nsb - 2Kings:6:8-23

nsb@2Kings:6:8 @ The king of Syria was at war with Israel. He consulted his officers and chose a place to set up camp.

nsb@2Kings:6:9 @ Elisha sent word to the king of Israel. He warned him not to go near that place, because the Syrians were waiting to ambush him.

nsb@2Kings:6:10 @ The king of Israel warned the people who lived there. So they were on guard. This happened several times.

nsb@2Kings:6:11 @ The Syrian king was greatly upset over this. He called in his officers and asked them: »Show me who of us is on the side of the king of Israel?«

nsb@2Kings:6:12 @ One of his servants said: »No one is, Your Majesty. The prophet Elisha tells the king of Israel what you say even in the privacy of your own bedroom.«

nsb@2Kings:6:13 @ »Locate him!« the king ordered, »and I will capture him. He was told: »Elisha is in Dothan.«

nsb@2Kings:6:14 @ He sent a large force there with horses and chariots. They surrounded the town at night.

nsb@2Kings:6:15 @ Early the next morning Elisha's servant got up and went out of the house. He saw the Syrian troops with their horses and chariots surrounding the town. He went to Elisha and said: »Alas my master what shall we do?«

nsb@2Kings:6:16 @ »Do not be afraid,« Elisha answered. »We have more on our side than they have on theirs.«

nsb@2Kings:6:17 @ Elisha prayed: »O Jehovah, open his eyes that he may see.« Jehovah answered his prayer. Elisha's servant looked up and saw the hillside covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

nsb@2Kings:6:18 @ The Syrians attacked! Elisha prayed, »O Jehovah, strike these men blind!« Jehovah answered his prayer and struck them blind.

nsb@2Kings:6:19 @ Elisha said to the Syrians: »This is not the way or the town you are looking for. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are after.« He led them to Samaria.

nsb@2Kings:6:20 @ When they entered the city, Elisha prayed: »Open their eyes and let them see.« Jehovah answered his prayer. He restored their sight, and they saw that they were inside Samaria.

nsb@2Kings:6:21 @ When the king of Israel saw the Syrians, he asked Elisha: »Shall I kill them?«

nsb@2Kings:6:22 @ »No,« Elisha answered. »Would you put to death soldiers you captured in combat? Give them something to eat and drink. Then let them return to their king.«

nsb@2Kings:6:23 @ So the king of Israel provided a great feast for them. After they ate and drank he sent them back to the king of Syria. From then on the Syrians stopped raiding the land of Israel.