Chariots of Fire
“And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” II Kings 6.16, 17
Imagine, if you can, what it would be like to be the servant of God’s man, Elisha. How would watching all of his great miracles being performed – having a “front-row seat” as Naaman was healed of leprosy and seeing the axe head float to the top of the water. Gehazi had witnessed the raising of the Shunamite’s son and the profusion of flour and oil at Elisha’s hand.
In II Kings 6, Elisha has found himself the victim of political accusations as he had counseled the king of Israel giving the king inside information concerning the activities of the king of Syria. The king of Syria was outraged because Elisha’s information was so accurate that the enemy king believed Elisha’s spirit was able to invade his most private places and hear the most confidential conferences. (II Kings 6.12)
Angered to the point of complete irrationality, the king of Syria sent his armies to surround Samaria in order to take Elisha. Having awakened the following morning, Elisha’s servant observed the siege – chariots and soldiers had completely surrounded the city and were ready for war. Syria was determined to take Elisha and do him harm and to destroy Samaria should there be resistance.
God’s servant, Elisha, seemed to be undisturbed in neither mind nor spirit. He simply explained to his servant that God was in control and not to worry. Elisha said, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (II Kings 6.16) Interesting indeed, but the servant saw no one except Elisha. Then Elisha prayed, “‘LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.’ And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (II Kings 6.17)
Not only did God answer Elisha’s prayer, but He also provided for Elisha’s and his servant’s safety. The rest of the story in II Kings is amazing how God stepped in and delivered the entire Syrian army into the hands of Israel. And, how God expected Israel to take care of the Syrians with food, grace and mercy.
One of Satan’s most effective tactics is to put thoughts into the minds of believers that you are walking alone against the onslaughts of the Devil – alone. Most often unseen to us with our physical eyes are the heavenly hosts which stand guard over us protecting us.
It would behoove each follower of Christ to have ready in our quiver Hebrews 13.8ff, “…For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Even when we “feel” like we are alone in the battle, we are not. Our Savior, in the Person of His Spirit, is always with us. (John 14.16)
When discouraged – when you feel alone – lift up your eyes unto the Lord. It is from Him that we obtain our help in times of trouble.
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121.1, 2
“The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” Psalm 121.7, 8 Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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