding verses, where the enemy surrounds the city and Elisha’s servant is terrified. The enemy “came down toward him,” heightening the sense of impending danger. Yet Elisha’s response is calm and focused—he simply prays for God to act. The contrast between the approaching army and Elisha’s prayer highlights the difference between human power and divine power. The sudden blindness of the army acts as a dramatic reversal, turning the aggressors into helpless victims of their own ignorance. The phrase “as Elisha had asked” shows the intimate relationship between Elisha and God, where God responds to Elisha’s faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 14:19-20 – When the Egyptians pursued the Israelites, God provided a protective barrier of cloud and fire. Like Elisha’s prayer for blindness, this demonstrates God’s power to protect His people in the face of overwhelming enemies.
- Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” This psalm echoes Elisha’s reliance on God’s protection and deliverance in a moment of crisis.
- Acts 9:8-9 – When Saul (later Paul) was blinded on the road to Damascus, it symbolized his spiritual blindness. Like the Aramean army, Saul needed God’s intervention to change his perspective.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the power of prayer and faith. Elisha didn’t rely on his own strength to face the overwhelming enemy force—he turned to God and trusted Him to intervene. This challenges believers to approach difficult situations with faith rather than fear, knowing that God can turn even the most impossible situations around. It also encourages us to remember that God’s protection is real and present, even when we can’t see how things will work out. Just as God blinded the Aramean army, He can protect and deliver His people in ways we may not expect.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s loving protection over His people. Elisha was in a vulnerable position, surrounded by enemies, but God didn’t leave him defenseless. Instead, God responded to Elisha’s prayer and acted on his behalf. This shows that God’s love is not passive but active—He intervenes to protect those who trust in Him. His love goes beyond merely comforting us in our fears; He takes action to safeguard us. This act of divine intervention demonstrates that God is deeply involved in the lives of His people, always ready to help them in times of need.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus demonstrated the same power over physical and spiritual blindness during His ministry. In John 9:1-7, Jesus healed a man born blind, not only restoring his physical sight but also opening his spiritual understanding. Just as Elisha prayed for blindness to stop the enemy, Jesus healed blindness to reveal God’s power and truth. Additionally, in Matthew 26:53, when Jesus was arrested, He told His disciples that He could call on legions of angels to protect Him if He wished, showing that divine power is always available, but Jesus chose to fulfill God’s plan through the cross. Like Elisha, Jesus trusted in God’s ultimate protection and purpose.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Elisha’s calm response in the face of danger challenge your approach to difficult situations?
- What role does prayer play in your life when you are facing overwhelming circumstances?
- How does this story encourage you to trust in God’s protection, even when the odds seem stacked against you?
- In what ways can you open your spiritual eyes to see how God is already working in your life, just as Elisha trusted in God’s presence and power?