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The Parables of Jesus: Eyes of the Soul

December 2, 2012 Speaker: Series: The Parables of Jesus

Passage: 2 Kings 6:8–6:23

The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (2 Ki 6:8–23).

8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring
with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”

9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that
place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel
checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned
the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
11 This enraged the
king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Will you not tell
me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
12 “None of us, my
lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in
Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and
capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses
and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the
city.
15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the
next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my
lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked.
16 “Don’t be afraid,” the
prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

17 And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD
opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and
chariots of fire all around Elisha.
18 As the enemy came down toward him,
Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike these people with blindness.” So he struck
them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.
19 Elisha told them, “This is not
the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you
are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria.
20 After they entered the
city, Elisha said, “LORD, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the
LORD opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria.

21 When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my
father? Shall I kill them?”
22 “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you
kill men you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before
them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” 23 So he
prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and
drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands
from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory.

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