Definition: And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic passage from the Book of Kings, and it's often misunderstood. Here’s what it means in plain terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a story about a massive war happening in Israel. The Israelites (the people God gave to the land) were being attacked by a large, powerful army – essentially, a giant horde of enemies. What Happened Next? Elisha’s Plea: Elisha, a wise and trusted man, is sent to help the Israelites. He’s given a very specific, almost desperate command: “Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness.” He’s asking God to directly cause their sight to be lost. God's Response: God hears Elisha’s plea and immediately responds. He sends Elisha to carry out this command. What Does It Mean? This verse is a bit of a puzzle, and there are several interpretations: A Test of Faith: The most common understanding is that this was a test of Elisha’s faith. God is testing his willingness to obey His commands, even when they seem harsh or terrifying. God's Power: It speaks to God’s absolute power and the ability to directly intervene in events. He isn’t just giving instructions; he is doing something significant. A Symbolic Act: Some scholars believe it represents a symbolic act of judgment, demonstrating God's righteous anger against those who defy Him. The blindness is a representation of being removed from the truth and understanding. Important Note: It’s Not About Physical Blindness! It’s crucial to understand that this verse doesn’t mean Elisha was physically blinding the people. The word "smote" means to inflict harm or punishment. The imagery is about removing their ability to see and understand God's truth. In short, it's a powerful story about God's power, His judgment, and the importance of trusting in Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Talk about the context surrounding this passage (like why it’s found in the Book of Kings)? Discuss different interpretations of the verse?