You may be able to see the connection between what you've written and the question, but you really need to make your thoughts explicit for those who are reading it. 'In so many words Joshua was saying to Him 'whose side are you on, are you on our side or on theirs?' And it will help you to understand better the story of this ordinary person whom God used in an extraordinary way. Bit of a strange answer don't you think? Saving faith realizes our purpose is to bring glory to God. The second stage is to do with a desire for God and a desire for His presence. So the two of them walked on. Bible Study Elisha's Journey How far do you want to go? Bethel is a throwback to Sinai, when the dwelling of God came to earth. Are we going to go through the gate, are we going to try and go under it, is there anything we can throw over the top? Ok, so you already know that Elisha went as far as the Jordan so no prizes there! Do this for six days . 587 BC. Is quantile regression a maximum likelihood method? In fact, God even commanded Joshua to take 12 stones from the midst of the Jordan and to set them as a memorial for the sons of Israel forever so that no one would forget what God had performed there. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. Elisha then left his family and friends in order to serve the Lord. And Bethel means the 'House of God'. Many 19th century church hymns talk of this crossing. After being miraculously fed by ravens, he later stayed with a widow and her son, and that family experienced God . And she ended up with gold! Article Images Copyright , What Christians Need to Know about Elijah and Elisha in the Bible. All Rights Reserved. Compiled & Edited by BST & Crosswalk Staff, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). Finally, after the Israelites left Sinai, they had circled the wilderness before arriving at the River Jordan. One day, the prophet Elijah spotted the young man Elisha plowing the field on his parents' farm, and Elijah literally threw his prophet cloak over him. 30, the It got to the final and everyone crashed, apart from one American girl! He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz. Before we look at the passage, let me ask you a question 'If you were to go to Gilgal in the days of the Israelites, what would you see?' Jesus teaches how to receive the Holy Spirit. Sorry, you have Javascript Disabled! OLD TESTAMENT. Elisha died and was buried. Elijah is initially presented in 1 Kings 17 as the seer who foretold a three-year drought in the land of Israel. He starts in Gilgal, which is a throwback to Egypt. Most theories stick with two cities named Gilgal: one in Samaria and one near Jericho. Even if it's a different Gilgal, the miraculous parting of the Jordan alone (and together with Jericho all the more) is enough in my mind to connect the narrative to Joshua. Joshua went up to him and asked, ' Are you for us or for our enemies?' Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. The king was looking for military help, Harry E. Shields with the Moody Bible Commentary explained, but the prophet realized that help ultimately comes from God. As he did throughout his ministry, Elisha pointed to the true source of life and power, the One True God. Jesus in Tyre and Sidon. If You Like these maps please click the button to "Like" us on Facebook. In light of the fact that separate Gilgal's are most likely in mind here, one perspective is that neither Elijah nor Elisha were retracing Joshua's conquest. Moody Bible Commentary. When it is Elijah's turn he boldly soaks the sacrament with water to display his supreme trust in God to start a fire despite being wet. What did the still small voice say to Elijah that drew him out of the cave in 1 Kings 19:12. This Gilgal may have been located in the area of modern Jiljulieh, approximately seven miles north of Bethel, which seems to preserve the ancient name. Jericho was the first city Israel conquered in the land and was claimed as the first fruits by the Lord so placed under the ban. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, please. 23* From there Elisha went up to Bethel. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Now I really enjoy the ice hockey and snow boarding. [1] I heard someone say one time that some theologians can tell you the distance from Jerusalem to Jericho but they can't tell you the distance from the heart of man to the heart of God. Once while some Israelites were boring a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the mans body into Elishas tomb. Carmel. It marked their journey into Canaan as one of war and dependence upon the Lord. 2 Kings 4 Elisha and Good Old Fashioned Kindness! But he said 'No, I haven't come to take sides. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. As mentioned earlier, Gilgal became a base of operations for the Israelite nation. Elijah said to Elisha, ' Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.' View towards the Mediterranean Sea from Mount Carmel (Hanay). Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, ' What message does my Lord have for his servant?' I love what Major Ian Thomas says about this. And the Lord doesn't come merely 'to help'. Notice that Jesus, while thinking of the cross, said that 'where I am, my servant will be also.' The World of the Old Testament. Through the corrupt reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah, God trusted in Elijah and Elisha to lead the charge for righteousness. Deen has the obvious biological advantage, Farrakhan married into the "royal family" and won many of its members to his side, and he also has remained far more faithful to Elijah Muhammad's basic message. Jordan (Josh. Elijah therefore followed this earthly pattern in a reverse imagery (if you will), so that when he crossed the Jordan he entered the rest of the heavenly Promised Land. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to . [1]Each of the four places mentioned are highly significant in Israel's history and I believe they are highly symbolic of stages in the Christians life. I would add that there is an equally important social introduction of Elisha as the replacement for Elijah. Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? Residing in the desert, Elijah is saved by God when ravens bring him food amidst the drought that he predicted. So people always used to go to Bethel to enquire of the Lord. * [2:125] The story of Elishas succession to Elijahs prophetic office is oddly set between the death of Ahaziah (1:17) and the accession of his successor (3:1). To which the guy answers 'No'. For Elisha it was a place of nurturing and growth. ; 6:21; 8:9; and 13:14, where King Joash of Israel reacts to Elishas own impending death with the same words Elisha uses here. So would Elisha go as far as the Jordan? Stopping short of Bethel at Shechem cost him dearly but he did return to Bethel. The prophecies and miracles of Elijah and Elisha were proof to them of the One True God. As she came down she tumbled over and she quickly tried to get to her feet to glide down to the finish line to get gold. ); it was also a Though Elisha did not leave the earth in the same way Elijah did, taken up in a whirlwind with the horses and chariot of fire appearing, this miracle is recorded in 2 Kings after his death. He was known as the one who poured water on the hands of Elijah. Mount Carmel and Elijahs flight to Beersheba. And I was watching the women's border cross (snow board racing down a narrow track with jumps and berms). In fact, this saying is repeated in all four gospels (sometimes more than once) and is one of His most frequent sayings! Copyright 2023 iBible Maps. . iv. You are not a symbol. Though Elijah and Elisha are the prophets of the northern Israel, their travelling routes indicate their status and position as the prophets representing both kingdoms of Israel and Judah. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Jesus journeys among the Gentiles. Elisha's Journey - How far do you want to go? So they went to Jericho. Features compelling facts and clear teaching about Elijahs extraordinary life, Youll follow the prophets footsteps from his humble beginnings in Tishbe, to his dramatic exit into heaven on the far side of the Jordan River. I don't know about you but it's hard living in this world. Can you imagine how she must have been kicking herself? These cities are considered to be special locations where there were schools for groups of prophets. I am going to carry on, press on right to the very goal. The Jordan, like the Israelites Red Sea experience, speaks to us of baptism - death and resurrection. Elijah was sent to show Israel the evil of their ways and encourage them to return to the Lord. We are back to where we were at the end of the first study on Elisha. When I was thinking about those four places, in dawned on me that there is a well know New Testament passage that corresponds to each of these locations. 13and picked up the mantle which had fallen from Elijah. When the body touched Elishas bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet. 2 Kings 13:20-21. Elisha's Journey Bible Study - Gilgal Bethel Jericho Jordan. An angel appears to him there, sitting under the broom tree . Elijah went to Ahaziah and declared the king would die from his sickness, a prophecy that was soon filled. joram. Briefly, the cities seem to have historical significance. true. What are the priests of the second order? 20 Then Elisha left his oxen. Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? I have come to take over! And it's the same with us. Think also of the second girl who went on to get gold. Paul's Fourth and Fifth Missionary Journeys. He cried out, My father! All rights reserved. Bethel: House of God, which contains His Presence, Jericho: Walk by Faith because God has taken over. The location of Gilgal is crucial in this response - the Gilgal mentioned in the battles of Joshua is most likely not the same location as that mentioned in the travels of Elijah and Elisha. Photo Credit: Getty Images/BibleArtLibrary Babylonian Captivity. Could very old employee stock options still be accessible and viable? Victorious over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Elijah found Elisha plowing in a field and placed his cloak over his shoulders. Horeb to escape the wrath of Queen Jezebel. 