Amazing Story of Elisha and the Invisible Army

Discover the wondrous tale of 'Elisha and the Invisible Army,' a Bible story for kids that brings to life the power of faith and God's unseen protection. Engage with a captivating adventure full of mystery and divine miracles, perfect for young readers.

Once upon a time, in the land of Israel, there was a prophet named Elisha. Elisha was a man of God who had received the mantle of prophecy from his mentor, Elijah. He performed many miracles and gave wise counsel through God’s guidance. But today, our story isn't just about Elisha; it’s about an amazing event where God showed His power in a very unique and surprising way.

Table of Contents

Elisha and the Invisible Army
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
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Elisha and the Invisible Army

A Problem Arises

The story begins in a time of unrest. The king of Aram was at war with Israel, and he was furious because someone seemed to know all his secret plans. Whenever the king of Aram made a plan to attack, the King of Israel would receive a warning and avoid the trap. This mysterious informant was none other than Elisha, who was told by God about the enemy's plans.

Angry and desperate, the king of Aram found out that Elisha was in a city called Dothan, and he decided to capture him. So, under the blanket of night, the king sent horses, chariots, and a great army to surround the city.

The Discovery of the Siege

As the sun rose the next morning, Elisha’s servant went outside and was terrified to see that they were surrounded by the enemy army. He ran back to Elisha and exclaimed, "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?"

But Elisha calmly replied, "Don't be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

Elisha then prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see." And suddenly, the servant's fear turned to awe as he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha—the invisible army of the Lord!

You can read about this incredible moment in 2 Kings 6:8-17.

God's Invisible Protection

As the servant of Elisha gazed in wonder, he learned an important lesson: God's protection isn’t always seen with our eyes; sometimes, it's invisible but ever-present. The prophet knew that they weren't alone; God’s might was with them.

Strategy of the Prophet

Elisha wasn't afraid because he trusted in God's power. The Aramean army came down towards him, and Elisha prayed again, this time asking God to strike the army with blindness. As Elisha had asked, so it happened. The whole Aramean army was blinded, and they couldn’t see a thing!

Then Elisha himself went out to meet them and, pretending to be someone else, told the Arameans, "This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for." And he led them right to Samaria, which was the capital of Israel!

An Unexpected Turn

When they arrived in Samaria, Elisha prayed for the Lord to open the eyes of the Arameans, and instantly, they could see again. However, to their horror, they realized they were now in the middle of Samaria, the city of their enemies.

The king of Israel saw this as a great opportunity and asked Elisha, "Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?"

But Elisha, full of wisdom and kindness, replied, "Do not kill them. Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Give them food and drink and let them go back to their master." So, the king prepared a great feast for the Arameans, and after they had eaten and drunk, he released them. They returned to their master, and the raids on Israel’s territory by the Aramean bands came to a stop.

Key Takeaways

God’s Protection: Just like Elisha’s servant couldn’t see the armies of God, we can’t always see how God is protecting us, but we need to believe that He is always there.
Faith Over Fear: Elisha did not fear the enemy because he trusted in God. We too can have faith that God is stronger than anything we fear.
Wisdom and Kindness: Elisha showed kindness to his enemies. We can learn from this that treating others with kindness can often bring peace.
God Watches Over Us: The story shows that God is always watching over us and that He has a plan even when things look bad.

Fun Activity: Draw a picture of what you think the invisible army of God looked like. Imagine the fiery horses and chariots and use your brightest colors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Elisha’s servant really see an army of fire?
Yes, according to the Bible, Elisha’s servant saw horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. This was God’s army protecting them.
Why did Elisha lead the blind army to Samaria?
Elisha led them to Samaria to protect his own city of Dothan and to show that through God’s power, he could lead the enemy right into the hands of Israel without fighting.
What happened after the soldiers ate and drank in Samaria?
After the feast, the Aramean soldiers were set free to return to their master, and as a result, they stopped raiding Israelite territory.

Remember kids, this story teaches us several important lessons: that God is always with us even when we can't see Him, that faith is more powerful than fear, and that kindness can turn enemies into friends.