2 Kings 13-15: Elisha's Death & 8 Kings of Israel

A consequence of this disloyalty to God is the instability of their throne. There is a constant struggle for the throne as worldly ideas pollute the people of Israel. Instead of being content to appoint God's heir to the throne, they vie for power and kill for what they desire.

Introduction

2 Kings 13-15 details the succession of many kings in the northern kingdom. Although Judah also struggled to be faithful to God, Israel remained in sin without God-fearing kings for majority of it's existence. A consequence of this disloyalty to God is the instability of their throne. There is a constant struggle for the throne as worldly ideas pollute the people of Israel. Instead of being content to appoint God's heir to the throne, they vie for power and kill for what they desire.
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Jehoahaz

Jehu's son, Jehoahaz, becomes king of Israel during the 23rd year of Judah's king Ahaziah. He continued to lead Israel down evil paths during his 17 year reign. Because of this, God allows Syria to over take Israel. Eventually Jehoahaz calls on God for aid. Per God's covenant that He would never completely abandon them, He sends a savior, but Israel does not repent or return to God.

God's decision to rescue Jehoahaz and the northern kingdom when they called on Him, despite knowing that they would not truly repent should remind us that we are never wrong to seek out God. God wants us to come back to Him and will always give us that chance, no matter what we have done. Of course, when we choose to seek out God, we should also choose to repent and follow God from then on out (unlike Jehoahaz).
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Jehoash

Once again, we find a king that shares his name with another king. This makes it crucial that when reading Kings and Chronicles, we pay close attention to determine who is being discussed. Jehoash of Israel not only shares a name with Jehoash of Judah, but their reigns overlap. Jehoash of Israel reigns for 26 years and is caught up in the re-ignition of the war with the southern kingdom. He is challenged by Jehoash of Judah's son Amaziah, and although he is reluctant to go to battle, eventually Jehoash delivers a crushing blow to Judah.

It is sad to read that while Syria and Assyria were battering the people of God, they were battling themselves. This problem occurs throughout the world on so many levels it's impossible not to see how this problem relates to today. A house divided cannot stand, but in almost every case you can think of, the house is divided. The U.S. allows division between race or political affiliation to incite violence and dictate possibly the worst election in the history of the United States. Our churches split because of in house fighting. This is not the way to build a strong body for Christ. While sometimes these divisions may be unavoidable because those we are divided with are truly against God, we have to remember that these divisions will inevitably leave us vulnerable to attack, so we should prepare for the worst.
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Elisha's Death

Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Iddo Tal

The second of the 2 major prophets discussed throughout Kings, Elisha dies of an illness during Jehoash of Israel's reign. Fortunately Jehoash is able to consult with him about the fate of the northern kingdom before he dies.

Elisha uses a bow and arrow to prophesy that Israel will conquer Syria in Aphek. Elisha instructs the king to smite the ground with the arrows. When the king only does so 3 times, Elisha is upset. Elisha says that now they will only smite Syria 3 times, whereas if he had smote the ground more times, they would have utterly defeated them.

As Elisha has prophesied, Jehoash smites Syria 3 times. During this time Syria's king, Hazael, dies and his son Benhadad becomes king. Something tells me he named his son Benhadad before he killed the previous king Benhadad—though it is possible he did so after out of guilt.

After Elisha dies, Moabites also begin attacking Israel. During this battle a deceased soldier is dumped with Elisha's bones. When the body touches Elisha's bone, the soldier is revived. This last miracle is performed in death and a testament to how truly miraculous God is.
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Jeroboam II

After Jehoash, Jeroboam II takes over as king. Although he is not a direct descendant of Jeroboam I, nor referred to as Jeroboam II, many people refer to him as such to differentiate bettwen the two king's of the northern kingdom.

Jeroboam reigns for 41 years, possibly the longest reign for a king in the northern kingdom, despite his evil ways. Jonah, the famous prophet, served during this era. One accomplishment of Jeroboam II is the expansion of the kingdom, though he does not reclaim all of what Solomon had. His son Zachariah takes over after he dies.
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Zachariah

During the 38th year of Azariah's reign, Zachariah is made king of Israel; however, his reign only lasts 6 months. He is killed by Shallum, the son of Jabesh, and Shallum takes over as king. Like most kings of Israel, Zachriah does evil in the sight of the Lord.
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Shallum

By using the information given, we know that Shallum begins his reign during Azariah's 38th or 39th year, depending on when during Azariah's 38th year Zachariah becomes king. The text, however, tells us that Shallum began reigning during Uzziah's 39th year. The name Uzziah is used interchangeably for Azariah in both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, implying that they are the same person.^[2] Reading verses like 2 Chronicles 26:1 confirms this. Although it seems odd that the authors used different names for the same king, I think this is cultural. Imagine if someone 3000 years from now, who had no knowledge of Latin based languages, and particularly not English, heard the names Charles and Chuck. They would assume these were distinct names with no relation to each other. However, as native speakers of the language, we know that Chuck is a nickname for Charles, thus if you introduce us to a Charles then begin referring to him as Chuck, we will know you are still referring to Charles. The audience of the writers of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles would have known these names were referring to the same person and may have even called the king by both names (think P. Diddy vs. Puff Daddy).
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Menahem

Menahem enters into power by killing people in a city called Tiphsah. Apparently they did not welcome him, and his temper got the best of him. We know he was a ruthless person because he even killed the pregnant women of the city in his anger. Menahem sets up a power base in Israel's old capital of Tirzah, which probably made the people of Tirzah quite happy. Once the capital moved from their city to Samaria, they probably felt abandoned and possibly suffered economic losses. Their rallying power was enough to gain Menahem the crown to rule over all Israel from Samaria. Menahem reigns in Samaria for 10 years. Although it is not stated, I'm sure the people of Tirzah were disappointed Menahem didn't bring the capital back to them. In the same way Donald Trump has abanndoned his rallying cry for middle America, Menahem probably just used the people at Tirzah to gain power.

