The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1915-10-23
LESSON FOR OCTOBER "a
gLrsHA's HEAVENLY DEFENDERS.
LESSON TEXT-U Kings s:s-2s

A map is useful in teaching this
lesson. The events occurred during
the revolution which resulted in the
determination 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. 80. Damascus was
the capital of Syria.
I. Danger, w. 813 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. al
lowed Syria, the constant enemy or
Israel to make a fresh attack unhin-
dered w. 81. Elisha. the patriot. the
man OF Cod" proves to be lsraers
real safety Elisha has not left US
great revelations like Isaiah and
other prophets. but he knew from day
" udy 0Ou Will, anu lC hdS PS"SA
with him so that he could warn his
people OF impending danger. He had
| what the king and the people both
lacked. a vision of God. He saw the
needs and dangers, but also the re-
sources at his command. Thus he de-
| livered Isreal many times ". 10O. We,
too, are thus frequently delivered. let
| nH hn nnHaryinU
for Israel's danger was its 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 ". 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 u.s. (See Ps. 139:1-10)
u. Defense, w. 14-18 II was not a
mere guerrilla detachment sent to Do
than to capture Elisha before making
the main attack upon Samaria. but
well-offcered 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 ". 15), and In
CONSERVATION he exclaims: Alas, my
master, how shall we do?" Again
we are impressed with the vision OF
Elisha and the lack of II 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; lisa. 1872; Ps. 56:S. In re-
, sponse to Elisha's prayer the servants
, eyes were opened, yet he was not one
whit more safe than before ". I'D.
II is a striking contrast here with the
Elisha of chapter 2:10. II is 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" ". 16). We
, need to see Gods love, power and wis
dom in nature. providence and grace.
There is nothing incredible or un-
: scientific in this experience. 1t is
: rational and a glorious belief that
, Providence is working in our behalf
' through the unseen power OF the Holy
Spirit, the power Of prayer and the
answers thereto. The unseen Is glo-
riously real.
IN, DeIiverance, w. 1928. In the
n first section we are taught the danger
e of lack OF vision. In the second sec
e ton the emphasis Is upon the need
!. of a vision, whereas In this there IL
presented the use OF a vision. To
crystallize vision into experience is a
l. difficult task for US all. Elisha prayed
5 Jehovah. for whom he was acting. to
?. smite 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 (c) to de
n liver the people from the raids OF the
p Syrians This word blindness
q ". 1S) conveys the idea OF dazzling
a visual bewilderment. hallucination and
not Of total loss of sight. thus making
II easy for Elisha to lead them as he
\, willed ". 19). Mentally bewilderec
as a result of their physical ailment
=. they failed to recognize the prophet
He did not deceive them. for they al
=" last found him" when he led then
into Samaria and once more they could
see Within the walls of Samarii
Elishas prayer is again answered
" their sight restored ". 20) and the!
ie find themselves at the mercy OF Is
raers king. The older and wiser mar
Elisha, forbids the younger. the king
n to use his advantage (vv. 2l 22). bu
N rather TO heap Goals OF fire upon thei
10 heads by setting before them foo
,s- rom. y: 20, 2D; within his power
en- such acts could not be attributed Il
L. fear. Great provision" was made ant
ID after their departure we read. IS
nd the bands OF Syria came no more int
the land of Israeli ". 23). Elish
taught the Syrians the lesson Of tn
-v. power Of Jehovah. and the dangerou
,te position of those who refuse to see
of him what he really is