2 Kings 13:14
¹⁴Now Elisha [previously] had become ill of the illness of which he died. And Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen of it! [II Kings 2:12.]
We see King Jehoash, go over to visit the ill Elisha. Overwhelmed with sadness due to the agonising defeat of Israel’s armies, Jehoash weeps and refers to Elisha as “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen of it!” This phrase echoes the words of Elisha when his mentor, Elijah, was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (II Kings 2:12).
The reference to Elisha as the “chariot of Israel and the horsemen of it” suggests that Elisha was seen as a powerful and influential figure, much like a chariot and its horsemen in battle.
Although there were horsemen and chariots for the defense of Israel as their human means of protection, Elisha and Elijah stood as a symbol of God who supersedes them all and is the defender.
So where is your trust, where is your help coming from, what do you see? The psalmist says:
Psalms 121:1-2
¹I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. ²My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
Additionally, He asserts, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7). Not to forget, Elisha opened up the servant’s eyes to see (2 Kings 6:13-18) a vast army of horsemen and chariots, amidst a vast army of the enemy! Hence, to say those that are for you are more than those against You, fear not!
This passage invites us to reflect upon our reliance and trust. Do we put our faith in earthly, tangible means of support? Do we acknowledge the divine presence of God that transcends all human limitations? It calls us to consider where we find comfort, guidance, and ultimately, our true and only help!!
Amidst the clatter of men, stood Elijah and Elisha bathed in divine light, defenders of truth with steadfast embrace, mighty men of valour, and their courage is unwavering when founded on God alone.
2 Kings 13:14
[14]Now Elisha [previously] had become ill of the illness of which he died. And Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen of it! [2 Kings 2:12.]
When King Johoash saw the enemy had reduced Israel’s army, he remembered Elisha, a symbol of turning to the God of War. The question is, “Where is your Trust? Is it in the things that God made or in the God of all things?
Exodus 15:3
The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
Prophetic Utterance :
In Your name ooh Lord, I subdue my enemies with No reliance on bow or sword, For Your power surpasses them All. All day long, I boast of Your might and with gratitude, I give thanks for this light.
In Your presence, my enemy I will lose. Through trials and battles, I will fear no harm for Your love shields me like an outstretched arm. With courage and grace, I tread on Knowing Your strength will lead the chase.
Halleluya
Guiding Text:
Psalm 68:20
God is to us a God of deliverances and salvation; and to God the Lord belongs escape from death [setting us free].