During Menahem's reign a king of Assyria named Pul invaded. Menahem gives Pul 1000 talents of silver, which allows him to keep his throne. Menahem taxes the people of Israel 50 shekels of silver each to give to Pul so that Pul will not attack them. This is further proof that the people were not in tune with God. God promised a self-sufficient nation, not one that had to buy their freedom.

Pul is the same as the historical Tiglath-pileser III who ruled Assyria from 745 to 727bc. It is thought that Pul or Pulu was either his personal name or a Babylonian name, as he uses this name when he takes over the throne of Babylon in about 729bc.^[1]
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Pekahiah

In Azariah's 50th year, Menahem's son Pekahiah becomes king of Israel. Pekiah only reigns for 2 years and continues in the sins of Israel's previous kings. The son of one of Pekahiah's captains conspires against him and kills him in the palace. We are given the name of the lead conspirator (Pekah), as well as 2 of his followers—Argob and Arieh. Together, they take 50 Gileadites to overwhelm the king. After his death, this rebel is crowned king.

Pekah

Pekah takes the throne during the 52nd year of Azariah.

Notice that at least 4 different kings have come and gone during Azariah's reign. When we follow God, we inherit longevity in all things. Many people abandon God for power, money, or fame, but whatever they accomplish is short lived. Think of all the celebrities that die young and athletes who file for bankruptcy. Meanwhile, there are local singers in your churches and coaches at your high school who are just as great in these roles. However these people are enjoying long happy lives because they followed God's path. That's not to say you can't be in a high position of power, because clearly Azariah was also a king. However, it is to say you must be following God's Will and God's Way to hang on to any power you receive. In our world today, it is less likely that the position of power you want and God's Will will be compatible.

Pekah reigns for 20 years and continues the trends of the other kings of the northern kingdom, leading Israel further into sin. During Pekah's reign Pul comes back, this time identified as Tiglath-pileser. He begins to carry away people as captives of Assyria. This is the beginning of the coming exile that caused the tribes of the northern kingdom to be lost "forever." This may also be the source of dissatisfaction in Israel that causes Hoshea, the son of Elah, to rise up and kill Pekah. As expected, Hoshea takes the throne of Israel in his stead.
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References

1. Donald John Wiseman. "Tiglath-pileser III: King of Assyria". Encyclopædia Britannica. December 1, 2000
2. W. Shaw Caldecott. "Uzziah (Azariah)". International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online; visited February 2017

2 Kings 9&10: Jehu

Jehu may have been selected as king because God knew he would rid the land of Ahab's disastrous lineage, but Jehu isn't a Godly king by any stretch of the imagination.

Introduction

Back in 1 Kings, God told Elijah that Jehu was to be king of Israel, though He didn't specify when. This is similar to God's revelation that David would be king, despite that fact that Saul would continue to be king for quite some time after the revelation. 2 Kings 9 tells us of Jehu's anointing and 2 Kings 10 tells us a bit about his reign. Jehu may have been selected as king because God knew he would rid the land of Ahab's disastrous lineage, but Jehu isn't a Godly king by any stretch of the imagination.
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Anointing

Elisha instructs one of the prophets to anoint Jehu as king. Part of those instructions include fleeing after the job is done. At the time, Jehu was the captain of the army, likely entangled in battle. God had forewarned that He would cut of Ahab's line and Jehu was the fulfillment of this.
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Taking the Throne

Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Aureily Movila

When Jehu's men follow him without hesitation, he begins to conspire against Jehoram, the current king of Israel. Jehu goes to see Jehoram while Jehoram is recovering from battle wounds. On guard, Jehoram sends 3 messenger to find out if Jehu is approaching in peace or anger, but not of the messengers return. Finally, Jehoram and Ahaziah (king of Judah) ride out to meet Jehu. Ironically, they meet Jehu on the same land that Ahab had stolen from Naboth in 1 Kings 21.
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Killing Jehoram

When Jehoram confronts Jehu, Jehu calls out Jezebel's idolatry and witchcraft, which had been plaguing the country. Jehoram flees; Jehu does not let him get away, instead he shoots him with a bow and arrow. The arrow goes straight through Jehoram's heart. His body is dumped in Naboth's field.

Ahazaiah is killed in this confrontation, as well. His servants take him back to Jerusalem to be buried with the rest of David's line. This was not part of God's instruction specifically, but it is possible Jehu believed he was accomplishing God's will since Ahaziah's mother was from Ahab's lineage.
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Killing Jezebel

When Jehu gets back to the palace, he takes over brazenly and decrees that Jezebel be thrown from the window in which she stands. Her dead body is left where it falsl as Jehu enjoys a meal. When Jehu finally commands the men to dispose of her body, only parts of it can be found. They recognize this as fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy that Jezebel would be eaten by dogs.
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Killing Ahab's Sons

Ahab had 70 sons, which means he probably had quite a few wives, though some of these "sons" may have been grandsons. Jehu issues letters to them all, challenging them to fight for their father's lost throne. In a second letter, Jehu challenges the people of the city to kill these heirs to the throne to prove their loyalty. The people take up Jehu's challenge and deliver the heads of all 70 sons to him in baskets.

Jehu takes God's command to rid the nation of Ahab's lineage as permission to kill everyone associated with Ahab (which is not what God said). Jehu kills Ahab's "great men" (likely the other captains) and priests. Jehu kills an entourage of Ahaziah's brethren who seem to be on their way to pay their respects. It seems as though Jehu became bloodthirsty with power. Unlike others who kept God in focus once they assumed the throne, Jehu was like Saul, he let the power go to his head. Jehu was no longer carrying out God's order, he was snuffing out his detractors and competition.
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Allies & Enemies

Jehu makes himself an ally with Jehonadab who was the son of Rechab. Jehonadab was a religious leader in the kingdom. Together, they continue killing those loyal to Ahab.

