2 Kings 6:1-7 Elisha miraculously recovers an expensive iron axe-head from the River Jordan by making it float.
2 Kings 6:8-23 In 848BC, Israel and Aram (Syria) are at war again. Elisha uses a God-given word of knowledge to warn Israel’s King Joram of the King of Syria’s movements. Ben-Hadad of Syria sends troops to capture Elisha at Dothan. As the enemy approach, Elisha prays to the LORD and the Syrian soldiers are struck blind. They are led to Samaria where they are well treated before being released.
Ancient remains at the site of Samaria (Bukvoed)
2 Kings 6:24-7:20 Ben-Hadad of Aram (Syria) lays seige to Samaria once again in 847BC. The lack of food becomes so severe that some families resort to eating their own children. King Joram blames Elisha, but before he can arrest him, the Arameans flee in panic and the siege is lifted.
2 Kings 8:1-6 During the famine, the rich woman from Shunem (see Map 55 & 2 Kings 4:8-37) goes to live in the land of the Philistines. When she returns, her property has been confiscated. Elisha’s servant ensures that the king restores all her lands.
2 Kings 8:7-16 Elisha sets out for Damascus when he hears that King Ben-Hadad of Syria is ill. The king sends Hazael, his chief official, to meet Elisha. Elisha prophesies that Ben-Hadad will recover from his illness, but will die shortly after. Hazael carries this message back to the king, and then kills Ben-Hadad by suffocating him. Hazael becomes King of Syria in 842BC (as prophesied by Elijah some years earlier (see 1 Kings 19:15).