Elisha Blinds the Syrian Army
Elisha prays and the Syrian army is struck blind, then led into Samaria and shown mercy.
The Syrian king sent a great army to seize Elisha at Dothan. Elisha's servant feared, but Elisha prayed, 'LORD, open his eyes,' and he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire.
Elisha the prophet (by prayer)
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
"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."
Spiritual Significance
The unseen armies of heaven outnumber every threat against God's servants. The prophet's prayer brought both judgment and astonishing mercy to Israel's enemies.
Lesson for Today
Fear no army you can see. Pray for opened eyes — and answer your enemies with kindness when God puts them in your hand.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the chariots of fire?
Angelic hosts ('horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha') visible only when the LORD opened the servant's eyes.
Were the soldiers permanently blind?
No. Once in Samaria, the LORD opened their eyes. The blindness was a temporary judgment that ended in unexpected mercy.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Elisha Blinds the Syrian Army?
The miracle of Elisha Blinds the Syrian Army is recorded in 2 Kings 6:17 (KJV), with additional references in 2 Kings 6:18.
Who performed the miracle of Elisha Blinds the Syrian Army?
Scripture records that Elisha the prophet (by prayer) carried out this miracle at Dothan and Samaria. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
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Elijah Taken Up by a Chariot of Fire
A chariot and horses of fire parted Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
The Assyrian Army Destroyed by an Angel
The angel of the Lord smites 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, delivering Jerusalem.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Beelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreChariots of Fire — Elisha at Dothan (2 Kings 6 KJV)
When the Syrian army surrounded Elisha, God opened his servant's eyes to see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreWhat Are Demons in the Bible?
Demons are fallen, evil spirits under Satan who oppose God and oppress people — but they are subject to Christ.
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Related Reading
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Elisha Blinds the Syrian Army
Elisha prays and the Syrian army is struck blind, then led into Samaria and show
The Assyrian Army Destroyed by an Angel
The angel of the Lord smites 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, delivering
Chariots of Fire — Elisha at Dothan (2 Kings 6 KJV)
When the Syrian army surrounded Elisha, God opened his servant's eyes to see the
Sennacherib in the Bible
The Assyrian King Defeated by an Angel
Naaman in the Bible
The Syrian Captain Cleansed of Leprosy
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2 Kings 6:24-7:20 • Kings & Prophets