July 07 2025 // 2 Kings 6
APPLICATION: Read & watch/listen to 2 Kings 6
Sermon: Open Our Eyes
The enemy plots, God reveals. v 8-12
The enemy strategizes in secret — but God sees all.
Know the enemy: his tactics, goals, and disguises.
Know your God: His purposes, His power, His protection.
2. The enemy surrounds, God Illuminates. v. 13-17
Fear thrives in the shadows — confusion multiplies.
God opens eyes to the unseen realm of His help.
3. The enemy destroys, God transforms. vs 18-23
The enemy intends chaos; God brings peace.
The enemy confuses — God brings clarity.
The enemy attacks — God shows hospitality and mercy.
Sermon helps and Life Group notes
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
Sun Tzu, The Art of War
According to Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," if one possesses knowledge of both their adversary and themselves, the outcomes of numerous conflicts need not be a source of concern. Conversely, if one is familiar with themselves but not their opponent, each triumph will be accompanied by a setback.
Finally, if one lacks knowledge of both the enemy and themselves, defeat is inevitable in every engagement.
Know your enemy and his ways. The Deceiver
John 8:44 — “He is a liar and the father of lies.”
2 Corinthians 11:14 — “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
He twists truth, disguises evil as good, and leads people astray through subtle deception.
The Roaring Lion
1 Peter 5:8 — “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” He’s aggressive, predatory, and relentless in his pursuit to destroy lives and faith.
The Tempter
Matthew 4:3 — “The tempter came to him…”
James 1:14 — He exploits desires to lure people into sin.
He tempts us when we’re vulnerable, often using half-truths or appealing distractions.
The Accuser
Revelation 12:10 — “The accuser of our brothers… who accuses them before God day and night.” Zechariah 3:1 — Satan stands ready to accuse, sowing guilt and shame.
He tries to convince us we’re unworthy of grace, but Christ silences his accusations.
The Destroyer
John 10:10 — “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Revelation 12:9 — He leads the whole world astray.
His goal is chaos, division, and death—spiritual and physical.
The Fallen Rebel
Isaiah 14:12–15 — “How you have fallen from heaven…” Ezekiel 28:17 — Pride led to his downfall.
He was once glorious, but pride corrupted him, and now he opposes everything holy.
He Opposes God’s Work and People
1 Thessalonians 2:18 — Paul says, “Satan hindered us.”
Ephesians 6:12 — We wrestle against spiritual forces of evil. He tries to block ministry, divide churches, and discourage leaders.
He Rules Over Darkness and Demonic Hosts
John 12:31 — Jesus calls him “the ruler of this world.”
Ephesians 2:2 — He’s “the prince of the power of the air.”
Revelation 16:14 — Demons work miracles to deceive nations. He commands a network of fallen angels and spiritual forces.
He Is Bound by God’s Sovereignty
Job 1:12 — Satan needed permission to test Job.
Luke 22:31 — Jesus says Satan “asked to sift Peter like wheat.” He’s powerful—but not all-powerful. God sets limits.
God protects Elisha from the Syrians.
1. (8-13) The king of Syria plots the capture of Elisha.
a.And the man of God sent to the king of Israel: Elisha did not support the corrupt monarchs of Israel, but he knew that it was even worse for Israel to be conquered and subjugated under Syria. Therefore, he gave the king of Israel information from divinely inspired espionage.
i. “A more sensible king, Jehoram, now sits on the throne of Ahab, and the prophet of the Lord is no longer a dreaded antagonist, but the king’s trusted counselor. Elijah was a fugitive constantly on the run from a wrathful king, but now Elisha is a welcome visitor in Jehoram’s court.” (Dilday)
b.Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel: The king of Syria was naturally mystified by the way the king of Israel knew all of Syria’s plans beforehand. He was convinced there was a traitor among them until one servant revealed that Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, knew and revealed these things.
