The Story
The king of Syria was making war against the king of Israel. He was worried that there might be a spy warning the Israelites every time he planned an attack. But one of his servants said, “Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom” (2 Kings 6:12). So the king of Syria decided to send his army to Dothan to capture Elisha.
Read 2 Kings 6:14-23.
Ideas for discussion
- Why did the king of Syria want to capture Elisha? (Because Elisha was warning the Israelites whenever the Syrians planned to attack them.)
- Why was Elisha’s servant frightened? (He saw the Syrian army with horses and chariots, ready to attack them.)
- What did Elisha tell his servant? (Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.)
- What did the servant see when Elisha asked the Lord to open his eyes? (He saw that there were angels with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.)
- If the Lord opened a person’s spiritual eyes and that person was looking to the Lord and trying to what is right, what would that person see? (That angels are with him to help and protect him.)
- “Because you have made the Lord your habitation, no evil shall befall you…for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (see Psalm 91:9-11).
Read more about this story and friendship:
- “Horses and Chariots of Fire” by Karl R. Alden (ages 7-14)
The Lord sent angels to protect Elisha and his servant, just as He sends angels to help us. - Those Who Are with Us by Frank S. Rose
When our beliefs are attacked, we must lift our eyes to the Lord and call to mind the strong horses of spiritual understanding and the swift and flaming chariots of doctrine that are given as a protection for all who love Him.
Projects and activities for various ages:
- Elisha Sees the Host of Angels Coloring Page by Marguerite L. Acton
Elisha shows his servant the host of angels ready to protect them. - All Night All Day Song
Song about angels watching over us, all day and all night. - Those Who Are with Us (ages 4-10)
Fold down a flap of paper to show what Elisha’s servant saw, then lift it up to show the angels that Elisha saw. - Angels Around Us Song by Christine B. Taylor
A song about angels who are with us each day, loving and encouraging us to make good choices. - Angels All Around Us
Make a picture showing angels ready to protect Elisha and his servant. Or make a picture of someone with two guardian angels nearby, ready to help. - O Lord, Guide Our Steps (ages 15 and up)
A prayer asking the Lord to guide our steps and prepare a place for us in heaven.
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