2 Reis 2
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Reis 2
MacArthur adds that "Although some take this to be the Gilgal located W of the Jordan River near Jericho (cf. Jos 4:19; 5:9), the close affinity to Bethel (v. 2) and its distance from Jericho (v. 4) seem to indicate that the Gilgal mentioned here was located in the hill country of Ephraim about 7 mi. N of Bethel. (See MacArthur Study Bible)
2 Reis 2
MacArthur: Elijah rolled up his cloak into a kind of rod and struck the water of the Jordan River. Immediately, the water parted, leaving a dry path through the river bed for the two prophets to cross. Elijah’s act recalled Moses’ parting of the Red Sea with his rod (Ex 14:21, 22) and the parting of the Jordan when Israel crossed over into the Land (Jos 3:14-17). The crossing put Elijah on the Jordan’s East bank, the area where Moses’ life came to an end (Dt 34:1-6). (See The MacArthur Study Bible) Where God's finger points, God's hand will make a way. Rod Mattoon - God parted the water and He also dried their path across so they would not be trampling through a bunch of mud and filth. The river was an obstacle and God took care of it. By the way, the Lord can take care of your obstacles, too. F. B. Meyer said, "Where God's finger points, God's hand will make a way." He can clear a path through your difficulties. Amen! (cf Isa 43:16) Let me draw your attention to a great lesson here. Elijah is at the end of his life on earth before God takes him, but even in his senior years, he does great things for God. You may be in your senior years, but that does NOT mean God is finished with you. There are great things you can do for the Lord until He calls you home. You can work, invite people to church, witness for Christ, pray, sing, encourage others, write letters, give, and teach Bible truths to your family and friends. We have several of our missionaries that are in their eighties, still serving the Lord on the mission field. I know a number of preachers that are still pastoring and preaching and they are in their eighties. Praise the Lord! When it comes to serving the Lord, if you are on the bench you are there because you chose to be there. If you want to get in the game, then live for God and serve Him. Put Christ first in your life. If there are matters you need to get right with God or people, then get them right. Paul said in Romans 12:11, "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." You can be used of the Lord if you want to be used and be a blessing. You do play an important part. (See Redeem the Time) Bob