THE SYRIAN ARMY


SMITTEN WITH BLINDNESS. 


AFTER this, there was war again between the king of Israel and the king of Syria; and Elisha told the king of Israel all the plans of the king of Syria, just when his army would march, which way it would go, and where it would encamp. The king of Syria thought it very strange that the king of Israel should understand all his plans, and know how to keep out of his way. So he called his servants together, and said, "Will ye not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?" for he thought some of his servants had been helping the king of Israel by telling him all the movements of the Syrians. 

But one of his servants said, "My lord, O king, Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber."

"And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses and chariots, and a great host; and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master, how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw; and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha."

Then Elisha said unto them, "Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek." 

Then he went on toward Samaria, and all the great army followed him till they came into the city.

Now the city of Samaria was the capital of the kingdom of Israel, and the king had his house there, and his army; so the Syrian army was wholly in the power of the king of Israel.

"And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldst thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. And he prepared great provision for them; and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel."