043. A Prayer Of Elisha For His Servant.

A Prayer Of Elisha For His Servant. The Prayer as recorded.—2 Kings 6:16-17. The Answer.—2 Kings 6:17.

God had given most extraordinary powers to Elisha, both in working miracles and in curing the sick; but whenever we see an exhibition of them, they are nearly always preceded by prayer. The servant for whom the prophet now prays had succeeded Gehazi, who by falsehood had secured the present which Naaman would have bestowed on Elisha, in remembrance of the wonderful cure he had performed upon him. In consequence of this sin Gehazi was seized with leprosy, and forfeited his place as servant to the prophet. Benhadad perhaps remembered the fire from heaven which had consumed the small companies which marched against

Elijah, and, as though there would be strength in numbers, he had marshaled a large army to apprehend Elisha. When the servant of the prophet saw the host which compassed the city—

“The troubled blood through his pale face was seen To come and go, with tidings from the heart, As it a running messenger had been.” The prophet reminds him that God is on their side; with the eye of faith he sees the hosts of heaven gathered for his defense, and, strong in the might of God, he prays that the eyes of his servant may be opened to behold what was even now before his mortal vision.

“Fear not, I am with thee. O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my mighty, omnipotent hand.”