Jehu tricks the worshippers of Baal to gather in the pagan worship center. He cons them into believing that he will serve Baal the way Ahab's family had. When the people assemble, he orders them killed. He orders the images and worship center destroyed.

God was ready to reward Jehu for following His command, but Jehu did not want to follow God's law. Jehu continues in the ways of the kings before him, leading Israel to continue to sin despite having purged the kingdom of Jezebel along with Ahab's sons.

Because Jehu is still a sinful king however, God allows Hazael to advance into Israel's territory. Jehu reigns for 28 years; when he dies, his son Jehoahaz becomes king.

References

2 Kings 4-8: Elisha's Miracles

The legendary Miracles of Elisha.

Introduction

Elisha's miracles are well known, after all he raises someone from the dead! Many of his miracles are directly applicable to our lives today if you think about it.
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Debt Solution

A woman comes to Elisha for a solution to her debt problems: she owes money and the creditors wish to take her son as a bondservant (slave). Elisha inquires what she has back home and discovers that all she has is a pot of oil. Elisha instructs her to gather vessels (bowls) from her neighbors then fill them with the oil. Miraculously, she still has oil left after filling all the bowls she has collected. Elisha instructs her to sell it to pay the debt and live off the rest.

This is a key narrative missing in today's church. Many people think if they simply sit in their house praying, everything will fall in place. However, you have to both seek out God and follow His commands. The woman reached out to Elisha because that was her connection to God (like prayer). Elisha, likely after consulting God though that isn't specified in the Bible, tells her to perform a series of tasks. These tasks sound pretty crazy given her situation, but she does them because she has faith. In the end God rewards her actions and faith. When we pray for a better world or a better job, we have to also be following the tasks God gives us. We have to stand up for God's Word, and follow where God leads. Many times we offer one way prayers; we ask for something, but expect God's response to be whatever we ask for, so we don't bother to listen to His instructions.
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Raising Someone From the Dead

Elisha discovers yet another woman who needs his help. This time the woman is not even an Israelite. This woman gives Elisha bread and even a place to rest. She knows that he is a man of God and wishes to please him so that she may gain favor. When Elisha asks what she would like for her generosity, she declines acceptance into the nation of Israel, but instead reveals that she desires a child. Elisha tells her that a year from then, she would have a baby boy, but the woman does not believe him. Nonetheless, when the time comes, she bares a son. Interestingly, the appointed time is thought to be the same time Sarah gave birth to Isaac since it is referred to the "time of life" and the prophecy is similar to the one given to Sarah in Genesis 17:21.^[1]

When the boy grows up, he incurs some sort of head injury that causes him to die after being transported home. After his death, the woman goes out seeking Elisha. I think it's worth noting that the woman—not the father—goes out seeking Elisha's help. We are being shown that it is the woman who has strong faith, which is the case in many of the Biblical narratives, particularly concerning non-Israelite women.

Elisha sends his servant to see about the child, and the servant confirms that he is dead. Elisha makes contact with the body. The contact is described to sound a little like CPR, but more involved. Elisha then prays for God to bring the child back. The child sneezes 7 times then awakens. This is the second resurrection in the Bible.

Although I know that the phrase "bless you" originated with the idea that sneezing expelled demons from the body, I wonder if that tradition dates back to Elisha's miracle?^[2]
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Fleeing a Famine

At some point, Elisha warns the woman whom he raised her son that a 7 year famine is coming. She flees to the land of the Philistines and waits out the 7 years there. After 7 years she returns and goes to the king about reclaiming her possessions. Gehazi, Elisha's servant is also there. He tells the king of Elisha's miracles and the raising of the woman's son from the dead, which persuades the king to give the woman her belongings.

Although this passage is found in 2 Kings 8, after we are told Elisha curses Gehazi with leprosy, the events must happen beforehand. Scholars suggest that it is placed here because it deals with government rule as opposed to Elisha's miracles.^[1]

Rid of Poison

When Elisha travels to Gilgal, he shares a meal with some men. While there, one of the men adds a plant to the meal that is not good for eating. When then men start to feel the effects of this poisonous plant, they speak up. Elisha miraculously removes the tainted element rom the pot.
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Twenty Loaves of Barley

Perhaps at the same meal, a man from Baalshalisha brings the firstfruits of barley and corn to Elisha. He gives him 20 loaves of barley along with full ears of corn. Elisha tells the man to feed it to the multitude, but the man doesn't think it will feed the group. Elisha insists and is miraculously able to feeds a hundred men with the 20 loaves of barely and corn.
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Elisha Heals Naaman

2 Kings 5 opens with an introduction to Naaman, the captain of the Syrian army. He is described as a great man who had earned deliverance for Syria from the Lord. However, he contracts leprosy. When the Syrians defeated Israel and took captives, they brought a maid from Israel to wait on Naaman's wife, who suggests Elisha could heal Naaman.

The king of Syria sends 10 talents of silver, 6000 pieces of gold and 10 changes of clothes to the king of Israel hoping to obtain Elisha's services for his fallen captain. A messenger brings these gifts to the king of Israel, presents Naaman, and reads the king of Syria's request that the king of Israel restore Naaman from his leprosy. At this the king of Israel panics; he believes it is a trap designed to lead them to war.

When Elisha hears that the king of Israel has rent his clothes, he offers to be of service so that people would know there was a prophet in Israel. This would also serve as a reminder that God was the true King of Israel. Elisha instructs Naaman to wash 7 times in the Jordan and asserts that he will come away clean. Intially, Naaman doesn't have faith; he believes the waters in Syria are better and instead of following Elisha's instructions, he leaves in anger. Naaman's servants talk him into obeying Elisha and when he follows the prophets instructions, his skin is healed.

