‏ 2 Kings 6

* The sons of the prophets enlarge their habitations, Iron made

to swim. (1-7) Elisha discloses the counsels of the Syrians.

(8-12) Syrians sent to seize Elisha. (13-23) Samaria besieged, A

famine, The king sends to slay Elisha. (24-33)

1-7 There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of

God, which can make those who listen to them forget the pain and

the weariness of labour. Even the sons of the prophets must not

be unwilling to labour. Let no man think an honest employment a

burden or a disgrace. And labour of the head, is as hard, and

very often harder, than labour with the hands. We ought to be

careful of that which is borrowed, as of our own, because we

must do as we would be done by. This man was so respecting the

axe-head. And to those who have an honest mind, the sorest

grievance of poverty is, not so much their own want and

disgrace, as being rendered unable to pay just debts. But the

Lord cares for his people in their smallest concerns. And God's

grace can thus raise the stony iron heart, which is sunk into

the mud of this world, and raise up affections, naturally

earthly. 8-12 The king of Israel regarded the warnings Elisha gave him,

of danger from the Syrians, but would not heed the warnings of

danger from his sins. Such warnings are little heeded by most;

they would save themselves from death, but will not from hell.

Nothing that is done, said, or thought, by any person, in any

place, at any time, is out of God's knowledge. 13-23 What Elisha said to his servant is spoken to all the

faithful servants of God, when without are fightings, and within

are fears. Fear not, with that fear which has torment and

amazement; for they that are with us, to protect us, are more

than they that are against us, to destroy us. The eyes of his

body were open, and with them he saw the danger. Lord, open the

eyes of our faith, that with them we may see thy protecting

hand. The clearer sight we have of the sovereignty and power of

Heaven, the less we shall fear the troubles of earth. Satan, the

god of this world, blinds men's eyes, and so deludes them unto

their own ruin; but when God enlightens their eyes, they see

themselves in the midst of their enemies, captives to Satan, and

in danger of hell, though, before, they thought their condition

good. When Elisha had the Syrians at his mercy, he made it

appear that he was influenced by Divine goodness as well as

Divine power. Let us not be overcome of evil, but overcome evil

with good. The Syrians saw it was to no purpose to try to

assault so great and so good a man. 24-33 Learn to value plenty, and to be thankful for it; see how

contemptible money is, when in time of famine it is so freely

parted with for any thing that is eatable! The language of

Jehoram to the woman may be the language of despair. See the

word of God fulfilled; among the threatenings of God's judgments

upon Israel for their sins, this was one, that they should eat

the flesh of their own children, #De 28:53-57|. The truth and

the awful justice of God were displayed in this horrible

transaction. Alas! what miseries sin has brought upon the world!

But the foolishness of man perverts his way, and then his heart

frets against the Lord. The king swears the death of Elisha.

Wicked men will blame any one as the cause of their troubles,

rather than themselves, and will not leave their sins. If

rending the clothes, without a broken and contrite heart, would

avail, if wearing sackcloth, without being renewed in the spirit

of their mind, would serve, they would not stand out against the

Lord. May the whole word of God increase in us reverent fear and

holy hope, that we may be stedfast and immovable, always

abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labour is

not in vain in the Lord.