One aspect of these two chapters is an explanation of why the kings of Israel were not supposed to count the fighting men or build up a contingent of chariots. The Lord has chariots aplenty all by Himself. The horsemen and chariots of Israel had swept down and snatched up Elijah (2 Kings 2), and here they fill the hills around Dothan. In addition, the Lord has other tools to accomplish His purposes. Who knows what happened to so spook the Aramean army, but they fled without an arrow being fired. So, there's lesson one: "[The Lord's] pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love" (NIV; Psalm 147:10-11).
A second thing to note is the reliability of the prophet's word. An axhead floats at his word. (I know the whole thing with the stick sounds like 'magic,' and, no, I can't explain it.) The host of the Lord appears at his word. The siege is lifted, just as he said. And the king's officer dies, just as he said. So, first note that the mark of a true prophet is that his predictions happen. Second, note that the thing that matters is not the words of Elisha but the words of the Lord. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever" (NIV; Isaiah 40:8).
Two aspects of the story; two important lessons: rely on the Lord's strength and count on the Lord's words.
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