The Prophet ElishaSample

Who Is To Blame?

“May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today.” (2 Kings 6:31)

Sometime after Elisha’s single-handed victory over the Syrian soldiers, the Syrian king mustered his entire army to besiege Samaria. The city was cut off from all its necessities and virtually out of food. The situation became so desperate that people even ate their children! When the king of Israel heard about this, he was shocked. He had to admit that he was helpless and dependent on God for a solution to this horrible situation.

Centuries earlier, Moses had prophesied that these things (defeat by foreign armies, hunger, and even cannibalism) would take place when Israel disregarded the Lord. Elijah, Elisha, and other prophets had repeated this message, but their words fell on deaf ears. The people of Samaria were getting just what they deserved. But the king did not want to accept any responsibility. Instead, he blamed Elisha for the situation and was determined to kill him because he had announced this horrible situation.

Elisha and his colleagues were attacked for announcing God’s judgment. Throughout history, Christians have suffered from persecution because they were associated with punishments from God. Jesus Himself was crucified by people who wanted to silence Him.

People tend to blame others and act out on innocents. Do you do the same?

How are you involved with Christians who are persecuted because of their faith?