Naaman is converted to worshipping God, and confesses that he will only offer sacrifices to the Lord. He asks for dirt from Israel which was tied to superstitious beliefs and forgiveness for bowing in house of a pagan god with the king. Elisha says "go in peace" which implies that he permitted him to do so. This is interesting because in Daniel, we will see that Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego are rewarded for not bowing to pagan gods. I think this is one of those spectrums where maturity plays a role in how God expects us to behave. While Naaman is not punished for being present in body but not in spirit among pagan worship, he is also a new believer and not held to the same standard as the Israelites who had been raised in God's teachings since birth.

Elisha takes no money from Naaman, despite his offering. This is an example that modern "preachers" ignore. Elisha was called to be a prophet of God, which is a service to God's people. It isn't a get rich quick scheme. God's blessings are free. Besides, it is God who actually carries out the miracles, to take payment would be to rob God.

Elisha's servant Gehazi, however is in disagreement with this action. Gehazi chases down Naaman and asks for a talent of silver and 2 changes of clothes as payment. Naaman gives Gehazi what he seeks plus an additional talent. When Elisha learns of Gehazi actions (which included lying), he curses him and his family with the leprosy that Naaman had just been cured of.
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Making Iron Float

Elisha and the prophets decide to take up a new home because their current one is too "strait" (likely too crowded).^[3] Once in their new location, the prophet are cutting wood when someone drops his axe head into the water. This was a great concern because it was borrowed and expensive at the time.^[1] Elisha throws a stick in the water where the axe head fell and it miraculously floats. This is a reminder that even when our burden is heavy, God can make it light!
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Syrian War

The king of Syria goes back to war with Israel, despite Elisha's healing of Naaman. As odd as this seems, foreign relations, even today, are this fickle as well. Syria's king sends his men to a place he knew Israel would be camping. However, Elisha sends a message to the king warning him of this and saves the troops multiple times. The king of Syria is in such shock, he believes one of his men is betraying them. They confess that Elisha knows his every move because he is a prophet of God.
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Chariots From Heaven

At this revelation, the king sends an army after Elisha who is residing in Dothan at the time. When Elisha's servant becomes nervous of the situation, Elisha informs him that the Syrian army is out numbered. Elisha prays that God will open his servants eyes so that he could witness God's protection and the servant sees that the mountains were full of horses and chariots of fire from God.

When the army attacks, Elisha prays that God will curse them with blindness, to which God obliges. Elisha then leads the army to Samaria under the pretense that he will take them to the man they seek. Once in Samaria, Elisha prays for God to lift the blindness. The king of Israel wants to kill them, but Elisha stops him. He convinces the king to feed them and send them back to Syria. When the army returns and tells the king what happened, the king relents of his battles.

This tells us a lot about both God's character and the character of a man of God. God could have stuck the Syrian's down with the army that surrounded them. Elisha could have prayed for that or he could have let the king of Israel kill the army. However, just as David did with Saul, God and Elisha set the Syrian's up to see that they had been delivered into Elisha's had but God's mercy had saved them. God wants us to repent and follow Him, so He gives us chances like these. When your eyes are opened, don't forget to see what God is showing you.
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The Attack on Samaria

having seemingly forgotten the past events, Syria attacks Israel once again. This time they siege the capital city of Samaria. The siege is so great that a famine flourishes in Samaria and prices for things like dove's poop increase drastically. Israel had drifted so far away from God that they were eating unclean foods. A woman confesses to have killed her son to eat under the pretense that they would eat another woman's son the next day. How disturbing is that? This is the image of nation completely fallen and devoid of faith in God. They have been rendered hopeless and are trying to survive on base instinct instead of relying on God. This cannibalism fulfills the prophecy given in Deuteronomy 28:52-53.

The king blames Elisha and God for the trouble just as people today blame God for their own lack of faith. When the king sends a messenger to chastise Elisha, they find that the elders respected Elisha so much that they are already at his home.
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Prophecy of Plenty

Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Denise Hunter

During the siege, Elisha prophesies that the next day, food will become abundant and reasonably priced. One of the king's servants challenges Elisha, revealing his lack of faith and Elisha remarks that the man will see it with his own eyes, but he won't get to eat the food.

God brings about this miracle through a group of outcasts who were lepers, yet another sign that God moves in unexpected places. You do not have to be popular or powerful to usher in change, you merely have to follow God. The lepers knew that regardless of what they did, they would die. They became determined to break into the Syrian's camp as it was the most optimistic option they had. When they do so, they discover that the Syrians have fled and the camp is empty. God had put the sound of a host of chariots coming toward them in the sounds of the Syrian's ears and the Syrians believed Israel had formed an alliance with Egypt and the Hittites. Fearing that they were out numbered, the Syrians fled.

The lepers ate their fill, then went to tell the kings household. The king, still not following God, did not believe them. After some persuading, he sends a small party to check out what is happening. When they discover that the camp is in fact empty, the people of the city raid the tents. Just as Elisha said, the next day there is an abundance of food and it is being sold at reasonable rates.

The king sends his servant, who had had questioned Elisha, to monitor the turmoil. The man sees with his own eyes that the prophecy has come true, but is trampled in the confusion. Just as Elisha said, he was not able to eat any of the food because he dies.
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References

1. Holman Bible Publishers. Holman KJV Study Bible, pg. 636-643. 2014
2. "Why do we say, ʺGod bless you,ʺ when someone sneezes?". GotQuestions.org; visited 2017
3. 2 Kings 6:1 Commentary". via BibleHub.com; visited 2017

2 Kings 2: Elisha Succeeds Elijah

Elijah's grand translation from Earth to Heaven.

Introduction

At the end of his career, Elijah is taken to Heaven in a whirlwind. He is one of the people who never experiences death, but goes straight to Heaven. This is perhaps the thing Elijah is most well known for. 2 Kings 2 tells us of Elisha's loyalty to Elijah and his desire to carry on Elijah's mantle.
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Elisha Follows Elijah

Just before Elijah is taken up to Heaven, he asks Elisha to stay in Gilgal while he handles business in Bethel, but Elisha insists on joining him. In Bethel the prophets ask Elisha if he is aware of what is happening and he reveals that he is. This means most prophets must have known that God had decided to receive Elijah into Heaven some time soon.

