EVEN as Elisha spoke, a countless host of fiery horsemen and chariots appeared before his servant’s startled eyes, so that the very hills seemed to be aflame.

The Syrian army now began to pick its way down the hillside, but Elisha gave the fiery host no word of command. He just mumbled a prayer, “Lord, strike these men blind”, and waited.

Presently they reached him. “This is not the city you are looking for” Elisha told them steadily, “nor even the right road to it. Let me guide you.”

And they let him lead them meekly all the way to the place where the army of the King of Israel was encamped.

Joram was eager to put the hapless Syrians to the sword, but Elisha forbade him to do any such thing.

Indeed, he instructed the King to lay food and drink before them, and send them back to Syria unharmed.