3 et seq. So Gilgal speaks of being separate Bethel speaks of the presence of God and Jericho teaches about the walk of faith. After all, Elijah told him too. And so, if we were going to boil it down to one word, Gilgal symbolically stands for 'separation' - being separated from the past and being separated unto God. 25From there he went to Mount Carmel, and returned to Samaria from there. While gathering or hanging out, Elisha performed some miracles for the young prophets to see. 'You Raise Me Up' Duet Earns A Standing Ovation From The Judges, 7 Tests to See if Your Worship Is Truly Christian or Pagan, 3 Bad Church Approaches to Good Money Stewardship, 5 Critical Rules to Teach Your Kids to Help Them Stay Safe, 4 Things You Should Know about Jesus Revolution, Jesus on Adultery: Its More Controversial Than You Think, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. The miracle at Elishas grave was an immediate reminder of this man of God and the miracles which were worked through his life, and a nudge for us to keep firm faith in every part of Gods word. The passage is full of feeling and pathos. Be still., 4Elijah said to him, Elisha, stay here, please. The third group of men was led by a commander who pleaded for mercy and was spared retribution. . Elijah is coming to the final stage of transference to Elisha, who had followed Elijah for the last 14 years. This helpful resource shows the key events in the life of Elijah and where they occurred. [4] You can imagine Joshua trying to explain what they were going to do to his generals and the people of Israel. But that's another matter. And He's more than any earthly father could ever be. Acts 29! He said 'Contentment with earthly goods is the mark of a saint. Why wasn't Elijah's credibility affected after unclean birds (ravens) fed him for so long? It is so important to not just talk the talk, but to actually walk the walk in the Christian life. 8, xi. Because we all try so very hard to hang on to all that we think is ours our possessions, our rights, our independence, our wisdom, our strength And yet, standing against all this is an eternal principle that does not move. Israel Becomes A Kingdom. Absolutely! Nor, do we in the present age. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. : the words in Hebrew have an incantatory quality, as if Elisha is invoking both the divine name and the name of his departed master in an attempt to duplicate Elijahs miracle. Last but not least, Elijah did not experience physical death. The Bible story of Elijah and Elisha is found in both books of Kings from the Old Testament. [7] I was watching the Winter Olympics recently. What I wanted to do in this study is actually look at the four places mentioned in 2 Kings 2:1-6. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. NIV Application Commentary. You are not a force. It shows the images with a short description of what is happening in each scene. The journey continued to Jericho. She ended up coming second. They crossed Jordan, entered the Promsied Land but began the battle. By asking Elijah to remain in each locale, Elijah was essentially testing Elisha, since Elisha was his protg. Kristi Woods, Elijah and the Miracle of Fire from Heaven Perhaps the spirit of the LORD has lifted him up and left him on some mountain or in some valley. He answered, Do not send them.e His words about Elijah are not "my mentor" but rather "my father." If You Like these maps please click the button to Like us on Facebook. 3 The guild prophets who were in Bethel went . 4, v. 5; Hosea iv. Now, what does that mean for us? 3The guild prophets who were in Bethel went out to Elisha and asked him, Do you know that today the LORD will take your master from you? He replied, Yes, I know that. 2:2, 4, 6). seem to be identical with the city visited by Samuel (I Sam. Joshua had circled the city before destroying it. 5 Things You Should Know about the ESV Bible Translation. They would be thinking -'RIGHT - who else have we got for a leader! Spiritual meaning ofBethel (House of God), 2 Kings 2;2 Elijah said to Elisha, 'Stay here; the LORD has sent me to Bethel.' 15), is They would be thinking 'OK right, are we looking for a way in here? Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. passage supporting these identifications, is, however, rather doubtful Alright here is a difficult question. Bethel is a throwback to Sinai, when the dwelling of God came to earth. 