Once again Elijah says he must go somewhere (Jericho), and Elisha refuses to stay behind. In Jericho these events play out once again, and the two leave for Jordan.
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Parting the Jordan River

At the Jordan River, Elijah parts the water to walk across as prophets watch in awe. Previously, Moses had called on God to part the Red Sea when Israel fled Egypt, and Joshua had called on God to part the Jordan when Israel entered the promised land. The parting of the Jordan by Elijah, and later Elisha, also marks an important time for Israel. These are the moments of revival where God poured out his spirit on the prophets to bring the people back to Him, just before Israel was taken captive.
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Elisha Named Heir

Knowing that his time of departure is nearing, Elijah asks what Elisha would like of him before he departs and Elisha requests a double portion of Elijah's spirit. From Deuteronomy 21:16-17, we can see that Elisha is asking to be recognized as the legitimate heir. In families, the firstborn, who was heir to the family inheritance, always received a double portion. By asking for this, Elisha was announcing that he wanted to be the next great prophet in Israel and fill Elijah's role. God had already chosen Elisha for this purpose, but Elisha still had to put in the work to receive this appointment. Elijah says that what Elisha is asking for is a hard thing, but promises that if Elisha is there to see him leave, his request will be granted. This request was hard, despite being foretold and ordained by God; just because God says that something will happen, doesn't mean it will be easy. Taking over as the prophet, especially at such a time of turmoil in Israel was a big responsibility; one needed to prove himself worthy of such a position before hastily taking over.
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Elijah Taken Up

Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Jon Wisbey

Elijah's ride to Heaven is a chariot of fire pulled by horses of fire. This sounds like how they would depict a carriage taking you to hell in Hollywood, which is a reminder of how warped our view of things is. God is often depicted with fire; He even appeared to Moses as a burning bush. We must be careful not to let man's art and imagery taint our eyesight. If we fall into that trap, we will not recognize God when He comes to us. Since Elijah was in tune with God, he knew this was his ride to Heaven and that it was safe.

Despite the prestige and undeniable closure that came with seeing Elijah ascend to Heaven, Elisha still goes into mourning after seeing this. On the journey back (assumably to Samaria), Elisha takes up Elijah's mantle which signified him as Elijah's heir. He asks for the God Elijah served to part the waters of the Jordan again, and God obliges. This convinces onlooking prophets that the spirit of Elijah was in Elisha and that Elisha was the new prophet of Israel.

These same men, who were said to be prophets, pestered Elisha to look for Elijah, thinking God had betrayed him. While a believer should know that God would never betray us, it stands to reason that with all the corruption that was happening in Israel, the prophets were skeptical. Initially Elisha stands firm that God would do no such thing, but the men pester him until he is ashamed and gives in. Needless to say, they don't find Elijah.
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Elisha's First Miracle

While in Jericho, Elisha learns there is something wrong with the water. Because of the water, the land is barren and the people are in despair. Elisha heals the water in the name of God so that death and famine will retreat from the city.
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Punishing Children

Elisha continues into Bethel where he is mocked by children. Elisha curses them and two female bears attack them. From there, Elisha then returns to Samaria. This sounds rather horrifying, particular since in our society we generally give children a pass for not knowing any better. While I do think the Bible expects us to discipline children so that they do not behave in such a manner, this passage maybe not be discussing children at all.^[1] The word translated children is often used to refer to grown men as well. The Hebrew words translated to little and children in 2 Kings 2:23-24 are qatan, na’ar, and yeled^[2] Qatan means "least," which doesn't necessarily refer to a child.^[3] Least simply means without honor, clout, or authority. Na'ar is a masculine noun most often translated to "young man." Servant is the next most-popular translation of the word.^[4] Yeled is the only word that is often translated to child, though it's definition seems to mean offspring.^[5] In short, the people Elisha had attacked by the bear, were not likely to be children. A great article on this topic can be found here
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References

1. Holman Bible Publishers. Holman KJV Study Bible, pg. 633. 2014
2. Elizabeth Mitchell, PhD. "Elisha, Little Children, and the Bears". Answers in Genesis. November 2010
3. "Strong's 6996: Qatan"; via BibleHub.com; visited February 2017
4. "Strong's H5288: Na'ar"; via BlueLetterBible.org; visited February 2017
5. "Strong's H3206: Yeled"; via BlueLetterBible.org; visited February 2017

2 Kings 1: Ahaziah

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.2 Kings 1:2

Ahaziah falls ill and seeks out Baalzebub for help, but Elijah intercepts and pronounces judgment of Ahaziah from God.

After the northern kingdom of Israel's King Ahab dies, Moab begins to rebel against Israel. Considering the fact that Israel had just fought Syria, I imagine the men of the army were quiet tried and not looking about a major battle. This conflict brews until the confrontation we learn about in 2 Kings 3.

The King Ahaziah, who replaces Ahab suddenly falls ill; but instead of asking God for help, he calls of the pagan deity Baalzebub. Just has Elijah's prayer were able to raise people from the dead, the king had the opportunity to live, but he chose not to. Instead, Ahaziah sent a convey of his men to Baalzebub. Baalzebub is another name for the devil. Essentially, Ahaziah's first attempt to cure himself was to go to the "prophet" who was all-the-range instead of seeking out the one true God.

Elijah intercepts the Ahaziah's messengers at God's request before they can make it to Baalzebub's shrine and asks them if it is because there is no relationship with the God of Israel that they seek out this false god. This answer is not actually answer, but a conversation starter to spark conversation. Elijah gives them the answer they seek from the true God: Ahaziah will die. The messengers abandon their mission and return to Ahab with a Elijah's message.

