By James R. Strange, Ph.D.
Professor of Biblical and Religious studies, Samford University
GOD’S HAND IN CALLING US TO SERVE
1 Kings 19:19–21; 2 Kings 2:7–15
Today we begin a five-week series on seeing the hand of God working in the ministry of Elisha, the ninth-century B.C. Israelite prophet who succeeded Elijah. We know little about Elisha. He is a farmer, his father’s name is Shaphat (1 Kings 19:16) and he is from Gilgal near Jericho (2 Kings 4:38).
When we first meet Elisha, Elijah has received new instructions from God. The older prophet has been a worker of miracles, but now he is to anoint Hazael to be king of Aram (Syria) and Jehu to be king of Israel.
In the only biblical instance of one prophet appointing another, he is to anoint Elisha to replace himself. It turns out that Elisha will anoint the two kings.
Respond to God’s leadership with all-in obedience. (1 Kings 19:19–21)
Twenty-four oxen (“12 teams”) is an astounding number of animals to pull a plow. One implication is that Elisha is stupendously wealthy. This also symbolizes the 12 tribes of Israel, and these two prophets indeed traverse the territories of the tribes as if Judah and Israel are still united.
Elisha’s response to receiving Elijah’s mantle anticipates what four Galilean fishermen and one tax collector will do when Jesus calls them. He leaves everything to become Elijah’s servant.
Elisha’s request to turn back and kiss his parents anticipates Matthew 8:21–22 and Luke 9:59–60. Instead of doing what he asked, however, Elisha slaughters the oxen to feed “the people,” burning the yokes to boil the flesh. The act is extravagant and signifies both his devotion to his new role and God’s care for Israel.
Boldly ask for God’s presence as you serve. (2 Kings 2:7–11)
As the pair meander from Gilgal to the Jordan River, three times Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind, and three times Elisha refuses with an oath. The references to Gilgal and Jericho and the miracle of parting the Jordan River recapitulate the miraculous crossing under Aaron’s leadership (Josh. 3–4).
That event, of course, echoes the parting of the Red Sea and the deliverance from Egypt under Moses. These miracles signify that the One who separated the primordial waters on Day 2 of creation (Gen. 1:6–8) is still at work among His people.
Elisha’s request for “two shares of your spirit” places him in the role of the eldest son (Deut. 21:17), but he receives a spiritual inheritance rather than property.
Fiery horses pulling a fiery chariot separate the two men, and a whirlwind bears Elijah into heaven. That Elijah did not die supports Israelite and Jewish expectations of his return (Mal. 4:5–6) and explains some opinions that Jesus was the prophet, sent to bring Israel to repentance before the great and terrible Day of the Lord (Matt. 16:14, Mark 8:28, Luke 9:19).
Rely on God’s power to do God’s work. (12–15)
The meaning of Elisha’s cry is uncertain. Perhaps he exclaims that the heavenly cavalry fights on the side of God’s people if they remain obedient to the Lord.
Elisha expresses his anguish that his spiritual father has left him, mourning like anyone who suffers loss, even those who know that death isn’t the end.
By taking up Elijah’s mantle, Elisha signals his acceptance of his role. By parting the Jordan as Elijah had, he demonstrates that he has received the prophetic spirit that he requested.
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