(14-17) Elisha sees his invisible, spiritual protection.
a.Alas, my master! What shall we do: When Elisha’s servant saw the horses and chariots and a great army surrounding their city, he was naturally afraid. He knew that there was little chance of escaping or surviving an attack from so many.
b.Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them: This seemed unbelievable to Elisha’s servant. He saw the horses, the chariots, and the great army surrounding them. He could not see anyone who was with Elisha and him.
i. We also notice that Elisha gave his servant a reason to not fear. This was not empty hope or wishful thinking; it was a real reason for confidence, even if the servant could not see it.
c.LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see: Elisha did not pray that God would change anything in the situation. His only request was that his servant could actually see the reality of the situation. Yet, Elisha also did not try to persuade the servant of the reality of those who are with us. The servant could not have this explained to him nor could he be persuaded into it. He had to see it.
d.Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw: God answered Elisha’s prayer. When a person is blind to spiritual reality, only God can open his eyes. God may do it through the words someone speaks, but the work of spiritually opening eyes is spiritual work and belongs to God alone.
d. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha: When his eyes were opened, the servant saw the reality that he could not see before. He saw that there really were more with him and Elisha than those assembled against them.
i.The previous lack of perception on the part of Elisha’s servant did not make the reality of the spiritual army any less real. If there are 50 people who do not see something, it doesn’t invalidate the perception of one who does see.
ii.“Faith is never the imagining of unreal things. It is the grip of things which cannot be demonstrated to the senses, but which are real. The chariots of horses and fire were actually there.” (Morgan)
iii.“That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. Of what use would that have been? So, if forty people declare that there is no power of the Holy Ghost going with the word, this only proves that the forty people do not know what others do know.” (Charles Spurgeon, Three Sights Worth Seeing)
iv.Horses and chariots were the most sophisticated and mighty military instruments of the day. But the invisible army of God had literally more firepower than the horses and chariots of the Syrians. The spiritual army had chariots of fire all around Elisha.
v.“If our eyes were opened, we should see the angel-hosts as an encircling fence of fire; but whether we see them or not, they are certainly there.” (Meyer)
(18-23) The blinded Syrians are led to Samaria.
a.Strike this people, I pray, with blindness: The Syrian soldiers could not see the spiritual army, so they did not hesitate to approach Elisha. But just as he previously prayed that God would give sight to his servant, he then asked God to strike this people… with blindness. God answered this prayer, just as He previously answered the prayer to give perception to the servant.
i.This shows us that God may grant sight or send blindness, according to His wisdom and in response to the prayers of His people.
ii.“Not with a total blindness, that they could see nothing, for then they would not have followed him; but with a partial blindness, that they could not distinctly discern the man they sought; which might be by some alteration made by God in their brain, or in the air.” (Poole)
b.Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek: Here Elisha told a technical truth but certainly intended to deceive. He did in fact bring them to the man they sought (when their eyes were opened, Elisha was there with them). However, he led them back to Samaria – the capital city of the kingdom of Israel and an unfriendly place for a group of Syrian soldiers.
i.Yet, Elisha’s gentle deception demonstrates a principle: the blind are easily deceived. Those who are spiritually blind should appreciate that they can be easily deceived regarding spiritual things.
c.You shall not kill them: Instead of killing these enemy soldiers, Elisha instead commanded the king of Israel to treat them with kindness and generosity. This practice of answering evil with good successfully changed the policy of
free-lance raiders from Syria (So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel).
Enduring Word Bible Commentary 2 Kings Chapter 6
Application Questions:
The Enemy Plots — God Reveals (vv. 8–12)
How can we become more aware of the enemy’s tactics in our daily lives?
What practical steps can we take to better understand God’s purposes and ways?
Share a time when God revealed something in HIs word to protect or guide you. How did it strengthen your faith?
The Enemy Surrounds — God Illuminates (vv. 13–17)
When have you felt surrounded or overwhelmed by challenges? How did you respond?
Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened. How can we pray for spiritual vision in our own lives? What does it mean to trust that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them”?
How can this truth change the way we face fear?
The Enemy Destroys — God Transforms (vv. 18–23)
How does God’s ability to transform destruction into redemption give you hope in difficult situations? The Israelites showed hospitality to their enemies instead of seeking revenge.
How can we reflect God’s mercy and grace in our relationships, even with those who oppose us? What does this passage teach us about God’s heart for transformation rather than destruction?
Personal Reflection and Action
What areas of your life feel “dark” or overwhelming right now? How can you invite God to open your eyes to His presence and power?
How can you encourage someone else this week to see God’s protection and provision in their life?
What practical steps can you take to align your perspective with God’s, especially in times of fear or uncertainty?