The messengers must have been very confident in the Word of God, and very shaken because they chose to go against Ahaziah's order. As one would expect; he was not happy about this! Ahaziah sends a captain with 50 soldiers to bring Elijah in, but Elijah calls on God to strike down the men with fire. Ahaziah sends another troop of 50, and again Elijah had God smite them with fire. When Ahaziah sends a third troop, the captain approaches Elijah with humility and pleads for him to have mercy on their lives. At this, Elijah obliges the request.

Elijah confirms the message to Ahaziah, who dies just as God said he would. After Ahaziah's death, his son Jehoram takes over. Interestingly, at the same time a different Jehoram is in his second year of ruling in Judah.
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References

1 Kings 17-19: Elijah, Ahab & Jezebel

1 Kings 17-20 takes a break from a series of brief records which introduces many kings to focus on God's prophet, Elijah who lived during King Ahab's reign in the northern kingdom.

Introduction

1 Kings 17-20 takes a break from a series of brief records which introduces many kings to focus on God's prophet, Elijah who lived during King Ahab's reign in the northern kingdom. King Ahab marries the infamous Phoenician, princess Jezebel, and is often at odds with Elijah. While Ahab is definitely a familiar name, I would say that during my tenure in the church and over the course of my studies, Jezebel and Elijah have gotten more focus from the church. Ahab seems to fade into the background as a secondary character, but I think that's something worth discussing as well. In this post, I'll talk about all 3 people.
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Elijah, the Prophet

Outside of Daniel and Isaiah, Elijah might be one of the most well-known prophets of Israel. He performed amazing miracles and became the second person in human history to join God without ever dying (covered in 2 Kings).
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Was Elijah Even An Israelite?

When we are introduced to Elijah in 1 Kings 17:1, we are not told what Elijah's tribal affiliation is, but that he was a "Tishbite" and an inhabitant of Gilead. Gilead was located East of the Jordan, an spanned across the territories of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh.^[1] While it doesn't definitely prove that Elijah was a member of one of these tribes, it definitely increases the possibility. You may be surprised to know, there's actually a debate about whether Elijah was even an Israelite at all.^[2][3][4]

Unlike most important figures of the Bible, we aren't told a single thing about Elijah's ancestry. Up until this point, most people we meet are identified by tribe and/or father. When we meet Elijah's apprentice, Elisha, in 1 Kings 19, we are promptly told who his father is. For the kings, we are told who their father is and many times who their mother is as well. Samuel and Nathan's parentage are also given. This is not the case with Elijah. When you combine this information with the fact that the word inhabitant in 1 Kings 17:1 is translated from the word towshab, which means "sojourner, stranger or foreigner,"^[5] it becomes pretty suspicious. 1 Kings 17:1 is the only place the word is rendered "inhabitant" instead of stranger or foreigner. If translated as the rest of the occurrences, 1 Kings 17:1 would have said Elijah was a stranger in in Gilead, i.e. a Gentile who had made his home in Israel. ^[2][3]

Other scholars are adamant that Elijah was an Israel. They point out the fact that it is possible that "Tishbite" is a reference to a family line, negating the claim that we have no familial information on Elijah. Further, they point to Elijah name, which is of Hebrew origin and means "He is my Yah (God)."^[4] Some believe Elijah is the same Eliah mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:27, and thus a Benjamite.^[6]

What makes it hard to gauge which argument is correct is the fact that both arguments suffer from faulty premises.

Those who believe Elijah must be a Gentile base the assumption almost solely on the word towshab in 1 Kings 17:1. While foreigner and stranger generally apply to non-Israelites, does sojourner? If Elijah is Eliah and a Benjamite via 1 Chronicles 8:27, He would originally have been from the southern kingdom and an outsider in another tribe's lands. The other complaint given is that Elijah doesn't follow Jewish law; he believes God can be worshipped anywhere and never makes an effort to go to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. Elijah's assumption that he can worship anywhere doesn't have to be of foreign influence, however. The kings of Israel had already began putting this idea in their citizens' minds to keep them from returning to the southern kingdom. Besides, most of the Israelites weren't following the law themselves, how does that prove he was a Gentile?

Those who are adamant Elijah was not a Gentile assert that a Gentile couldn't have a Hebrew name, or that we aren't told of Elijah's circumcision and conversion to Judaism. As a Black person in the U.S., the assumption about the name baffles me. My real name is of French origin; I am neither French nor have I ever been to France. I know countless Asian Americans who have European names; these names were generally adopted when they arrived in the U.S. and are not their given names. Throughout the Bible we see God change people's names, but throughout life we see people change their own names. Furthermore, Elijah's parents could have been the ones to convert, and after converting, decided to give their son a Hebrew name. This is similar to how first generation Americans will sometimes give their children "American" names. The omission of an information about Elijah's conversion would be covered by the notion that his parents were the ones to convert; he would then have automatically been circumcised as a child, but he still wouldn't be Hebrew by blood. Of course, in the New Testament, when the apostles were introducing the Gentiles to the Word, they are explicitly told not to worry about circumcision (see Acts 15). The idea that this would have prevented the Israelites from listening to Elijah is interesting because Ahab wanted him dead. Most of the northern kingdom had already fallen into idolatry and those that hadn't weren't really in the position to reject anyone from their numbers. Plus, after Elijah rose a person from the dead, I'm sure they didn't care about the specifics of his lineage.