22And the water has stayed pure even to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. iv. The author of 2 Kings records Elijahs body being swiftly taken up to heaven, without having to experience an earthly death. My question, though, still is why? It is probably a story that many Sunday school participants hear many times. Bethel is the House of God and Jericho means the first fruit. Acceptance of the Trans-jordan as part of Israel was a deal worked out between Moses and the 2 & 1/2 tribes. His ways bring glory to the one who truly deserves the glory - God! In the NFL, much is made of "coaching trees." Bethel has negative connotations during the kings as a center of idolatry but for Jacob it was a godly site. You are not a projection of our imagination. Elijah's Last Journey This worksheet is about Elijah's last journey (2 Kings 2). Elijah is on a journey to the eternal land of God's rest. The Bible story of Elijah and Elisha is found in both books of Kings from the Old Testament. But it was no ordinary battle obviously. She forgot what was behind and pressed on with her goal. The sum seems to be a reminder that these folks were pilgrims in the land looking for the greater city. 18When they returned to Elisha in Jericho, where he was staying, he said to them, Did I not tell you not to go?. 5The guild prophets who were in Jericho approached Elisha and asked him, Do you know that today the LORD will take your master from you? He replied, Yes, I know that. Elijah must ensured Elisha will continue his legacy to restore God's Kingdom in Isreal. God inspired 1 and 2 Kings to retell the history of his people and remind them of his promises, assure them that his promises had not failed, David Mathis explains on desiringGod.org, and declare that his word remained as sure as ever.. At each step of the journey Elijah was saying 'stay here, don't go any further' and he was testing Elisha to see if Elisha would stay with him and how much Elisha wanted to follow him and to be with him. He ran after Elijah. Elisha Performed Double the Miracles of Elijah, When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you? Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit, Elisha replied. Moses could not enter but Joshua let Israel on their journey across the Jordan (on dry ground) just like Egypt and Elijah (2:8). The LORD has sent me on to Bethel." Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. Jericho therefore was a throwback to the (circular) wilderness wanderings, where the desert was a place of death and unfruitfulness (2 Kings 2:22). Then he went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. Elisha selected as Elijah's successor at Abel Meholah. Get a bible dictionary if you're after that. Elijah and Elisha illustrate the way in which a holy friendship helps us draw close to God. You will remember that God miraculously separated the waters as the Israelites passed through on dry ground. Their route, which can easily be missed or dismissed as insignificant, actually seems to be critical to understanding the entire episode. A free Story Planner PDF can be downloaded. Where it all starts: Spiritual meaning of Gilgal (Separation). and it is mentioned as a place of sacrifice in I Sam. He had been in the very presence of the Lord. It does not appear that Elijah is retracing Joshua's journey although there is some overlap. 24The prophet turned and saw them, and he cursed them in the name of the LORD. He went into heaven, and therefore heaven is a literal place. God places people in our lives purposefully. High Resolution Map. Be still.. (Walk by faith and not righteousness or strength). The first are these stones that were set up as a monument and a reminder so that anyone that looked at them would remember that God is alive and well. Elijah Taken Up to Heaven 2 When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. The principle that states that unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides ALONE. Elijah and Elishas joined legacy proceeded to help Israel even after their lives. Walk on with the Lord. Among the many who profess the Christian faith, scarcely one in a thousand reveal any passionate thirst for God.'. So what did they have to do? Faith also II Sam. Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.' To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. All rights reserved. Elijah and Elisha are two of the most well-known prophets of Israel. This is evidenced from the language employed by Luke 24:49 "being clothed with power from on high". Discover how the intersection of your passion and Gods purpose is the key to empowerment in your life. , & quot ; Stay here, please within a single location that structured... Field and placed his cloak over his shoulders testing Elisha, & quot ; Stay here ; the.! And declared the king would die from his sickness, a prophecy that was soon.! Social introduction of Elisha as the Israelites Red Sea experience, speaks us. Of Kings from the Old Testament single location that is structured and to. 25From there he went to Mount Carmel ( Hanay ) Ian Thomas says about this Israelites Sinai!, a prophecy that was soon filled from Elijah greater city that states that unless a grain of falls. Word Elisha had spoken a commander who pleaded for mercy and was spared retribution Separation.! Carmel, and he cursed them in the Bible story of this ordinary person God... Imagine How she must have been kicking herself key to empowerment in life... Experienced God. 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