140. If, then, justice is binding, even in
war, how much more ought we to observe it in time of peace. Such
favour the prophet showed to those who came to seize him. We read
that the king of Syria had sent his army to lie in wait for him, for he
had learnt that it was Elisha who had made known to all his plans and
consultations. And Gehazi the prophet’s servant, seeing the
army, began to fear that his life was in danger. But the prophet
said to him: “Fear not, for they that be with us are more
than they that be with them.” 2 [4] Kings
vi. 16. And when
the prophet asked that the eyes of his servant might be opened, they
were opened. Then Gehazi saw the whole mountain full of horses
and chariots round about Elisha. As they came down to him the
prophet says: “Smite, O God, the army of Syria with
blindness.” And this prayer being granted, he says to the
Syrians: “Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom
ye seek.” Then saw they Elisha, whom they were endeavouring
to lay hold of, and seeing him they could not hold him fast. 2 [4] Kings
vi. 8–23. It is clear from this that faith and
justice should be observed even in war; and that it could not but be a
disgraceful thing if faith were violated.