All in all, I think it could go either way. Both sides make valid points, there are just so many caveats and exceptions that it's hard to say one is more accurate than the other. The idea of Elijah being non-Israelites provides a nice symmetry to later events. For instance, when Moses and Elijah appear to Jesus, it would represent both the Jews and the Gentiles. It would add another layer of depth to the interpretation of the Word, for certain. However, I don't think the difference is so important that it changes the overall message of God.
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A Drought

Instead of a background story, we jump right into Elijah's first mission from God: he brings news to Ahab that God has pronounced a drought on Israel. Neither rain nor dew would fall in land until God said so, and considering the fact that Israel is located in the desert, this was probably a much bigger deal than it would have been in a place with more abundant water in the land. In water rich lands, it would take time to deplete the water resources before any effects of a drought could be felt, however in Israel, the effects would be almost immediate.
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Refuge

To protect Elijah from the effects, God sends him to a brook called Cherith which was near the Jordan. Scholars associate this brook with Wadi Qelt, though they are not certain that is a correct match.^[7] Once at the brook, Elijah is fed by ravens. People often associate ravens with death and evil because they are black, but this proves that God was not a respecter of color. God entrusts ravens to bring bread and meat to Elijah each day while he is in the wilderness. Interestingly, this means that the food was considered clean even though it had been in their beaks first--I highly doubt the ravens were able to wrap the food in a bag or cloth before carrying it away. Had the Pharisees thought about it, they would not have chastised Jesus about eating bread without washing his hands in Matthew 12. Two things that were never declared unclean--a living raven and bread or dirt and bread in Jesus' case--can't make each other unclean. This is also a reminder that unclean designated the status of whether we could eat the animal or not, animals such as mules, horses, and donkeys still played a critical role in farming; it was only when they died that they became unclean.

When the brook dried up, Elijah had to find another place of refuge. This time, God sends him to a widow in the city of Zarephath. Although she is struggling to feed her own family, she provides for Elijah as well. Elijah tells her that her supply will not falter until God sends rain to Israel, and as prophesied, they are able to eat until the rain falls.

It is interesting that God sends Elijah to the wilderness first and to the woman second. Once could easily question why not send Elijah to the woman from the get go. Sending Elijah first to the wilderness, where ravens provided for him, strengthened his faith in God. It is easy to assume a human is kind simply by nature and to attribute their generosity to luck or chance. However, ravens bringing you food is a miracle; it is much harder to look over God's glory in such an act. Just as Israel had to come through the wilderness where God proved Himself, this is where Elijah's journey began, too.
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Raising the Dead

One of Elijah's most miraculous moments was when he brought the widow's son back to life from the dead. Just when everything should have been returning back to normal because the drought had passed, the son of the widow fell ill. The woman thought this was some sort of punishment from God for her past sins brought on by Elijah. Troubled by the events, Elijah prayed for life to return to the young boy. God hears Elijah's request and grants life back into the boy's body. This is the first resurrection spoken of in the Bible, but it is not the only resurrection to be brought about by human hands.
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A Ray of Hope

Three years after Elijah's first encounter with Ahab, God sends Elijah back to tell them of the coming rain. When Elijah gets to Ahab in Samaria, a famine is ravaging the land. It makes sense that after a three year drought, there would be a shortage of food.

Before Elijah arrives, Ahab calls for a man named Obadiah. Obadiah was a God-fearing man and was trying to do right by God. When Ahab's wife Jezebel went after the prophets, Obadiah hid 100 of them in a cave and brought food and water to them. This must have been difficult during the famine. I'd wager Ahab didn't know about any of this, otherwise, I think Obadiah would have been on Ahab's bad side.

Ahab wanted Obadiah to search for water and grass for the livestock. Keeping the livestock alive would have been a top priority in the kingdom. Without rain, crops would have been almost impossible to grow leaving meat and animal products such as eggs or milk to be the only provisions left. If the animals died, the Israelites would have nothing.

When the two men split up in search of these resources, it is Obadiah who runs into Elijah. Elijah asks Obadiah to tell Ahab that he is present but Obadiah sees this as a death sentence on himself. Ahab had apparently been looking for Elijah unsuccessfully for some time. Obadiah was afraid Elijah would disappear, provoking the kings wrath. During this time it seems the queen (Jezebel) was purging the kingdom of people who worshipped the Lord, in favor of pagan worshippers. Elijah is not afraid to meet the king and queen however; he gives his word that he will remain.

Ahab is quick to blame the situation on Elijah, just as people today blame the troubles of the world on God and His people. Elijah quickly reminds Ahab that it is he and his line that have forsaken the commandments and brought God's wrath upon them. Elijah has Ahab gather everyone, including the false prophets of Baal and Asherah, to mount Carmel.
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A Challenge Issued

Elijah says the same thing the New Testament tells us: you can't follow two gods. Elijah gives Israel the same choice we have today, to follow God or to follow the false Baal. Elijah points out that he is the only prophet of the Lord left but Baal has 450 men claiming to be his prophets. Elijah challenges them to bring 2 bulls to be sacrificed, only, they would not put fire to them. The men of Baal were to call on Baal to enflame their bull, and Elijah would call on God to enflame his.

Then men of Baal cry out to their deity from morning until noon, but nothing happens. Elijah mocks the men by suggesting that their god is sleeping or out on an adventure. The men even resort to self harm to attract the false god's attention. As one can expect, Baal does not answer and no fire engulfs the bull.

When it is Elijah's turn, he creates a trench of water around the sacrifice. Following this, he prays to God. Elijah asks that God will show Himself to the people so that they may turn away from Baal and back to the true God. God answers Elijah's prayer and sets fire to the bull. When the people see this, they fall to the ground to worship God.
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End of the Drought

Elijah commands them to put the prophets of Baal to death. After this is carried out, rain returns to the land. Elijah sends Ahab ahead of the rain by chariot and he runs before the chariot with the help of God. This should have been seen as a friendly gesture, but it was not taken as such by Ahab or his wife.
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Conflict with Jezebel

Photocredit: FreeImages.com/Shyle Zacharias

When Jezebel hears that all of her pagan priests have been killed, she sets out to kill Elijah. Elijah flees to Beersheba, where he leaves his servant but continues himself into the wilderness. In the wilderness Elijah asks God to end his life. Elijah felt like he was no better than his fathers; an understandable feeling after you've killed 450 men. While Elijah is sleeping under a juniper tree, God sends an angel to wake him. The angel tells Elijah to rise and eat of the cake and water God has provided. Appearing twice, the angel persuades Elijah to eat informing him, that his journey is great. Elijah was sustained for 40 days and nights on this alone. We should never fear how we will survive when following the path the Lord has set for us; rest assured, He will provide.

