SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:1-12
Elijah and Elisha were on their way to Gilgal. Elijah tried to make Elisha stay behind instead of accompanying him to Bethel, but Elisha insisted on going. He also insisted on going to Jericho and the Jordan. 50 prophets stood at a distance while Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the Jordan River with it. It divided so they could cross on dry ground.
Elijah asked Elisha if there was anything he wanted before he was taken to heaven. He asked to inherit a double portion of his spirit. Elijah said if he sees him when he is taken, he will have it. A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha cried out and then saw him no more. He took his own clothes and tore them in grief.
BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12
3) Close. Elisha did not want to let Elijah go.
4) Elisha asked Elijah to inherit a double portion of his spirit, probably meaning to be as wise as he was.
5) A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. It’s a cool way to get to heaven. It’s very unique, so it makes me wonder just how important Elijah must have been to not have to suffer death like we all have to.
6a) God cares for all of His people, providing their every need.
b) He always provides. Always.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12
I love this scene. So encouraging and inspiring. I love the relationship between Elijah and Elisha, too. Great stuff!
End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12
Commentators believe that Elijah is testing Elisha’s devotion as he moves from place to place as his death nears.
Elisha could have asked for wealth, but instead he wanted the Spirit of God. The double portion refers to the what the first born son receives Deuteronomy 21:17. Itshows Elisha’s commitment to continue Elijah’s work.
Elijah had the strength of Israel with him. We’ll see these same words uttered at Elisha’s death (2 Kings 13:14)
Fun Fact: Only 2 men in the entire Bible, Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah, avoided death to get to heaven.
The company of prophets were most likely prophets in training.
Elijah’s miraculous crossing of the Jordan is reminiscent of Moses’s parting of the Red Sea as the Israelites fled Egypt.
Elijah to Elisha foreshadows John the Baptist to Jesus. One preceeded the other and followd with reconciliation and healing. God is preparing His people for His Son.
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