What were these horses and chariots (2 Kings 6:17)?
17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O Lord, please r open his eyes that he may see." So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of s horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
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Tim Maas
Supporter
I would say that the horses and chariots of fire were supernatural means of protection provided by God for Elisha and his servant against the forces of the king of Syria. Elisha was able to discern them because of his faith, while his servant was only able to see them when God enabled him to do so, in response to Elisha's prayer, as noted in the verse cited in the question.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
I would say that the horses and chariots symbolized the divine Presence. We know that fire symbolized God; take, for example, the Burning Bush in Exodus 3. Probably the horses and chariots were God's good angels. We know that there are good angels and there are evil angels. These were the good angels on the side of Elisha, God's Prophet. We know this because they helped Elisha. The Christian has good angels on his side, too! In this spiritual battle that we are fighting (Eph. 6:12), we have Divine help (Heb. 1:14)! Compare this account with Elijah, also God's Prophet, being taken up into heaven in a "CHARIOT OF FIRE" by "HORSES OF FIRE" in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11), a similar account. What is the application to the believer in Christ, His disciple? Look at this: 2 Kings 6:15-17: "The prophet’s attendant got up early in the morning. When he went outside there was an army surrounding the city, along with horses and chariots. He said to Elisha, 'Oh no, my master! What will we do?' He replied, 'Don’t be afraid, for our side outnumbers them.' Then Elisha prayed, 'O Lord, open his eyes so he can see.' The Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw that the hill was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." So when you don't know what to do, ask God. Our side outnumbers our enemies! Pray and the Lord will show you the way. And it will be the way to victory!
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