2 Kings 2:1-2
The whirlwind was the storm that Elijah was taken up in. The storm is associated with the presence of the Lord. See Job 38:1; 40:6; Jeremiah 23:19; 25:32; 30:23It seems that Elijah knew his ministry was drawing to a close. He once again tests the commitment of Elisha by asking him to stay in Gilgal and not go the Bethel. This is similar to the test when Elijah called him. Elisha received the call and then Elijah told him to stay there and not go with him. But Elish responded that time by slaughtering the oxen and building a fire with his farm implements. Elisha offering the old life up to the Lord and walked with anew with Him (1 Kings 19:19-21). Elisha was committed to being the servant of Elijah. That commitment was still strong as Elisha wouldn't leave him as long as he was alive.
2 Kings 2:3-6
The sons of prophets were a guild of prophets stationed in various cities throughout the land. Upon arriving in Bethel, the prophets there seemed to have known Elijah was about to be taken. When they asked Elisha about it, he lets on that he already knew also. Elihah tests Elisha again prior to traveling to Jericho. Elisha gives the same answer. The prophets in Jericho also knew Elijah was being taken away. Elijah again tested Elisha as he was traveling to Jordan. Elisha was true to his commitment in serving Elijah.
God had announced to the prophets of God what he was about to do. The word of God was sure. Elisha didn't waiver from serving Elijah to the end. He was patient in his trust in God's word. How many of us would have given up from growing impatient?
2 Kings 2:7-9
God wanted witnesses to what he was about to do. He provided for himself fifty prophets who stood at a distance while Elijah and Elisha approached the Jordan. We can imagine God was working in each of these men's lives as well. For what they were about to see would forever change them. They would witness a move of the Lord that should have been an altar that they could always come back to that would remind them of the power and sovereignty of God.
Elijah rolled up his mantle and struck the water, dividing it so they could cross on dry land. This gave Elijah the distinction of being very much like Moses and Joshua who had divided the waters.
Elijah gives a final test to Elisha in asking what he could do for him before he left. Elisha didn't ask for anything material or personal; he didn't request wealth or power; he requested a double portion of the spirit Elijah had. This double portion is the same as asking for the inheritance as the eldest son. Elisha was asking to inherit the prophetic ministry of Elijah.
2 Kings 2:10-14
The request of Elisha wasn't Elijah's to grant; only the Lord could grant this. Elijah said that if Elisha was with him to the end and saw his departure that his desire would be granted.
As they continued walking and talking, it suddenly happened; the appearance of Elijah's ride. This chariot of fire and with horses of fire would leave an impression on anyone. The chariot seperated them. This seems very purposeful and meaningful. Elisha who was willing to follow Elijah to the end had done so and was now being set apart himself.
Elijah then went up to heaven in a whirlwind. The entire departure must not have lasted but a few seconds. Even though Elisha knew this was coming, he was shocked and surprised and cries out, "My father, My father." Elisha tore his clothes in a show of deep mourning.
However, as it says in verse 12, "Elisha saw it" which means he would inherit the ministry of Elijah. The mantle of Elijah had fallen and Elijah still had to pick it up and he did so. He wasted no time in using the authority given to him. He struck the water and it was divided allowing Elisha to cross over. "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" Elisha asked. He knew the ministry of Elijah wasn't powered by anything but the Lord God. Elisha received nothing from Elijah and everything from the Lord as Elijah did. Elisha was a prophet of the Lord not just a replacement for Elijah.
2 Kings 2:15-18
The fifty prophets saw all this and recognized Elisha as the prophet inheriting the ministry of Elijah. Yet, they were going to search of Elijah thinking God had relocated Elijah to another place. Elisha knew searching was a waste of time but they shamed Elisha into agreeing. After three days, Elisha in a sense said, "I told you so!"
2 Kings 2:19-22
Elisha was imediately about the work of the Lord. It was God's first work for him to announce the healing of the waters at Jericho. This also further established Elisha as God's prophet.
2 Kings 2:23-
In route to Bethel, Elisha encountered some youths. This term 'youths' should give us the picture of a bunch of young kids. It's a word used for the earlier period of life. It was used for some in the twenties, thirsties and forties and more. I wonder if it isn't more describing a spiritual imaturity or youthful ignorance.
These men mocked Elisha. He was going to Bethel which was where the golden calf was set up for idol worship in Israel. Elisha's bald head must have been quite a contrast to the harry Elijah. The bald head was regarded as disgraceful. He was either naturally bald, shaved his head showing he had separated for the prophetic office. It's possible it was just a mock used by this mob. The statement 'Go up' was their encourangement for him to join Elijah. They were making fun of what they supposed was a story about Elijah's departure; they were disrespecting Elijah, Elisha and God who empowered these men.
The curse Elisha pronounces is from the Lord, not from Elisha. Two bears arrive and deliver the curse by killing forty-two of these youths. We don't know how many their were but we get the picture this was more of a large mob. The curse may have saved Elisha's life.
©2016 Doug Ford
Facebook