2 Reis 2
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
2 Reis 2
NJB (MT versing) Elijah Taken to Heaven Elijah Ascends to Heaven Elijah, Taken Up to Heaven, Is Succeeded by Elisha 1:17-2:3 Elijah Is Taken Up to Heaven Elijah Is Taken Up to Heaven and Elisha Succeeds Him 2:1-3 2:1-3 2:1-2a 2:1-6 2:2b 2:3a 2:3b 2:4-6 2:4-8 2:4-5 2:4a 2:4b 2:5a 2:5b 2:6-8 2:6a 2:6b-9a 2:7-8 2:7-13 2:9-14 2:9-11 2:9-12 2:9b 2:10 2:11-12a 2:12-18 2:12b-16a 2:13-14 Elisha Succeeds Elijah 2:14-18 2:15-18 2:15-18 2:16b 2:17-18 Elisha Performs Miracles Miracles of Elisha Two Miracles of Elisha 2:19-22 2:19-22 2:19-22 2:19 2:19-22 2:20-22 2:23-25 2:23-25 2:23-25 2:23 2:23-25 2:24 2:25 Etc.
2 Reis 2:1-3
2:1 "And it came about" The historical books of the Bible are not structured in temporal chronology. This chapter is out of chronological order; note 2 Chr. 21:12, where Elijah is still present in the fifth year of Jehoram of Israel (Cook, p. 228 and Gleason Archer, Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, pp. 226-227). ▣ "take up Elijah by a whirlwind to heaven" It was well known by the "sons of the prophets" (cf. vv. 3,5,7) that Elijah was going to ascend into YHWH's presence. Only Elijah and Enoch (Gen. 5:24) were rewarded this honor. Almost all people go to the realm of the dead, Sheol, at death. We must distinguish between translation ‒ Enoch and Elijah resuscitation, brought back to physical life but must die again resurrection, a new body prepared for eternity (only Jesus, so far) SPECIAL TOPIC: WHERE ARE THE DEAD? SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HEAVENS AND THE THIRD HEAVEN ▣ "by a whirlwind" In Isaiah 66:15 both the chariot of God and the whirlwind are YHWH's servants in judgment, but here, for blessing. This same dualism is connected to the whirlwind. for judgment ‒ Ps. 107:25: Isa. 29:6; 40:24; 41:16; Jer. 23:19; 30:23; Ezek. 13:11,13; in Job 1:19 it is called "a great wind," in Jonah 1:4 called "a great wind. . .a great storm" a symbol of YHWH's presence ‒ Job 38:1; 40:6; Ps. 48:8; Ezek. 1:4; in Zech. 9:14 as "strong winds from the south"; in 1 Kgs. 19:11 it is called "a great and strong wind" 2:2 Elijah asks Elisha three times to let him go unattended but Elisha refuses each time. The reason for this is uncertain. Elijah wanted to be alone it was a test of Elisha's character ▣ "As the Lord lives" This is a word play on the VERB "to be" (cf. Exod. 3:14) and the covenant name of God, YHWH, which is a form of this VERB. YHWH is the only-living, ever-living God. SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D 2:3 "the sons of the prophets" The prophetic movement started as a communal group with one main leader. It was often ecstatic in form (cf. 1 Sam. 10:9-10). Apparently there were groups in several places. SPECIAL TOPIC: PROPHECY (OT) ▣ "be still" This VERB (BDB 364, KB 361, Hiphil IMPERATIVE) is directed at the sons of the prophets in two locations. Apparently Elijah did not want witnesses at his ascension. Initially he did not even want Elisha. Elisha bids the prophetic guilds not to make known the information they had.
