The Green Forest tribune., 1915-10-22

GOLDEN TEXT-The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.-Ps. BAT.
 A map is useful in teaching this lesson. The events occurred during the revolution which resulted in the extermination of Jezebel and her brood. Dothan, a small walled town, was about ten miles north and slight ly east of Samaria, the capital of Israel, and in history is connected with Joseph (Gen. 37). Damascus was the capital of Syria.
 1. Danger, w. 8-13. Jehoram, king of Israel, cleaved to the sins of Jero- boam and of Ahab, his father. In Judah, Jehoram, the son of Jehosha- phat, married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. General Jehu, famous for his driving, was soon to become king of Israel. The king of Assyria, being otherwise engaged, all lowed Syria, the constant enemy of Israel, to make a fresh attack unhin- dered (v. 8. Elisha, the patriot, the
  real safety. Elisha has not left us great revelations like Isaiah and other prophets, but he knew from day to day Gods will, and he has power with him so that he could warn his people of impending danger. He had what the king and the people both lacked, vision of God. He saw the needs and dangers, but also the re- sources at his command. Thus he de- livered Isreal many times (v. 10). We, too, are thus frequently delivered, let us praise God. The underlying reason for Israel's danger was it's neglect of the word of God, and the same can be said as explaining the defeat of the Syrians. True patriotism combines vision and warning The king of Syria, like countless other despots, knew not friend from foe but evident ly he had one retainer who told him the truth (v 12). Some have sug- gested that this was Naaman; per- haps it was a captive Israelite. In either case it suggests Gods knowl- edge of us (See Ps. 139:1-10)
 II. Defense, w. 14-18 It was not mere guerrilla detachment sent to Do- than to capture Elisha before making the main attack upon Samaria, but well-officered army. Elisha meant more to them than did the king of Israel. The servant of Elisha had risen early and saw only the hills surrounding Dothan, upon which was a host with horses and chariots round about the city" (v. 15), and in consternation he exclaims: Alas, my master, how shall we do?" Again we are impressed with the vision of Elisha and the lack of it on the serv- ants part. Elisha saw what the serv- ant could not see; walking by faith he was not affrighted John 14:1; Phil. 4: 6, z; Isa. 12:2; Ps. 56:3). In re- sponse to Elishas prayer the servants eyes were opened, yet he was not one whit more safe than before (v. ID It is a striking contrast here with the Elisha of chapter 2:10. It is a sug- gestion of the Christian anointed by the Holy Spirit and that of the saved sinner before that experience Our eyes need to be opened to see that they that be with us are more than they that be with them" (v. 16).
 III. Deliverance, w. 1923. In the first section we are taught the danger of lack of vision. In the second sec tion the emphasis is upon the need of vision, whereas in this there is presented the use of a vision. To crystalline vision into experience is a difficult task for us all. Elisha prayed Jehovah, for whom he was acting. to smlte the Syrians with blindness. This was not for vengeance, but (a) to teach the Syrians who the true God is (b), to lead Jehoram, the king, to go to Jehovah for help, and Gel to de- liver the people from the raids of the Syrians. This word "blindnessn (v. 18) conveys the idea of dazzling. visual bewilderment, hallucination and not of total loss of sight, thus making It easy for Elisha to lead them as he willed (v. 19). Mentally bewildered as a result of their physical ailment they failed to recognize the prophet. He did not deceive them, for they at last found him" when he led them into Samaria and once more they could see. Within the walls of Samaria El1shas prayer Is again answered, thelr sight restored (v. 2O) and they md themselves at the mercy of Is- raefs king. The older and wiser man Elisha, forbids the younger, the king, to use his advantage (vv. 21 22), but rather to heap coals of fire upon their heads by setting before them food tRom. 12: 20, 2D; within his power, such acts could not be attributed to tear.