Sermon: Open Our Eyes
The enemy plots, God reveals. v 8-12
The enemy strategizes in secret — but God sees all.
Know the enemy: his tactics, goals, and disguises.
Know your God: His purposes, His power, His protection.
2. The enemy surrounds, God Illuminates. v. 13-17
Fear thrives in the shadows — confusion multiplies.
God opens eyes to the unseen realm of His help.
3. The enemy destroys, God transforms. vs 18-23
The enemy intends chaos; God brings peace.
The enemy confuses — God brings clarity.
The enemy attacks — God shows hospitality and mercy.
Sermon helps and Life Group notes
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
Sun Tzu, The Art of War
According to Sun Tzu's "The Art of War," if one possesses knowledge of both their adversary and themselves, the outcomes of numerous conflicts need not be a source of concern. Conversely, if one is familiar with themselves but not their opponent, each triumph will be accompanied by a setback.
Finally, if one lacks knowledge of both the enemy and themselves, defeat is inevitable in every engagement.
Know your enemy and his ways. The Deceiver
John 8:44 — “He is a liar and the father of lies.”
2 Corinthians 11:14 — “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
He twists truth, disguises evil as good, and leads people astray through subtle deception.
The Roaring Lion
1 Peter 5:8 — “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” He’s aggressive, predatory, and relentless in his pursuit to destroy lives and faith.
The Tempter
Matthew 4:3 — “The tempter came to him…”
James 1:14 — He exploits desires to lure people into sin.
He tempts us when we’re vulnerable, often using half-truths or appealing distractions.
The Accuser
Revelation 12:10 — “The accuser of our brothers… who accuses them before God day and night.” Zechariah 3:1 — Satan stands ready to accuse, sowing guilt and shame.
He tries to convince us we’re unworthy of grace, but Christ silences his accusations.
The Destroyer
John 10:10 — “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Revelation 12:9 — He leads the whole world astray.
His goal is chaos, division, and death—spiritual and physical.
The Fallen Rebel
Isaiah 14:12–15 — “How you have fallen from heaven…” Ezekiel 28:17 — Pride led to his downfall.
He was once glorious, but pride corrupted him, and now he opposes everything holy.
He Opposes God’s Work and People
1 Thessalonians 2:18 — Paul says, “Satan hindered us.”
Ephesians 6:12 — We wrestle against spiritual forces of evil. He tries to block ministry, divide churches, and discourage leaders.
He Rules Over Darkness and Demonic Hosts
John 12:31 — Jesus calls him “the ruler of this world.”
Ephesians 2:2 — He’s “the prince of the power of the air.”
Revelation 16:14 — Demons work miracles to deceive nations. He commands a network of fallen angels and spiritual forces.
He Is Bound by God’s Sovereignty
Job 1:12 — Satan needed permission to test Job.
Luke 22:31 — Jesus says Satan “asked to sift Peter like wheat.” He’s powerful—but not all-powerful. God sets limits.
God protects Elisha from the Syrians.
1. (8-13) The king of Syria plots the capture of Elisha.
a.And the man of God sent to the king of Israel: Elisha did not support the corrupt monarchs of Israel, but he knew that it was even worse for Israel to be conquered and subjugated under Syria. Therefore, he gave the king of Israel information from divinely inspired espionage.
i. “A more sensible king, Jehoram, now sits on the throne of Ahab, and the prophet of the Lord is no longer a dreaded antagonist, but the king’s trusted counselor. Elijah was a fugitive constantly on the run from a wrathful king, but now Elisha is a welcome visitor in Jehoram’s court.” (Dilday)
b.Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel: The king of Syria was naturally mystified by the way the king of Israel knew all of Syria’s plans beforehand. He was convinced there was a traitor among them until one servant revealed that Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, knew and revealed these things.
