1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said [unto him, As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.
3 And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.
4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.
5 And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.
6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: [nevertheless], if thou see me [when I am] taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be [so].
11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12 And Elisha saw [it], and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;
14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
15 And when the sons of the prophets which [were] to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
16 And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.
17 And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.
18 And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?
19 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city [is] pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water [is] naught, and the ground barren.
20 And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought [it] to him.
21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land].
22 So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.
23 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
24 And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
25 And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.
Overview of 2 Kings Chapter 2
2 Kings Chapter 2 narrates the dramatic transition of prophetic leadership from Elijah to Elisha, highlighting themes of divine authority, succession, and the miraculous. The chapter emphasizes the significance of Elijah’s ascension to heaven and Elisha’s subsequent ministry.
Key Events
- Elijah’s Departure
- Elisha’s Inheritance of Prophetic Authority
- The Miraculous Parting of the Jordan River
- Elijah’s Ascension to Heaven
- Elisha’s Miraculous Acts
Detailed Analysis
Elijah’s Departure
The chapter opens with Elijah and Elisha traveling from Gilgal to Bethel. Elijah, aware of his impending departure, instructs Elisha to stay behind, but Elisha insists on accompanying him. This determination signifies Elisha’s commitment to his mentor and foreshadows his future role as a prophet.
Elisha’s Inheritance of Prophetic Authority
As they continue their journey, they encounter various groups of prophets who foretell Elijah’s ascension. This acknowledgment from the prophetic community reinforces the significance of the event. Elijah tests Elisha’s resolve multiple times by asking him to remain behind, yet Elisha remains steadfast.
The Miraculous Parting of the Jordan River
Upon reaching the Jordan River, Elijah takes his cloak, strikes the water, and parts it, allowing both prophets to cross on dry ground. This miracle serves as a powerful symbol of divine authority and the passing of the prophetic mantle from Elijah to Elisha.
Elijah’s Ascension to Heaven
As they cross the river, a chariot of fire and horses of fire appear, and Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. This extraordinary event not only signifies Elijah’s unique relationship with God but also serves as a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the end of Elijah’s earthly ministry and the beginning of Elisha’s.
Elisha’s Miraculous Acts
After Elijah’s ascension, Elisha picks up Elijah’s cloak and returns to the Jordan River. He replicates Elijah’s miracle by striking the water, demonstrating that he has inherited Elijah’s prophetic authority. This act establishes Elisha’s role as the new prophet and leader among the people of Israel.
Thematic Elements
- Divine Authority and Succession
- Faithfulness and Commitment
- Miracles as Signs of God’s Presence
- The Role of Prophets in Israel
Divine Authority and Succession
The transition from Elijah to Elisha highlights the importance of divine authority in leadership. Elisha’s acceptance of his role signifies the continuity of God’s work through chosen individuals.
Faithfulness and Commitment
Elisha’s unwavering commitment to follow Elijah serves as an example of loyalty and dedication. His insistence on accompanying Elijah despite repeated requests to stay behind illustrates the depth of their relationship and Elisha’s desire to inherit his mentor’s legacy.
Miracles as Signs of God’s Presence
The miracles performed by both Elijah and Elisha serve as signs of God’s active presence in the world. These acts demonstrate God’s power and the legitimacy of the prophets’ ministries.
The Role of Prophets in Israel
This chapter underscores the critical role of prophets in guiding the people of Israel. The transition from Elijah to Elisha emphasizes the ongoing need for prophetic leadership in maintaining the spiritual and moral direction of the nation.
Conclusion
2 Kings Chapter 2 is a rich narrative that encapsulates the themes of divine authority, succession, and the miraculous. Through the events of this chapter, readers gain insight into the significance of prophetic leadership and the continuity of God’s mission in Israel.
