Horses and Chariots of Fire

Background Scripture: 2 Kings 6:1-23
Lesson Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-17

Introduction

Here in life, there are situations that may cause us to fear and can also be quite traumatic, and we wonder if there is any way out. In this lesson, however, we are pointed to God’s providential care and how He reaches into men’s lives and makes a way. May we better understand the reality of his might and love.

Key Verse

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them (Ps. 34:7)

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The setting of this lesson takes place in the northern kingdom of Israel and seems to have been during the reign of King Jehoram, the son of Ahab. Elisha had been called of God to take Elijah’s place as a prophet in that country. Israel as a nation was given over to idolatry, yet amid all this, there were Elisha, the sons of the prophets, and other faithful ones. God was surely using these in furthering his cause and bringing a testimony before the people of who He was.

The neighboring country of Syria was warring against Israel. Uncertainties likely overshadowed most people’s thoughts; loved ones taken captive, loss of possessions, physical harm, and death were very real threats.

The king of Syria was scheming how to conduct this war and was counseling with his staff on a battle plan. Foolishly, the Syrian king did not reckon on God being involved. The Syrians’ intentions were divinely revealed to Elisha, who in turn relayed that information to the king of Israel. This happened several times, and upon inquiry, the Syrian king found that it was Elisha who was uncovering his secrets and sent his forces to apprehend him.

What followed appeared to be a very desperate situation. Horses, chariots, and the armies of Syria surrounded the town of Dothan where Elisha lived, but God made it clear concerning his protection over his prophet. Elisha’s reply to his servant speaks to us yet today: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16). His prayer for the servant’s eyes to be opened so he could see is also for our benefit. We, too, need to see the hosts of heaven encamped about us. “Now all these things happened . . . for [our] ensamples: and they are written for our admonition” (1 Cor. 10:11).

Practical Truths for Today

Pondering the events of today, the conflicts between nations, national strife, talk of nuclear war, all manner of atrocities, widespread violence, and many other troubling aspects of life can leave us feeling insecure and vulnerable. Individually, we also encounter menacing and intimidating attitudes, events, and circumstances that try the soul. If the spirits that operate in the realm of darkness were visible, what would we see? It is apparent that this world is the Evil One’s territory. Jesus said that there would be wars and rumors of wars and that nation would rise up against nation and kingdom against kingdom, but then, most notably, He encouraged his followers to not be troubled when these things would come to pass (Matt. 24:6).

“Be not troubled” adds to the message of the prophet Elisha: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16). The words of Paul also ring with the same meaning: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). Our security is not founded in the absence of danger but in the presence of the Lord. Elisha was very much aware of the Lord’s presence and felt secure in his care; he knew that God was over all.

The words of Jesus also provide us with the confidence we need to not be troubled; He is over all, and nothing will happen to us that He does not allow. When we find ourselves in difficult situations, could it be that a clearer vision of God’s care is but a prayer away? If we would realize our need and pray for faith and understanding to see, would it not please God to provide us with what we need? A request of this nature will surely be granted and may be more in tune with God’s will than asking Him to remove the difficulty.

Elisha observed his servant’s fear and dismay and, in tenderness as one who cared, spoke to him the conviction of his heart and prayed that his eyes could be opened. The Lord answered that prayer, and He will bless the brotherhood today as we seek to bolster each other’s faith. By loving concern, encouragement, and prayer, eyes may be opened to see the loving, mighty God who cares for us. What a blessing it is to be the recipient of such an experience!

What means does the Lord use to intervene in the behalf of those He loves? What could the horses and chariots of fire represent for us today? One explanation could be the angels of heaven that the Lord sends to minister to his saints living here on the earth. Numerous scriptures speak of angels. “Angels are a significant revelation of Scripture. There are hundreds of references to them.” 1 They ministered to Jesus and at different times ministered to the apostles. Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” That includes us—the heirs of salvation! The psalmist recorded, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Ps. 91:11). Surely this speaks of God’s protection and care. How God sends these heavenly beings to earth to minister in behalf of the saints is a marvelous wonder. They, however, are not to be worshipped. The angel told John the Revelator, “I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God” (Rev. 22:9). It seems that those who have experienced or encountered the presence of angels do not flout it but in reverence and humility ponder it in their hearts.

A faithful brother in another country had been promoted to a responsible position in the organization where he worked. Like Daniel of old, he was envied by those under him because of his position, and they began to plot against him. One night his house was set on fire. God was on the scene, and men in a nearby bakery who were at work in the early hours of the morning came to the rescue. After that incident, the brother and his family spent their nights in different homes. After some time, they again resumed sleeping in their own home. One morning, much to their dismay, the brother’s wife discovered some Molotov cocktails (homemade explosives) in a corner of the yard, which showed someone was still up to some mischief. They again committed themselves to the Lord, trusting in his care. Later, they found out how men that night had come with evil intent, but their plan was thwarted when they found supernatural beings surrounding the house. God’s angels had taken charge!

Questions

1. How do we reconcile God’s plan for us to suffer with his promises of protection and care over us?
2. Can we presume on God’s protection?
3. What would distinguish the presence of the Holy Spirit from the presence of angels in our lives?
4. Could our brethren be a form of God’s ministering angels? Do angels appear in the form of a physical person?
5. 1 Bible Doctrine and Practice, p. 424

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).