(14-17) Elisha sees his invisible, spiritual protection.
a.Alas, my master! What shall we do: When Elisha’s servant saw the horses and chariots and a great army surrounding their city, he was naturally afraid. He knew that there was little chance of escaping or surviving an attack from so many.
b.Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them: This seemed unbelievable to Elisha’s servant. He saw the horses, the chariots, and the great army surrounding them. He could not see anyone who was with Elisha and him.
i. We also notice that Elisha gave his servant a reason to not fear. This was not empty hope or wishful thinking; it was a real reason for confidence, even if the servant could not see it.
c.LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see: Elisha did not pray that God would change anything in the situation. His only request was that his servant could actually see the reality of the situation. Yet, Elisha also did not try to persuade the servant of the reality of those who are with us. The servant could not have this explained to him nor could he be persuaded into it. He had to see it.
d.Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw: God answered Elisha’s prayer. When a person is blind to spiritual reality, only God can open his eyes. God may do it through the words someone speaks, but the work of spiritually opening eyes is spiritual work and belongs to God alone.
d. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha: When his eyes were opened, the servant saw the reality that he could not see before. He saw that there really were more with him and Elisha than those assembled against them.
i.The previous lack of perception on the part of Elisha’s servant did not make the reality of the spiritual army any less real. If there are 50 people who do not see something, it doesn’t invalidate the perception of one who does see.
ii.“Faith is never the imagining of unreal things. It is the grip of things which cannot be demonstrated to the senses, but which are real. The chariots of horses and fire were actually there.” (Morgan)
iii.“That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. Of what use would that have been? So, if forty people declare that there is no power of the Holy Ghost going with the word, this only proves that the forty people do not know what others do know.” (Charles Spurgeon, Three Sights Worth Seeing)
iv.Horses and chariots were the most sophisticated and mighty military instruments of the day. But the invisible army of God had literally more firepower than the horses and chariots of the Syrians. The spiritual army had chariots of fire all around Elisha.
v.“If our eyes were opened, we should see the angel-hosts as an encircling fence of fire; but whether we see them or not, they are certainly there.” (Meyer)
(18-23) The blinded Syrians are led to Samaria.
a.Strike this people, I pray, with blindness: The Syrian soldiers could not see the spiritual army, so they did not hesitate to approach Elisha. But just as he previously prayed that God would give sight to his servant, he then asked God to strike this people… with blindness. God answered this prayer, just as He previously answered the prayer to give perception to the servant.
i.This shows us that God may grant sight or send blindness, according to His wisdom and in response to the prayers of His people.
ii.“Not with a total blindness, that they could see nothing, for then they would not have followed him; but with a partial blindness, that they could not distinctly discern the man they sought; which might be by some alteration made by God in their brain, or in the air.” (Poole)
b.Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek: Here Elisha told a technical truth but certainly intended to deceive. He did in fact bring them to the man they sought (when their eyes were opened, Elisha was there with them). However, he led them back to Samaria – the capital city of the kingdom of Israel and an unfriendly place for a group of Syrian soldiers.
i.Yet, Elisha’s gentle deception demonstrates a principle: the blind are easily deceived. Those who are spiritually blind should appreciate that they can be easily deceived regarding spiritual things.
c.You shall not kill them: Instead of killing these enemy soldiers, Elisha instead commanded the king of Israel to treat them with kindness and generosity. This practice of answering evil with good successfully changed the policy of
free-lance raiders from Syria (So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel).
Enduring Word Bible Commentary 2 Kings Chapter 6
Application Questions:
The Enemy Plots — God Reveals (vv. 8–12)
How can we become more aware of the enemy’s tactics in our daily lives?
What practical steps can we take to better understand God’s purposes and ways?
Share a time when God revealed something in HIs word to protect or guide you. How did it strengthen your faith?
The Enemy Surrounds — God Illuminates (vv. 13–17)
When have you felt surrounded or overwhelmed by challenges? How did you respond?
Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened. How can we pray for spiritual vision in our own lives? What does it mean to trust that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them”?
How can this truth change the way we face fear?
The Enemy Destroys — God Transforms (vv. 18–23)
How does God’s ability to transform destruction into redemption give you hope in difficult situations? The Israelites showed hospitality to their enemies instead of seeking revenge.
How can we reflect God’s mercy and grace in our relationships, even with those who oppose us? What does this passage teach us about God’s heart for transformation rather than destruction?
Personal Reflection and Action
What areas of your life feel “dark” or overwhelming right now? How can you invite God to open your eyes to His presence and power?
How can you encourage someone else this week to see God’s protection and provision in their life?
What practical steps can you take to align your perspective with God’s, especially in times of fear or uncertainty?