The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-08-27
2 Kings VII: g. Is.

self likewise, because he was comman-
der in chief and usually led the forces
in the field. Indeed, this was his chief
function. that for which the people
had clamored when they changed the
form OF government from a theocracy
to a monarchy. q Sam VIII, 20.) The
tenth verse is a little obscure. 1t seems
to indicate that on receiving the pro-
phets word the king sent spies to veri-
fy the statements, and on learning the
facts avoided the place of danger. The
Vulgate gives n different turn to the
passage. Having learned where the
Syrians intended to establish them
selves the king of Israel sent and took
possession of the place and occupied
il in advance so that when the enemy
came he was surprised. And this was
done repeatedly, so that by the advice
of Elisha Israel outwtted Syria in mill
itary movements. A king, an army, a
nation were thus under the protecting
care of God through his faithful minis
ter, and the evil designs of a powerful
neighbor were frustrated.
TREACHERY-Afte several such
experiences the Syrian ruler naturally
suspected that he was betrayed by
some of his own men (Verse IL, an in
ference that caused him much anxiety,
| because a secret foe in ones household
| is always most to he dreaded. psalm
MI, 81 A council was called to ferret
| out the treachery. 1t was an interest
| ing moment when the chief captains
gathered about their commander to
| solve a mystery and determine how the
| plans of campaigns were so quickly
| carried to their enemy. Which of
| those present was the offender, a
| question not unlike that raised among
| the disciples when the Master forctold
! his betrayal, each doubling his fellow
| and all in suspense. Matt. XVI. %: y
! But the doubt was soon dismissed. One
| of those present affirmed that there was
no traitor among them, that Elisha had
| revealed the kings secret. (verse 12.)
| How did he know this? Perhaps some
| one had reported and the news had
| been carried from one to another. 1t is
more probable that the statement was
a conjecture. The extraordinary pow
ers given to Elisha, exhibited in the
| cure of Naaman, were doubtless known
| throughout Syria.
| CAPTURE-bs might he expected,
the king Immediately resolved to take
this man of God, and so prevent fur
ther interference with his plans. Verse
| 49, But that was justly esteemed no
easy matter. He who could heal the
| leper and make known the councils of
war was regarded as a most formda =
| BILE character. Besides, on account OF
his service to the nation it was rightly
judged that the people among whom he
lived as well as the kingdom whom he
| faithfully served, would resist any at
tempt to capture Elisha. The expedi-
ton was regarded all the more hazard
Gus when it was told that the prophet s
| residence was very near to Samaria
and consequently, any expedition sent
against him. was liable 10 encounter
the flower and strength of Israel's ar
my. For these reasons Benhadad
gathered a strong force, with horses
and chariots. and they came down un-
der cover of the darkness of night and
invested the city round about. Verse
14) The war for the time being is
transferred. The military of Syria has
been arrayed against the prophet OF
God, heathenism against Judaism
psalm ii: 2)