Sabbath, November 2 – 2 Kings 2, 3 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 17, “The Call of Elisha”

1. Why did the king of Judah express respect for the prophet Elisha when he was called to consult about Israel’s war against Moab? (2 Kings 3:14)

2. What sacrifice did the king of Moab offer to his god on the wall of Kir-hareseth? (2 Kings 3:27)

Commentary and Reflection:

“The schools of the prophets, established by Samuel, had fallen into decay during the years of Israel’s apostasy. Elijah re-established these schools, making provision for young men to gain an education that would lead them to magnify the law and make it honorable. Three of these schools, one at Gilgal, one at Bethel, and one at Jericho, are mentioned in the record. Just before Elijah was taken to heaven, he and Elisha visited these centers of training. The lessons that the prophet of God had given them on former visits, he now repeated. Especially did he instruct them concerning their high privilege of loyally maintaining their allegiance to the God of heaven. He also impressed upon their minds the importance of letting simplicity mark every feature of their education. Only in this way could they receive the mold of heaven and go forth to work in the ways of the Lord.” (PK 225)

“Unknown to Elijah, the revelation that he was to be translated had been made known to his disciples in the schools of the prophets, and in particular to Elisha. And now the tried servant of the man of God kept close beside him. As often as the invitation to turn back was given, his answer was, ‘As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.’” (PK 225)

“As Elijah was about to take leave of his faithful servant and disciple, he gave Elisha the privilege of asking for whatever was in his heart. Elisha might have asked for temporal or material favor—riches, fame, wisdom, worldly honor and glory, a place among the great leaders of earth, or a life of ease and pleasure as contrasted with Elijah’s life of hardship and privation. But he asked for none of these. What he wanted most was to carry on the same work that Elijah had carried on, and in the same spirit and power. To do that he would need the same grace and the same help of the Spirit of God.” SDABC, 2 Kings 2:9

“What he was asking for was an acknowledgment of a spiritual birthright, that he might be regarded as the first-born spiritual son of the elder prophet, and that he might thus be enabled to continue the work begun by Elijah.” (SDA Bible Commentary, 2 Kings 2:9)

“The “chariots of God” were evidently the angels (see Ps. 68:17). The angels are God’s messengers, “sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb. 1:14).” (SDA Bible Commentary, 2 Kings 2:11)

“Elijah was a type of the living saints in the last days who will be translated without seeing death.” (SDA Bible Commentary, 2 Kings 2:11)

“Elisha was a man of mild and kindly spirit; but that he could also be stern is shown by his course when, on the way to Bethel, he was mocked by ungodly youth who had come out of the city. These youth had heard of Elijah’s ascension, and they made this solemn event the subject of their jeers, saying to Elisha, “Go up, thou bald head; go up,, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!’ Hearing their mocking words, the prophet turned around, and under the inspiration of the Almighty, pronounced a curse upon them. The terrifying punishment that followed came from God: ‘And two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.’” (2 Kings 2:23-24)

Had Elisha allowed the mockery to pass unnoticed, he would have continued to be ridiculed and reviled by the rabble, and his mission to instruct and save in a time of grave national peril might have been defeated. This one instance of terrible severity was sufficient to command respect throughout his life.” (PK 235, 236)

Despite the confidence expressed by Joram, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah and a man who feared God, insisted on consulting the prophet of the Lord. He who relies on his means goes into battle on his own. But he who acknowledges the Lord does not go into battle or goes on his way without consulting Him.

We must make it a habit to seek God’s direction in every decision and every dilemma. We should surrender our will to Him and submit to His guidance every morning. Rather than following the practices of the world or the inclinations of the heart, we must seek the testimony of the prophets.

May God grant you a day under His direction.