The king of Syria looked at the little country of Israel and wished it belonged to him. So he made secret plans to attack one of the cities.
God told His prophet Elisha what the king planned to do. Elisha warned the king of Israel so the people in that city could be prepared.
This happened over and over again. Each time the Syrian king made plans to fight in a certain place, God told Elisha. And Elisha would then warn the king of Israel.
The king of Syria was so angry! He didn't know how Israel was finding out all his plans, so he called his servants together. He asked which of them was telling all his secret plans. He wanted to know who was on Israel's side.
One of his servants told him that it wasn't any of them. He told the king it was Elisha who was telling the secret plans to the king of Israel.
Since it was Elisha who was ruining the king of Syria's plans, the king decided to capture God's prophet. He sent some spies to check and see where Elisha was staying. When they returned they told the king that Elisha was in the city of Dothan. The king then sent a great big army after just one man, Elisha. That night the Syrian horses and chariots and soldiers circled clear around the city so Elisha couldn't get away.
Elisha's servant got up very early the next morning and went outside. He saw at once that soldiers were on every side of the city. He was afraid and cried, "Master, what shall we do?"
Elisha prayed that God would open the eyes of his servant. Suddenly the servant saw that the mountains were full of horses and chariots of fire. God had sent these to protect Elisha. The servant was not afraid anymore.
When the Syrian army came into the city of Dothan, Elisha asked God to make them blind. And God did it! Then Elisha told the Syrian soldiers to follow him. They didn't know who he was so they went with Elisha. He led them into Samaria.
When they reached Samaria, Elisha asked God to let the soldiers see again. The Lord opened their eyes and they saw that they were surrounded by their enemy! The king of Israel was excited. He asked Elisha, "Shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?"
"No!" Elisha told him, "You must treat them well. Feed them and give them water to drink. Then let them go home to their master."
The army of Syria had tried to kill Elisha but he treated them kindly! Then he sent them away and they went home to their king. The Syrians never tried to go into the land of Israel or harm Elisha again.
Children at this age are subject to many fears, and it is important that they realize God has power to protect them. This lesson brings out how God sent an army of horses and chariots of fire to protect his servant Elisha.
We have a promise (Psalm 91:11) that God will send His angels to protect us. Accordion-fold a long piece of paper, approximately 14x6 inches. Draw a simple angel shape on the topside of paper, making sure both sides of the angel touch the fold. Help your child cut out around the shape, forming a paper chain of angels. Let your child color them, and then make them into a ring around a small doll.
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