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124
Royalty and Ruin
was of more value in time of trouble than an army of horses and
chariots. See
2 Kings 13:14
.
To many a troubled soul the prophet had acted the part of a
wise father. And in this instance he did not turn from the godless
young king before him, so unworthy of the position of trust he was
occupying, and yet so greatly in need of counsel. God was bringing
the king an opportunity to redeem the past and exalt his kingdom
once again. God intended to drive out the Syrian enemy. Once more
God was to display His power in behalf of wayward Israel.
The dying prophet told the king, “Take a bow and some arrows.”
Joash obeyed. Then the prophet said, “Put your hand on the bow.”
Joash “put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s
hands. And he said, ‘Open the east window’”—toward the cities
under Syrian control beyond Jordan.
2 Kings 13:15-17
. When the
king had opened the window, Elisha told him to shoot. As the arrow
sped on its way, the prophet was inspired to say, “The arrow of the
Lord’s ... deliverance from Syria; for you must strike the Syrians at
Aphek till you have destroyed them.”
2 Kings 13:17
.
And now the prophet tested the faith of the king. Instructing
Joash to take up the arrows, he said, “Strike the ground.” Three
times the king struck the ground. “You should have struck five or six
times,” Elisha cried in dismay, “then you would have struck Syria
till you had destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria only three
times.”
Verses 18, 19
.
The lesson is for everyone in a position of trust. When God gives
assurance of success, His chosen agents must do all in their power
to bring about the promised result. Success will come in proportion
to the enthusiasm and perseverance with which they carry forward
the work. God can work miracles for His people only as they act
their part with untiring energy. People of devotion, of moral courage,
with a zeal that never wearies, will labor on without flinching until
apparent defeat is turned to victory. Not even prison walls will cause
them to swerve from their purpose of building up God’s kingdom.
Elisha Faithful to the End
With the counsel and encouragement given to Joash, Elisha’s
work closed. He had proved faithful to the end. Never had he lost