“When the king of Israel saw (the enemy), he shouted to Elisha, ‘My father, should I kill them?’ ‘Of course not!’ Elisha replied. ‘Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master.’ So the king made a great feast for them and then sent them home to their master. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel.”
2 Kings 6:21-23 NLT
When the Lord blinded the eyes of Israel’s enemies, Elisha led them to the king. Like so many of us, the king assumed his enemies should be killed. Elisha’s response— “Of course not!” and the instructions that followed, speak wisdom for our world today…
Should we kill prisoners of war? Since the Garden, we have all been prisoners of the war between good and evil. So why kill others who are also struggling with the same Enemy that wants to destroy each one of us? Instead, give our “fellow-prisoners” food and drink. Be kind to them and send them home with strength and encouragement to manage their own problems.
Elisha was one man, but his treatment of enemies had powerful influence, even on the king. Kindness is contagious! One act of love begets another, and another. When Jesus admonished us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us, He knew if His followers would obey Him, our kindness could start a holy revolution that would change the entire world.
Whether we kill with weapons of our hands or weapons of our mouths, has that method ever brought peace? Notice the king of Israel fed his enemies a great feast, and after that they stayed away from the land of Israel.
So, instead of killing our “enemies”—how about laying out some feasts of kindness!
