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‘He smote thrice, and stayed.’
2Ki_13:18
I. Importunity in supplication is one of the supreme elements of devotion.—Let us understand now that Elisha is trying to teach this king to pray God for help in defeating his Syrian enemies. He wishes him, therefore, to put some measure of persistency into his exercises. He bids him draw out all the rest of the arrows from the quiver, and, holding them as a bundle of missiles in his hand, strike the earthen floor of the dwelling. Every stroke was meant to pray for and predict a fresh victory.
II. Faith in supplication is one of the settled conditions of devotion.—Remember that in this symbolism the bow is speech, the arrows are petitions. Behind and beneath both, however, is faith in God’s promises. When Elisha cries out ‘Smite!’ he is bidding the king believe that God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. ‘He smote thrice, and stayed.’
III. Weakness in asking hinders our achievement in devotion.—Elisha seems indignant at the monarch’s dullness. He sharply rebukes him, explaining to him his mistake. In all our audiences with a good God remember this: ‘None can ever ask too much.”
Illustrations
(1) ‘We can really do nothing worth while in this world without God’s help. The prophet laid his hands on the king’s hands, meaning that God would fight with the king. We should seek to have God’s hand upon ours in everything we try to do. Then we shall have blessing. But without this nothing will come of our best work. Young people should learn to get God’s benediction every morning before they go out. God said to Moses, “Certainly I will be with thee.” To the apostles Jesus said, “I am with you alway.” You cannot do much yourself, but God and you can do anything. “God and one are a majority.” ’
(2) ‘The weakness of Joash appears in his smiting the ground only three times. He understood perfectly well what was meant; but he had not the vigour to smite and smite, till he was sure he had done all he could. If we do not succeed the first or third time, we must try again, and keep trying until we succeed. Cultivate an energetic character. If you are by nature lazy, then conquer it by active and earnest prayer.’