Analysis of 2 Kings Chapter 2
2 Kings Chapter 2 is a pivotal chapter in the Biblical narrative, focusing on the transition of prophetic leadership from Elijah to Elisha. This chapter encapsulates themes of faith, prophetic succession, divine power, and the continuation of God’s work through different individuals. Below is a detailed and insightful analysis of this chapter, presenting its richness through a verse-by-verse exploration.
Verses 1-2: The Journey Begins
Verse 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.”
Verse 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.”
This chapter opens with the foretelling of Elijah being taken up to heaven. This sets the stage for the upcoming divine event and emphasizes the significance of Elijah’s departure. Gilgal, Bethel, and other locations mentioned symbolize significant spiritual journeys and places of prophetic activity in Israel’s history. Elisha’s determination to stay with Elijah showcases his loyalty and commitment. His oath, “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee,” indicates his unwavering dedication to Elijah and his prophetic ministry.
Verses 3-6: Elisha’s Determination
Verse 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.”
Verse 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.”
Verse 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.”
Verse 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.”
These verses further underline Elisha’s steadfastness and the impending departure of Elijah. The “sons of the prophets” — a group of prophetic apprentices — repeatedly inform Elisha about Elijah’s imminent ascension. Each time, Elisha acknowledges their information but asks them to keep silent, reflecting his focus and perhaps a desire to face the event privately and with reverence. It’s also notable that Elijah gives Elisha multiple opportunities to stay behind, perhaps testing his resolve or preparing him for the responsibilities ahead.
Verses 7-8: The Crossing of the Jordan
Verse 7: “And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.”
Verse 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.”
The dramatic parting of the Jordan River by Elijah mirrors the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea by Moses and the Jordan by Joshua, positioning Elijah within that historical continuum of mighty acts by God’s prophets. The mantle (cloak) becomes a symbol of Elijah’s prophetic authority and divine power. This miracle not only authenticates Elijah’s ministry but also prefigures the passing of his prophetic authority to Elisha.
Verses 9-10: Elisha’s Request
Verse 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.”
Verse 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.”
Elisha’s request for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit is profound. In the context of Hebrew inheritance law, a double portion was typically the privilege of the firstborn son, indicating a measure of respect and responsibility. By asking for this, Elisha is not merely seeking greater power but is expressing his desire to inherit Elijah’s responsibilities fully. Elijah’s response indicates that this request is ultimately up to God, underscoring the divine control over the prophetic spirit.
Verses 11-12: Elijah’s Ascension
Verse 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.”
Verse 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.”
The ascension of Elijah in a chariot of fire is one of the most dramatic and well-known events in the Old Testament. The fiery chariot represents divine intervention and heavenly power. Elisha’s exclamation, “My father, my father,” reflects his deep respect and the personal loss he feels. The renting of his garments signifies mourning and personal loss, even as he stands at the threshold of his new prophetic role.
Verses 13-14: Elisha Takes Up the Mantle
Verse 13: “He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;”
Verse 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.”
The mantle of Elijah, which symbolized prophetic authority, now passes to Elisha. When Elisha smites the waters of Jordan and they part, it is a direct demonstration that the spirit of Elijah indeed rests upon him. His question, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” underscores his reliance not on his power but on God’s authority and presence.
Verses 15-18: Confirmation of Elisha’s Authority
Verse 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.”
Verse 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.”
Verse 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.”
Verse 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?”
The recognition of the “sons of the prophets” that the spirit of Elijah now rests on Elisha is vital for establishing his authority as the new leader. Their insistence on searching for Elijah, despite Elisha’s awareness of his ascension, reflects a human tendency to seek physical evidence for extraordinary divine events. Their failure to find Elijah reinforces the miraculous nature of his departure and solidifies Elisha’s position.
Verses 19-22: Healing of the Waters
Verse 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.”
Verse 20: “And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.”
Verse 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.”
Verse 22: “So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.”
Elisha’s first miracle—healing the waters of Jericho—demonstrates his prophetic authority and underscores the life-giving power of God working through him. The use of salt, a purifying substance, symbolizes cleansing and transformation. This miracle not only addresses a practical need of the people but also serves as a sign of Elisha’s divine mandate to restore and sustain life in the community.
Verses 23-25: The Judgment on the Mocking Youths
Verse 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.”
Verse 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.”
Verse 25: “And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.”
Elisha’s encounter with the mocking youths—and its severe consequence—serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of mocking God’s appointed servants. This narrative emphasizes the prophetic office’s sanctity and the respect it demands. The bears’ attack, while seemingly harsh, symbolizes divine judgment and serves as a warning against irreverence and disrespect towards God’s messengers.
Conclusion
2 Kings Chapter 2 is rich with themes of transition, divine power, and prophetic authority. Elisha’s succession to Elijah embodies the continuity of God’s work through successive generations, and the miraculous events described reinforce the legitimacy of his prophetic calling. From parting the Jordan River to the healing of the waters and the judgment on the mocking youths, the chapter underscores the themes of divine authority, the sanctity of the prophetic office, and the responsibilities that come with it. Elisha’s unwavering loyalty, the miraculous ascension of Elijah, and the subsequent miracles performed by Elisha serve as powerful testaments to God’s enduring presence and action in the world, guiding His people through His chosen prophets.