2 Kings 2:1-27

SECTION 7. Elisha Enters Canaan To Take Possession Of It For YHWH And Moab's Rebellion Against Israel Is Put Down With Tragic Consequences (2 Kings 2:1 to 2 Kings 3:27).

In our view the entry of Elisha into Canaan by parting the Jordan and advancing on Jericho and Bethel (following Elijah's reverse procedure, and following in Joshua's footsteps) indicated quite clearly that Elisha was to be seen as representing the true Israel advancing in order to claim Canaan for YHWH. (We can compare later Jesus Christ's advance out of Egypt for a similar reason in Matthew 2:15). This was then followed by an indication of what he had come to do, bring blessing and life to the faithful, and cursing and death on the unbelieving.

Following this we then have an example of rebellion as Moab rebelled against Israel. It was a rebellion in which the forces of YHWH were blessed with the provision of water, while Moab was cursed through the action of its king in sacrificing his own son in order to end the siege.

Section Analysis.

1). The entry of Elisha into Canaan against a rebellious Israel, and his provision of fresh water for the believing, and his cursing of the unbelieving (2 Kings 2:1).

This can be divided into:

A. The taking up of Elijah and entry into Canaan of Elisha (2 Kings 2:1).  B. The purifying of the waters at Jericho (2 Kings 2:19).  C. The cursing of the mockers at Bethel (2 Kings 2:23).

2). The entry of Israel Judah and Edom into Moab against a rebellious Moab and the provision of fresh water by YHWH for His people, while the king of Moab had to offer up his own son as a burnt-offering bringing a curse on himself and wrath on Israel (2 Kings 3:1).