More Are With Us
Surrounded by an army at Dosan, Elisha opened his servant's eyes to the fiery chariots of Hashem, then fed the enemy and sent them home.
The king of Aram was at war with Israel, yet every ambush he planned failed. Each time, Elisha sent word to the king of Israel to avoid that place. Aram's king was sure there was a traitor among his officers. None of us, they told him; it is Elisha, the prophet in Israel, who tells his king the words you speak in your bedroom. Find out where he is, the king ordered, so that I can seize him.
Elisha was in Dosan. During the night horses, chariots and a large force surrounded the town. In the morning Elisha's attendant went outside, saw the army, and cried out: alas, my master, what shall we do? Do not be afraid, Elisha answered; those with us are more than those with them. Then he davened: Hashem, please open his eyes so that he may see. Hashem opened the young man's eyes, and he saw the mountain all around Elisha full of horses and chariots of fire.
As the soldiers came down, Elisha davened again, and they were struck with blindness. This is not the road and this is not the town, he told them; follow me, and I will bring you to the man you seek. He led them straight into Shomron, the capital of Israel, and only there were their eyes opened. My father, the king of Israel asked, shall I strike them down? No, Elisha answered. Set bread and water before them, let them eat and drink, and send them back to their master. The king made them a great feast and let them go, and the raiding bands of Aram stopped coming into the land of Israel.
Source: Melachim II 6:8–23; Rashi on Melachim II 6:16. English: The JPS Tanakh (Gender-Sensitive Edition) and The Metsudah Tanach.
Elisha's attendant saw only the army; Elisha saw the chariots of fire. When you feel surrounded this week, by bills, deadlines or an illness in the family, stop and say quietly: Hashem, open my eyes so that I may see. Then write down three ways He has already stood by you. And if someone has wronged you, consider Elisha's answer to his enemies: a meal and a kind word ended the raids. One gesture of generosity may end a long quarrel.