Day 27: II Kings 4:38 - 15:26

Today wraps up the section where we read about Elisha. We also read about a ton of different kings of Judah and Israel, very few of whom actually serve the Lord. I was surprised to find what appears to be a story of creative non-violence in the life of Elisha. Also, why won't the good kings who do follow the Lord tear down the high places?

Here's an interesting story about Elisha. He's meeting with a bunch of guys, 100 to be exact. It's time to eat, and a man brings 20 loaves and some grain for everyone--not quite enough. Elisha says to give it to the crowd; that the Lord says they will eat and have some left over. They do. I wonder if people thought of this story when Jesus fed 5,000. Because Elisha was one of the greatest prophets Israel ever had, and all of the sudden there's this guy who feeds not 100, but 5,000 people with even less food.

I won't write too much about it, but you might remember the story of Naaman. He is the commander of the army of the King of Aram, and he has leprosy. His servant is a Jewish girl who tells him about Elisha. He goes to him and is healed. After he is healed, he declares that he knows that there is no God in all the world but in Israel. He says that he will never make burnt offerings or sacrifices to any god but the Lord.

Soon after that, the king of Aram goes to war with Israel. Hmm, I wonder if Naaman was in on that. He can't beat them because Elisha is giving the King of Israel inside info on what the king of Aram is going to do. He finds out that Elisha seems to know what he says in private and sends his army to attack him. Elisha's servant is freaking out and can't understand why Elisha is so calm. Elisha prays, his servants eyes are opened, and he sees the horses and chariots of fire all around them.

Here's where the non-violence kicks in. Elisha prays again, and the army is struck with blindness. Elisha informs them that they're in the wrong city, and he will lead them to the man they're looking for. He leads them right to the king of Israel and his army. The Lord opens their eyes and there they are standing before the king of Israel. He asks Elisha if he should kill them, to which Elisha surprisingly responds, “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” So they have a feast, the soldiers go home, and the king of Aram stops attacking Israel.

Now you will certainly not hear me arguing that Elisha was a pacifist. He certainly had no problem having people killed who had turned against the Lord (or calling down curses so that bears will maul people who mock his baldness(actually the gang of youths were probably threatening his life, but it's more fun to focus on the baldness part)). But I think it's fascinating that here in the middle of the Old Testament is a story that shows how effective non-violence can be. Something to think about, huh?

One last Elisha story. He gets sick, dies, and is buried. One day some guys are carrying their dead friend out to be buried when the see a band of raiders. They freak out and throw the man's body into a nearby tomb. It just so happens that it's Elisha's tomb. The man's body touches Elisha's bones and he instantly comes back to life. Craziness!

One final question to ponder. On the rare occurrence that there is a king of Israel or Judah who follows the Lord, why don't they ever tear down the high places? I can't figure out why they never take that final step toward bringing Israel back to the Lord fully. Any thoughts?

Tomorrow's reading is II Kings 15:27 through 25:30.

Peace.