Elisha’s Respect for the Enemy
This particular account in 2 Kings has really stood out to me. I’ve mentioned a time or two that my emotions tend to get the better of me, so as I studied this brief history I found that there was a strong lesson that I am still learning and trying to incorporate into my life: respecting our enemy, our adversary, our neighbor. This is hard for me when I am upset because I want to see the adversary put low. But the adage ‘WWJD?’ comes forth. Jesus never put low those with whom he interacted. Jesus never belittled or cast aside the person’s dignity and self-worth.
Aram at war with Israel
In 2 Kings 6:8-23, we see Elisha thwarting the army of the King of Aram, which had been at war with Israel. I get the impression these were harassing campaigns of looting and not a real face-off, but we don’t have many details. Elisha heard from God and informed King Jehoram not to go near the camps of the King of Aram. Every time one or the other camp moved, Elisha would inform the king and they would stay away. The avoidance was so complete that the King of Aram even thought that he had a spy in his camp.
So far we have little peacemaking and more peacekeeping. Not so good. Seemingly. I suppose when we follow what God commands, then peacekeeping is acceptable. Like Peter on Wednesday, Elisha sought God and followed his wishes. Clearly there is a bigger picture we just don’t see.
Elisha was quite famous and finally the King of Aram came to understand that it was by way of a prophet that he was thwarted each time he attempted to gain on the Israelites. So, he decided to eliminate the threat to his success. How little he understands the power of the God of the Israelites! Elisha’s servant was the first to see, with human eyes, the surrounding army on the attack. He was full of fear, but Elisha wasn’t, ‘“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them,” (verse 16).’
Our sovereign God is for us
Matthew Henry says, ‘The clearer sight we have of the sovereignty and power of heaven the less we shall fear the calamities of this earth.’ (Commentary, 2 Kings 6:13-23) A peacemaker has to understand and truly put their faith in the sovereign God who is greater than all else, truly put their faith in the God who is for us. Then the fear is put in perspective and courage comes forth. But Elisha doesn’t stop here, with words of encouragement about God; he goes on to pray for his companion to also have the faith necessary. Elisha prays for the answer to the problem and leads the blinded army away.
Elisha treats the enemy respectfully
When the enemy is down, when they are bewildered and losing, when the see their mistake and the obvious wrong that has occurred, Elisha says to give them food and let them go back to their leader. When I am ready to pounce and make sure the adversary understands the problems caused and what they deserve for having done this, Elisha follows Jesus. What would Jesus Do? Mercy. Respect. Dignity. No need to keep the enemy down. The King of Israel even feeds the army a feast, not only food and water as Elisha requested, as in Proverbs 25:21-22, ‘If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.’
When we stand with God, firm in the faith that He is for us and working in our problem, it needs to be a priority to treat our enemies with respect. In prayer to remove our fear, in prayer to increase our faith, in prayer to do the will of God, we can treat our enemies with respect and come to amicable resolution.
