A thrilling Old Testament story in 2 King 6 best illustrates what it means to be kept by the power of God. Ben-hadad, king of Syria, declared war on Israel and marched against them with a great army. As his forces advanced, he often called his war counsel together to plan the next day's strategy. However, the prophet Elisha kept sending word to the king of Israel, detailing every move of the enemy troops. In fact, on several occasions, the Israelites escaped defeat because of Elisha's warnings.
Ben-hadad was furious and assembled his servants. “Who is revealing our plans to the King of Israel! Who is this traitor?” The servants replied, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom” (2 Kings 6:12, NKJV).
Ben-hadad immediately dispatched a band of horses, chariots and soldiers to capture Elisha. “Go and bring him to me,” he demanded. They went that night and surrounded the city, intending to take the old prophet by surprise. Elisha's servant awakened early, and when he saw that “there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots" (see 2 Kings 6:15), he ran to Elisha in terror and cried, “Alas, my master, what shall we do?”
Smiling confidently, Elisha replied, “’Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (2 Kings 6:16-17).
Like the psalmist, Elisha could stand in the midst of crisis and say with absolute assurance:
- “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around” (Psalm 3:6).
- ”Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident” (Psalm 27:3).
- “He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me” (Psalm 55:18).
Let us pray as Elisha did, “Lord, open our eyes that we may see the mountains filled with horses and chariots of fire, an army of the Lord of hosts!”