CONTENTS This is an interesting Chapter, in that it contains the history of the removal of Elijah to heaven, and of establishing Elisha as his successor in the prophetical office upon earth: the dividing of Jordan; healing the waters: the children mocking Elisha, torn and destroyed. 2 Kings 2:1 Th... [ Continue Reading ]
It should seem that Elisha, as well as Elijah, had the knowledge of the great event about to be wrought. And indeed it was generally known, among the sons of the prophets. By what means the revelation was made is not said. But of what were the feelings of the school of the prophets, and of Elisha, o... [ Continue Reading ]
That sacred river Jordan, what miracles have been wrought upon it! Here it was that Joshua, as a type of the Lord Jesus, made so illustrious an appearance. See Joshua 3:1. Header! as the ark which was always considered a lively type and symbol of God's presence, made to Joshua a dry and safe passage... [ Continue Reading ]
Elijah's question differs from Elisha's answer. What shall I do for thee! Whereas what Elisha desired, was not what Elijah could do. He had not the gifts of the spirit at his disposal. The departing prophet therefore seems to have referred it to the Lord, and to leave the decision of it in its being... [ Continue Reading ]
Instead of unprofitable and improper enquiries concerning this event, I would rather refer the Reader to the consideration, how lively a type the prophet was, in this instance, of his divine master. And is it not probable (for I beg it may be understood that I do not presume to say as much) that fro... [ Continue Reading ]
Hereby Elisha gave proof that the petition he had asked was granted. The renting of his garment perhaps had a greater signification than the mere expression of grief.... [ Continue Reading ]
Hereby the Lord gave a decisive testimony that Elisha was by him appointed the successor of his servant Elijah, Oh! that all who minister in holy things were careful to be convinced, that they carried with them their credentials.... [ Continue Reading ]
There is somewhat mysterious in those verses. That the sons of the prophets should be so destitute of faith, and Elisha suffer himself to be led away to the permission of what is here said appears so truly unaccountable, that I confess I know not in what sense to consider the passage. If the whole a... [ Continue Reading ]
Here Elisha enters upon his ministry. And a lovely service it was to heal the barren and corrupt waters of Jericho. Like the waters of Marah the appointed remedy cast in by the Lord's command became efficacious to both. Reader! remark with me, that this remedy in both cases was of the Lord; and the... [ Continue Reading ]
In this destruction of the wicked children there is more evidently implied than is here related. If we look into the book of the Chronicles, and compare what is there said with what, from this book of the Kings, we learn of the present despised and low estate of the church, we shall discover that to... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS I PASS over all lesser considerations in the perusal of this chapter, to behold with all suitable thankfulness to the Lord, as the gracious author of the mercy, thy happy privilege Elijah, whom thy God was pleased to take to himself in glory, without passing through the dark valley of th... [ Continue Reading ]