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The king of Syria now came again
to fight against Jordan, king of Israel. The king of Syria pitched
his camp, hoping that he might take his enemy by surprise; but Elisha sent
many times to Joram, and warned him not to go to the place where the
Syrians were; so Joram saved himself from his enemies. This troubled
the king of Syria very much; and he called his servants, and said,
"Tell me who it is that does this? Who tells the king of Israel
where I pitch my camp?" The servants answered, "It is
Elisha the prophet. He knows all the secret things thou doest, and
tells them to the king of Israel." Then the king of Syria was
very angry with Elisha; and he made ready his chariots, and horses, and a
great army, and sent them to Dothan, where Elisha was, to take him
prisoner. When the soldiers came to Dothan, it was night. None
saw them coming; all were asleep: so the army surrounded the city,
and waited till morning. Elisha's servant rose very early that
morning, and went out; and he saw the city surrounded with horses, and
chariots, and soldiers, all enemies of the good prophet. The servant
was very much frightened; and he cried, and said, "Alas, my master!
what shall we do?" Was Elisha frightened? No; he knew
that God had more power than all his enemies, and trusted in God to take
care of him in this danger; and then he felt safe and happy. And
then Elisha spoke to his servant, and said to him, "Fear not; there
are more with us than with our enemies;" for Elisha saw what the
servant could not see; a wonderful and beautiful sight which comforted
him, and made him feel safe. Then Elisha prayed that the servant
might be able to see this wonderful sight too; and God heard Elisha's
prayer, and opened the young man's eyes; and then he saw that the mountain
was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
These chariots and horses were sent to protect Elisha from his
enemies. Who sent them? God Himself. His holy angels in
Heaven are always ready to help and protect His people on earth.
Elisha's enemies could not see this heavenly host; but God gave Elisha and
his servant power to see them. Elisha had indeed no need to fear;
for his wicked enemies could not resist the power of God's messengers. If
we are the people of God, He sends his holy angels to protect us.
"The angels of the Lord encamp round about them that fear Him, and
deliver them." We cannot see these bright, holy angels.
They are spirits; they are not made of flesh and blood as we are.
But they are always by us. When we are in danger, they are near to
protect us. When we are asleep in the dark night, they watch around
our beds; and when we die they will be near us, and carry our happy souls
to Heaven to be with God for ever. The holy angels love to be sent
to God's people, to help and comfort them; and they are never tired of
obeying God, and doing His work. "Are they not all ministering
spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of
salvation?" Hebrews 1:14.
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