After the 40 days, God speaks to Elijah while he is living in a cave. When God questions Elijah on why he is in the cave, Elijah explains his dilemma (which God already knows). God's question was likely to prompt Elijah into thinking about why he would hide away when the people really needed him. God places Elijah on the mountain, and he sends a wind, an earthquake, and fire. None of these acts of God "contain His Spirit," however. It is a still small voice that actually speaks to Elijah. This is evidence that while God is big and powerful, He is also peaceful and calm. He does not reveal himself only through destruction but by this still small voice as well. Once again, God questions Elijah about what he is doing there. Likely, God's message to Elijah was that He is all powerful; there is no need to hide when you are fighting on God's side of the war.
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Ahab

Although Ahab isn't particularly fond of Elijah, it is Jezebel who becomes angry and decrees that Elijah should be killed. Given the fact that Jezebel was both a pagan and a female, one would think she would not have held such power. For her to command such power, Ahab had to have given it to her. Either he acted as a puppet, commanding everything she asked, or he gave the order for his servants to follow her instruction.

While I see nothing wrong in a healthy partnership where the wife is able to express her opinions and thoughts, there is something amiss about a king who allows someone else to take control of his kingdom. Ahab's inability to be the "ultimate" authority in his kingdom stemmed from his lack of leadership skills. Likely, he had no leadership skills because God had not appointed him king. We will continue to see Jezebel usurp power and undermine Ahab's rule throughout the text. Perhaps if Ahab had married a different woman, or had stood his ground, he wouldn't have gone down in history as such a bad king. At least, he probably would have been more recognizable than his wife and arch enemy.
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Jezebel's Legacy

When I was little, my parents bought me horse who had already been named. Her name was Jezebel, though everyone in my family called her Jazzy or Jazabelle. We all thought it was crazy that she had been named Jezebel; that's almost as bad as naming your pet Lucifer! Jezebel clearly wasn't a positive figure in the Bible, but when I hear the name "Jezebel," I don't think of calculating and murderous, as Queen Jezebel proved to be, I think of a promiscuous woman.

In everyday speech, jezebel is used about the same way as "hussy." Urban dictionary lists the term to mean a variety of things, from beautiful to "whore."^<[8] Jezebel is also the name of a popular magazine that is targeted to women and specializes in "celebrities, sex, feminism, and issues relating to women's empowerment." Is it not odd that a magazine supposedly about women's empowerment, chose to name itself after the evilest woman in the Bible? Why not name it after Esther? Mariam? Deborah? They could have even named it after a famous woman who was from secular history, but they chose Jezebel. Why?

The question often comes back to how Jezebel got associated with sexuality and promiscuity; her evil deeds dealt with idolatry, not sex. I suspect it comes from a misinterpretation of 2 Kings 9:22, in which a reference is made to the whoredoms of Jezebel. However, this isn't a reference to sexual whoredom. The bible often uses this phrase when discussing idolatry. To bow to other gods is to commit adultery to the true God (remember, we are the bride of Christ). I'm pretty sure people misinterpreted this verse until suddenly Jezebel was a whore and her name became an insult meaning whore.
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Elijah Makes an Ally

God sends Elijah to Damascus, where he is instructed to anoint Hazael to be the king of Syria. Even though Syria was not God's chosen land, He was still in control of who should be king. The Bible focuses on God's chosen people, so we often forget that God is supereme over the whole world. This means God has always had a hand in what happened in other nations. Just because these nations were not chosen to preserve God's word does not mean He forgot about them or abandoned them. Remember many of the surrounding nations were also descendants of Abraham.

In addition to instructing Elijah on forming this alliance with Syria, God gives Elijah instructions for Israel. God appoints Jehu to be anointed king and replace Ahab. God says that Hazael will slay their enemies, but those not slain by him were to be slain by Jehu, and those not slain by Jehu, were to be slain by Elijah. Elijah was given a plan to ensure all of God's enemies were stamped out; if one person failed to do the job, there was another to carry out the task. To aid in this upcoming battle, God reveals that He has 7000 followers still in Israel. These 7000 had not succumbed to idolatry and had resisted the popular trend of bowing to Baal. I think it's safe to say, as long as we're still here, there is a sizable army of God still present in the world.
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The Next Prophet: Elisha

Also in Elijah's instructions from God, was the appoint of an apprentice to become the next prophet: Elisha. Elijah convinces Elisha to follow him. Elisha was the son of Shaphat. Elisha is eager to follow Elijah, who was likely well known and admired in circles that still worshiped God. In celebration of the honor, Elisha kills a set of oxen and the people of Elisha's town feast with them. After the feast, Elisha follows Elijah to become the next prophet according to God's command.
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References

1. M.G. Easton M.A., D.D. "Gilead". Illustrated Bible Dictionary, via BibleStudyTools.com. 1897; visited January 2017
2. Elijah Was A Gentile". Beware Deception. May 3, 2009
3. "1 Kings 17:1 Commentary". via BibleHub.com; visited January 2017
4. "Elijah was NOT a Gentile". OSY Ministries. 2011
5. "Strong's H8453: towshab. Blue Letter Bible; visited January 2017
6. Emil G. Hirsch, Eduard König, Solomon Schechter, Louis Ginzberg, M. Seligsohn, Kaufmann Kohler. "Elijah. Jewish Encyclopedia; visited January 2017
7. Holman Bible Publishers. Holman KJV Study Bible, pg. 616. 2014
8. "Jezebel. Urban Dictionary; visited January 2017