God had a purpose in putting before the king of Syria a mystery-the mystery of who was exposing the king's secret military movements. This mystery illustrates the "mystery" of Christ and the Church. Then, through a servant, the Lord revealed to the king the mystery; now, through the Apostle Paul, He has made known to us the mystery "which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men."
"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." Verse 13.
The Syrians, the enemies of God's people, wanted to take Elisha captive, because he knew the king's secret plans. It was the enemies of Christ who not only took Jesus captive, but put Him to death. With a purpose of good in His heart, God was behind all and in control of all that was happening in Israel. So, too, God had an eternal purpose of good in allowing His Son to be taken and crucified.
"Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about." Verse 14.
The king of Syria sent his forces with a great display of power to take Elisha. When the Lord Jesus was on earth, Satan marshaled his great host, showing his power in putting Jesus to death.
"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?" Verse 15.
The young servant with Elisha is a picture of ourselves with the Lord Jesus and the need to have our eyes open to heavenly things-the "mystery"-to see the great spiritual blessings as well as the treasures that are already ours. We need to learn that the power of God is greater than the power of the enemy, Satan.
"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." Verses 16,17.
After Elisha prayed to God, the young man's eyes were opened. Only the Holy Spirit can make us see what we have in Christ in connection with the "mystery"-Christ and the Church. Think of the power of Christ, who is now exalted above the heavens with every power, authority and dominion made subject to Him (1 Peter 3:2222Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Peter 3:22)). In Ephesians 1 Paul prayed, not that we might have power, but that we might have the truth made good to us.
The mountain full of horses and chariots of fire that the young man saw suggests the greatness of God's power to us who believe when He raised Christ from among the dead and set Him (a man) at His own right hand above every name and power on earth or in heaven.
"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. And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria." Verses 18,19.