If you were in Sunday School in February of 1922, you might be studying a wonderful episode in the life of the prophet, Elisha.
(I confess that I, who have had many years of Sunday School learning, needed to refresh my memory about this account from the sixth chapter of the Book of Second Kings.)
Elisha was in trouble, in the way that the ancient prophets were, for telling uncomfortable truths to powerful people.
An army was sent to apprehend and kill the impertinent prophet, but (upon Elisha’s prayer) God struck the besieging army with blindness.
Elisha then led his helpless attackers to the neighboring land of Samaria, where they regained their sight and learned that their enemy had led them there.
Afraid that they were going to suffer the fate that they planned for Elisha, the army was astounded when Elisha commanded only that they be fed and then that return home.
Thus, by an act of mercy, enemies were made allies and defenders.
https://www.bible.com/bible/296/2KI.6.18-23.GNBUK
Many times, the ancient Biblical tales of terrifying vengeance overshadow the themes of mercy and forgiveness that are declared to be the essence of God’s character.
Here, we see that one can be delivered from danger by reducing the number of enemies through kindness and grace.
Like many other Sunday School cards that we have seen, the format for this weekly lesson includes a colorful mage of the Biblical event and a Memory Verse (here, “Golden Text”).
On the reverse, under the heading “Little Bible Lesson Pictures”, the account from the Bible is printed.
A short catechism of questions and answers concludes the lesson.
This example of Sunday School literature was published by “Harris, Jones, and Co.” of Providence, Rhode Island.
I do not know if this publishing house was related to a particular denomination.
The artwork was copyrighted by the Providence Lithograph Company whose images we have seen in many other Sunday School cards and leaflets.