2 Reis 2:7-8
2:8 "mantle" See note at 1 Kgs. 19:13,19 and NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 276, #3. ▣ "folded" NKJV, NRSV, TEV, REB, JPSOA, LXX "rolled" "wrapped" This VERB (BDB 166, KB 194, Qal IMPERFECT with waw) occurs only here. It can mean wrap up fold together The translation "roll" comes from a similar root (KB 193) a gesture to mimic Moses' rod striking the Red Sea ▣ "struck the waters" This was to demonstrate his status as a prophet. This type of event occurred during the exodus ‒ Exodus 14; Ps. 114:3-5 crossing the Jordan by Joshua and Israel ‒ Joshua 3-4 and now here later in v. 14, where Elisha's leadership is confirmed YHWH's control of water is a major theme of the OT. SPECIAL TOPIC: WATERS
2 Reis 2:9-14
2:9 "Elisha" He is first mentioned in 1 Kgs. 19:16. ▣ "Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me" In English this sounds like a tremendously egotistical request, but apparently it is related to the Hebrew concept of double inheritance to the firstborn (cf. Deut. 21:17). Elisha wanted to be just like Elijah! Rabbinical sources see this as referring to the number of recorded miracles done by each one of these prophets. Elisha had twice as many (Jewish Study Bible, p. 728). ▣ "your spirit" Notice how this is used of YHWH's presence in v. 16. SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE 2:10 Elijah knew he did not have the authority to answer this request. But "if" Elisha was allowed by YHWH to see the spiritual realm (i.e., 2 Kings 6), then the request would be granted. 2:11 "a chariot of fire and the horses of fire" This chariot of fire was a manifestation of the presence of YHWH. It is similar to the portable throne chariot of Ezekiel 1 and 10. It may also be imagery for YHWH as the Divine Warrior on Israel's behalf (i.e., from the Conquest Period of Holy War). Note the PLURAL in v. 12. ▣ "separated the two of them" Elijah's ministry was over but Elisha's was just beginning. ▣ "went up by a whirlwind to heaven" This was the means of his ascension. See full note at v. 1. 2:12 "My father, my father" It seems that Elijah was the head of the prophetic band mentioned in v. 7 and possibly their title for him was "My father" (cf. 2 Kgs. 13:14). It could also be a title for a prophet from his protege. ▣ "the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" This has two possible orientations. Elisha was allowed to see the spiritual realm, which is always present (i.e., 2 Kgs. 6:11-17). This was imagery for Elijah himself, who was better for Israel than any military force (i.e., Targums). ▣ "he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces" This refers to one of three things. possible sorrow over their friendship being broken awareness of the spiritual realm (seeing YHWH's personal presence brought fear) the dividing of the garment is symbolic that Elijah and Elisha's ministry has now been separated SPECIAL TOPIC: CAN HUMANS SEE GOD AND LIVE? 2:13 The mantle was an outward symbol of the prophetic office. 2:14 "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" In English this seems to be a statement of Elisha's lack of faith, but contextually it relates to YHWH's performing signs so that the prophetic band still watching on the hill would know for certain that Elisha is the successor of Elijah (cf. v. 15). However, the LXX picks up on the repetition of the VERB "struck" and assumes the Jordan did not part on Elisha's first attempt.
2 Reis 2:15-18
2:16 "the Spirit of the Lord" This suggestion by the sons of the prophets related to the Spirit transporting someone goes back to 1 Kgs. 18:12 (also note Acts 8:39). Even in the OT there are some hints of the personhood of the Spirit. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE TRINITY SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PERSONHOOD OF THE SPIRIT SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE
2 Reis 2:19-22
2:19-22 This is one example of Elisha's ministry. He was able by YHWH's power and wisdom to help people. I do not think the salt was a chemical solution to the problem, but represented YHWH's power. 2:19 The spring, apparently near Jericho, was somehow polluted. There has been much speculation on how/what. To promote and verify Elisha's ministry of blessing, YHWH "healed" this stream. No more problem for man or beast. Later in history a good spring near Jericho is called "Elisha's spring." 2:22 "to this day" This is a textual marker for a later scribe/editor (cf. 2 Kgs. 8:22; 10:27; 14:7; 16:6; 17:23).
2 Reis 2:23-25
2:23-24 This is truly a strange account. The key must be in the motive and actions of the young men (youths, BDB 881 I) and the nature of the term "baldheaded" (BDB 901). Elisha is immediately presented as compassionate but a man of YHWH to be respected. He distributed both blessings and cursings in YHWH's name. Although we are uncertain of the motives and implications of the term "baldheaded," it is obvious that this was an attack on YHWH and His sovereignty! This was not just a name calling incident (i.e., some Greek MSS add the verb "and stone him"). Remember, Bethel was the location of one of the infamous golden calves and center for Ba'al worship. These lads had heard their parents talk! See Hard Sayings of the Bible, pp. 232-234. 2:24 "in the name of the Lord" See SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" OF THE Lord, D. ▣ "two female bears came out of the woods" At this period the area of the Jordan Valley was wooded and had Syrian bears. Why "two female bears" is uncertain, unless they were protective of their cubs in the woods.