Tag: bsf kingdom divided lesson 8

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:20-27

Water appeared as God promised.

The Moabites mistook the water for blood and assumed that all the kings killed each other. They ran to the camp of Israel who fought them. They slaughtered the Moabites and destroyed their towns, covering the fields in rocks, stopping up the springs, and cutting down the trees.

The King of Moab tried to break through to the King of Edom but failed. He offered his firstborn son as a sacrifice on the city wall. The israelites withdrew.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

13) God provided water, which was mistaken as blood by the Moabites, which got them off balance for the war ahead.

14) All of the land of Moab was destroyed, prompting the king to sacrifice his firstborn son to their gods. This causes the Moabites to hate the Israelites for what they did to their land and for forcing them (in their minds) to make such a sacrifice to their gods.

15) That He is faithful. That He answers prayers. That He wants the desires of our hearts to come true.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

Great victory often contains great sadness or sacrifice (such as the pagan sacrifice of the son).

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

Sometimes what God tells us to do doesn’t make sense until it’s done.

God uses the ditches to save the men in more ways than one: with water and with confusion to the enemy.

The king of Moab was desperate when he sacrificed his son. He wanted to honor his gods and help give his people courage in the face of the enemy.

The Israelites saw the sickening sacrifice and left.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 3:1-19

Joram (or Jehoram) son of Ahab became king of Israel during the reign of Jehoshaphat king of Judah and reigned 12 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but he did get rid of the sacred stone of Baal.

Moab had to pay tribute to Israel with lambs and wool. But when Ahab died, Moab rebelled. Joram set out to control the rebellion. He asked Jehoshaphat to help, which he agreed to do. They set out through the desert of Edom and the king of Edom joined them. However, they marched for 7 days when they ran out of water. Jehoshaphat was the only one to seek God in this situation, asking for a prophet.

Elisha was amongst them. They called for him, and only because of the presense of Jehoshaphat did Elisha prophesy. The Lord said through Elisha to dig ditches that the Lord would fill with water for everyone and their animals. The Lord will hand Moab over to you.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

10) King Joram did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but he did get rid of the sacred stone of Baal. King Joram set out to control a rebellion, and he managed to unite Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom, too. This is great influence, indeed.

11a) Moab refused to pay tribute to Israel with lambs and wool. Jehoshaphat, King of Judah and the King of Edom

b) Jehoshaphat had made peace with Israel. (1 Kings 22:44).

c) They got lost and ran out of water.

d) Jehoshaphat called for Elisha to ask for God’s help.

12) One, don’t go wandering in the desert without enough water and no sense of direction. Two, don’t partner with unbelievers. Three, seek God when you’ve messed up. Four, do whatever God tells you to do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

Again, we see God’s great mercy when he not only provides water that the men need to save their lives, but He also grants them victory over their enemies.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

Fun Fact: Joram is the 9th evil king over the kingdom of Israel.

Jehoshaphat was more experienced in battle than Joram, which is why he was asked which way to attack the Moabites.

Note how Joram immediately assumes God will not help them, and they have been sent into the hands of the Moabites; whereas, Jehoshaphat seeks God here. Joram blames God.

The three kings humble themselves and go to see Elisha who only agrees to speak to them because of Jehoshaphat. Note how it’s good to be friends with believers.

Note the spiritual power of music here.

God would provide water but in a miraculous way, leaving no doubt it’s from Him.

Note how God has them work first (by digging ditches) before they are rewarded (with life-giving water). God is preparing the people for a blessing by giving them a task they can do, not a task that is insurmountable.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:13-25

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and used it to part the Jordan River and cross over. The company of prophets recognized that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. Still, they wanted to go and look for Elijah and Elisha let them at their insistance. They looked for three days with no sign of Elijah.

Elisha purified the water of Jericho using salt, saying the Lord healed the water. As Elisha went to Bethel, he was jeered at by some youths. He cursed them and two bears mauled 42 of them. He then went to Mount Carmel and then to Samaria.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

7a) He allowed Elisha to have Elijah’s cloak. He allowed Elisha to part the Jordan River the same way Elijah had done. None of the company of prophets found Elijah.

b) In order to leave no doubt who would be taking Elijah’s place as God’s chosen spiritual leader after Elijah’s departure.

8a) It seems that Elisha took the insults personally and had the youth hurt. Plus, they are youth. Young people do dumb things and say dumb things. The punishment seems severe for just jeering.

b) It must have been in a malicious tone and against God to have such dire consequences. Plus, when you consider that they were mocking Elisha then they were also mocking God, then the punishment makes sense.

9) Matthew 7: 6-23 tells us that you can tell by their fruits or works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 tells us to have confidence in what we know is God’s word.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

It’s hard to read the jeering section. Yet, we were not there and cannot hear the tone of the youths (who may have been older since men lived longer back then). Odds are, the words were threatening and insulting enought for Elishat to ask God to intervene.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

The picking up of the cloak by Elisha demonstrated him picking up the torch passed from Elijah.

The parting of the Jordan River shows that Elisha inherited the same power that Elijah had since God answered Him.

By Elisha asking “Where it the God of Elijah?”, he’s asking where’s the God who performed miracles, provided for Elijah, and gave Elijah strength during his ministry? That’s the God Elisha is seeking (as we all should).

Remember that Joshua cursed anyone who rebuilt what God has destoryed (Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings16:34). God’s grace and mercy are unbounded here.

The youths were from Bethel that has many pagan places of worship. They basically told Elisha to die when they said “go up” referring to Elijah ascending to heaven. This thus mocked Elisha and the God he served, as well as rejected God. For most of us know, the consequences happen at death. Here, God sent a clear message the consequences of rejecting Him. God’s timing is always perfect.

Note Elisha cursed the men, but God provided the consequences. Elisha left it up to God to do this.

42 men is a lot and there were probably more. It could have been a mob jeering at Elisha, which could quickly get out of control and then needed to be dispersed before Elisha was hurt. Note the word “mauled.” It is possible these men were not killed, just hurt.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

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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