2 Kings 1 — Elijah Denounces Ahaziah
2 Kings 2:1-14 — Elijah Taken to Heaven
2 Kings 2:15-25 — Elisha Succeeds Elijah
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The narrative in 2 Kings 1 provides a dramatic graphic image of Elijah calling down fire on men who disrespected God. Apparently they thought they could command Elijah and have him renounce his prophecy about Ahaziah’s pending death due to his injuries. That didn’t go well for the first two companies of men (captain + 50 men), but the third captain was smart enough to pay respect to Elijah, humble himself and ask Elijah to comply with his request (he was just doing as ordered!). Elijah went with the captain, but that didn’t change the prophecy–Ahaziah dies and is succeeded by Joram.
In chapter 2, Elijah is called up to heaven in a whirlwind and Elisha takes his place with “a double portion” of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9). Now, considering that just a few verses ago, Elijah called down fire from heaven and consumed two companies of 50 men, Elisha must know he has a powerful presence of the Lord. Elijah warns him he’s asked for “a difficult thing” (2 Kings 2:10), truly an awesome burden of great responsibility. Elisha is confident (not arrogant) and has demonstrated his loyalty by assuring Elijah he will stay with him as long as he can and makes good on that promise.
After Elijah is taken up, the company of prophets insist on looking for him–they must have thought he was caught up in a tornado and set down some other location. Elisha concedes to let them search (“they persisted until he was to embarrassed to refuse” (2 Kings 2:17), even though he knew God had drawn him up to heaven.
Here it seems Elisha becomes the incumbent prophet with great humility, but not afraid to act. His response to the persistent prophets and the healing of the water in 2 Kings 2:19-22 shows his patience, but the “boys” that act arrogantly toward him discover his humility and patience has its limits when 42 boys are mauled by bears! (2:24).
These chapters demonstrate obedience and loyalty is greatly rewarded. It’s a nice break from the deception and death that surrounds much of the narrative in these books. Given the Holy Spirit resides in us as we come to Christ, we should truly understand we can actually ask God for anything in his name and for his purpose and know God will deliver. I hope and pray that God will keep reminding me to be humble, to simply obey his commands and carefully listen to his voice, yet not be afraid to act, not to fear doing what he calls us to do. There is much work to do in this world, we need to be serious about our great commission and follow God’s bidding to work the field!