Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 6
After Gehazi left Elisha (5:25-27), Elisha continued to teach young men to do God’s work (9:1-4). He was preparing them to be prophets (holy men) in Israel after him, even as Elijah had taught him (1 Kings 19:21; 2 Kings 3:11). One of them became Elisha’s servant so that he could learn constantly from Elisha.
That young man, Elisha’s servant, began his duties early in the morning. One of the first tasks was to bring water so that Elisha could wash (compare 2 Kings 3:11). On this particular morning, however, Elisha’s servant had a terrible shock. A strong army from Aram had come during the night. The soldiers had completely surrounded Dothan, the town where Elisha was.
Usually, an army did that if they intended to destroy completely a town or city. They would take away as prisoners anyone whom they did not kill. On this occasion, however, their plan was to take Elisha back with them to Aram. They had no orders about what to do with the town or the rest of its inhabitants. So probably, they would rob the city after they had found Elisha.
The young man saw the danger and he was afraid. At once he called Elisha.
However, Elisha was not afraid. As a prophet, he saw beyond their circumstances in the natural world – his attention was on what God was doing. God was acting powerfully on their behalf, although Elisha’s servant could not see it. So Elisha prayed that the servant would be able to see these things – and so, to know the reality of their situation.
Next part: Elisha's servant sees God's army of angels (2 Kings 6:16-17)
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