Podcast 74, Story of Elijah, “Pt 8”

Regardless of where Elijah is there is spectacle. No other prophet is more dramatic than Elijah. He comes in like a whirlwind and leaves in a whirlwind. He controls every situation, making kings bow to his power. The best known story of Elijah is being taken up in a chariot of fire, not tasting death. The story is recorded in 2 Kings 2.

2 Kings 2

And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

Elisha, another extraordinary prophet, is Elijah’s companion and protégé. Elijah, who knows that his mission as prophet to Israel is at an end has hand selected Elisha to take his place. He appears to be testing Elisha to see if he is qualified.

2 Kings 2:2

And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el.

The distance to Beth-el is about twenty miles, but it is a very hard journey on foot. Jerico is -800 ft below sea level. Bethel is about 3000 ft above sea level. The terrain is a dry desert, rocky winding trails, high temperatures and scarce water. Elisha passes the first test. He is willing to take the difficult journey with his master. They are observed by ‘the sons of the prophets.’ The “sons of the prophets” who remain nameless, do not refer to actual children of the prophets. It appears to be more like a school of the prophets. They look to Elijah and Elisha as tutors. They appear to always be in large groups who apparently give their lives to studying the prophets.

They are not all genuine, however. We read in Micah.

Micah 3:9-12

Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity. They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us. Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.

Othe other hand, many are genuine, and have revelations from God. They appear to be more like students of scripture or observers of the Lord’s anointed.

2 Kings 2:3

And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

Again, Elijah tests Elisha.

2 Kings 2:4

And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

We meet more of the sons of the prophets.

2 Kings 2:5

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

The sons of the prophets recognize the relationship between Elijah and Elisha, and they also recognize that Elijah is the chosen prophet and Elisha is his protégé.

Remember Elijah and Elisha were just in Gilgal, which is near the Jordan River, only 2 miles from Jericho. Now Elijah is retracing his steps. Elisha must think it odd; nonetheless, he does not question his master nor will he leave his master.