Browse Bible Study Resources

ANOTHER SYRIAN ATTACK ON ISRAEL

Text: 2 Kings 6:24-33
13 April 2010

(I) ANOTHER SYRIAN ATTACK ON ISRAEL

1. The whole Syrian army involved in this attack against Israel (2 Kings 6:24)

2. Battle plan: To lay siege (2 Kings 6:25)

3. The kindness shown to the Syrian forces was soon forgotten (2 Kings 6:23)

(II) EFFECTS OF THE SIEGE

1. State of “great famine” (2 Kings 6:25)

2. Hardship

a) Donkey’s head sold for 80 shekels of silver (2 Kings 6:25b)

b) One kab (2 quarts) of Dove’s droppings sold for 5 shekels (2 Kings 6:25c)

(III) APPEALS TO THE KING

1. The plight of two women

a) Cannibalism

b) Eating of children (2 Kings 6:26-31) (Cf. Deuteronomy 28:53-57)

2. The reactions of King Jehoram

a) Frustration and Sarcasm

“If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or from the wine press? 2 Kings 6:27

b) Helplessness

“Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he tore his clothes; and as he passed by on the wall, the people looked, and there underneath he had sackcloth on his body.” 2 Kings 6:30

c) Wrath

“Then he said, ‘God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today.” 2 Kings 6:31

(IV) RESPONSE OF ELISHA

1. Sitting calmly in his house (2 Kings 6:32a)

2. A group of elders were with him (2 Kings 6:32b)

3. Remarks pf Elisha

“Do you see how this son of a murderer has sent someone to take away my head?

Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door.

Is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him?” 2 Kings 6:33

a) Foresight of Elisha

b) He knew that king Jehoram had sent an assassin to kill him

c) He also knew the impatient spirit of Jehoram

d) He could not wait for news from his assassin; he would be on the heels of his assassin

(V) THE BLUSTERING KING JEHORAM

1. The “messenger” of Jehoram had arrived at the home of Elisha

2. Before too long his voice was heard

“Surely this calamity is from the LORD; why should I wait for the LORD any longer?” 2 Kings 6:33

a) Blaming the calamity of the famine on the Lord

b) Frustration and impatience concerning “waiting on the Lord”

(VI) COPING IN TIMES OF CALAMITY

Deep contrast noted between king Jehoram and the prophet Elisha

1. The king

a) Frustration

b) Angry helplessness

2. The prophet

Deep calmness