“Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16
There is a moment in the life of Elisha that reveals the character of the God of Israel in a powerful way. It begins with a frustrated king, a frightened servant, and a prophet who could see what others could not.
Each time the Arameans planned a raid against Israel, God warned Elisha. The prophet then told the King of Israel, who took steps to protect his people. This happened again and again. It was not luck or coincidence. It was God giving divine intelligence.
The King of Aram was furious. He thought there was a traitor in his army. But there was no traitor. The king was told, “Elisha knows the very words you speak in your bedroom.” In that moment, the king learned something important about the God of Israel. God sees everything. Nothing is hidden from Him.
When the enemy circles, God is already there
The King of Aram decided to capture Elisha. He sent horses, chariots, and a strong army to surround the prophet in the city of Dothan. It looked hopeless. When Elisha’s servant woke up and saw the army outside the city, fear overwhelmed him.
Elisha stayed calm. He already knew what his servant could not yet see. God had surrounded the city with a far greater army. He looked at his servant and said, “Do not be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Then he prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”
God answered. The servant looked again and saw hills covered with horses and chariots of fire, the armies of heaven standing ready.
Fear comes when we look at the world with physical eyes. Peace comes when God opens our eyes to spiritual truth.
God protects in His own way
Most of us expect the story to end with God’s fiery army defeating Israel’s enemies. But that did not happen. God did not use force to win this battle. Instead, He used grace and wisdom.
Elisha prayed, and God struck the Aramean soldiers with blindness. The enemy became helpless. Elisha then led them right into Samaria. When the king of Israel saw the enemy in his hands, he asked if he should kill them.
Surprisingly, Elisha said no. Set food and water before them. Feed them. Give them hospitality. Then send them home.
The king did exactly that. The enemy soldiers ate at the king’s table, were treated with kindness, and then were released.
The story ends with this simple line: “So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.” God brought peace, not by destroying the enemy, but by revealing His power and His grace.
Walking by faith, not by sight
This story teaches us three things:
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God sees everything. Nothing in your life is hidden from Him. Not your fear, not your questions, not your tears.
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God protects His people. Even when you cannot see it, the hills around you are full of God’s help.
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God works in surprising ways. He can bring peace through unexpected kindness. He can use grace to soften what force cannot change.
For modern-day Esthers and women of faith who love Israel, there are days when the world feels like Dothan. Surrounded. Pressured. Outnumbered. You may be facing a situation that feels bigger than you are. Something in your home, your health, your future, or something in Israel that keeps you awake at night.
You are not asked to pretend it is easy. You are invited to pray what Elisha prayed.
“O Lord, open my eyes so I may see.”
Open my eyes to Your presence.
Open my eyes to Your promises.
Open my eyes to Your protection.
Questions for your heart
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What am I looking at that fills me with fear
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What might God be doing behind the scenes that I cannot yet see
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Where do I need God to open my eyes today
Today’s Prayer
Lord, open my eyes. Help me see Your presence around me. Let me see Your power, Your kindness, and Your protection. As You surrounded Elisha, surround the people of Israel today. Surround every home, every soldier, every family. Calm my fears and strengthen my faith. Help me live not by sight, but by trust in the God who sees, protects, and loves.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
