King James Version
2 Kings 2
25 verses with commentary
Elijah Taken Up to Heaven
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **And it came to pass . . . whirlwind.**—The compiler has prefixed this heading to the following narrative by way of connection with the general thread of the history. It *seems* to be indicated that the event happened in the beginning of the reign of Jehoram; but see Note on 2Chronicles 21:12.
**When the Lord would take up.**—*When Jehovah caused Elijah to go up, or ascend.* This anticipates ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Elijah divides Jordan.
(1-8)
Elijah is taken up into heaven.
(9-12)
Elisha is manifested to be Elijah's successor.
(13-18)
Elisha heals the waters of Jericho, Those that mocked Elisha destroyed.
(19-25)
**Verses 1-8**
The Lord had let Elijah know that his time was at hand. He therefore went to the different schools of the prophets...
Read full commentary →And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Said.**—Not *spake*, as throughout the account in 2Kings 1:2-16; a mark of different origin.
**Tarry here, I pray thee.**—This was said, not to test Elisha’s affection, nor from a motive of humility, that Elisha might not witness his glorious ascension, but because Elijah was uncertain whether it was God’s will that Elisha should go with him. (Comp. 2Kings 2:10.) Elisha’s *threefold* refusal...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. Tirzah--**a place of pre-eminent beauty (So 6:4), three hours' travelling east of Samaria, chosen when Israel became a separate kingdom, by the first monarch, and used during three short reigns as a residence of the royal house. The fertile plains and wooded hills in that part of the territory of Ephraim gave an opening to the formation of parks and pleasure-grounds similar to those which we...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Elijah divides Jordan.
(1-8)
Elijah is taken up into heaven.
(9-12)
Elisha is manifested to be Elijah's successor.
(13-18)
Elisha heals the waters of Jericho, Those that mocked Elisha destroyed.
(19-25)
**Verses 1-8**
The Lord had let Elijah know that his time was at hand. He therefore went to the different schools of the prophets...
Read full commentary →And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel 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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **The sons of the prophets.**—See Notes on 1Kings 20:35; 1Samuel 10:10; 1Samuel 19:20. There was a guild of prophets at Beth-el.
**Came forth to Elisha.**—Who probably walked a little way before his master, to announce his approach.
**And said unto him.**—The prophetic college had been divinely forewarned of Elijah’s departure.
**The Lord will take away . . . to day.**—“To day” is emphatic. “K...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Elijah divides Jordan.
(1-8)
Elijah is taken up into heaven.
(9-12)
Elisha is manifested to be Elijah's successor.
(13-18)
Elisha heals the waters of Jericho, Those that mocked Elisha destroyed.
(19-25)
**Verses 1-8**
The Lord had let Elijah know that his time was at hand. He therefore went to the different schools of the prophets...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship w...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **And Elijah said.**—The exact repetition of the language of 2Kings 2:2-3 in this and the next two verses, appears to indicate that the narrative had originally been handed on by oral tradition, probably in the prophetic guilds at the local sanctuaries.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. the rest of the acts of Jeroboam--**None of the threatenings denounced against this family produced any change in his policy or government.
1Ki 14:21-24. Rehoboam's Wicked Reign.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Elijah divides Jordan.
(1-8)
Elijah is taken up into heaven.
(9-12)
Elisha is manifested to be Elijah's successor.
(13-18)
Elisha heals the waters of Jericho, Those that mocked Elisha destroyed.
(19-25)
**Verses 1-8**
The Lord had let Elijah know that his time was at hand. He therefore went to the different schools of the prophets...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant rel...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Came.**—*Drew near*.
**Answered**—*Said.*
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Elijah divides Jordan.
(1-8)
Elijah is taken up into heaven.
(9-12)
Elisha is manifested to be Elijah's successor.
(13-18)
Elisha heals the waters of Jericho, Those that mocked Elisha destroyed.
(19-25)
**Verses 1-8**
The Lord had let Elijah know that his time was at hand. He therefore went to the different schools of the prophets...
Read full commentary →And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Said unto him.**—Syriac adds, “unto Elisha;” Arabic, as 2Kings 2:4, and so three MSS.
**And he said.**—LXX., “and Elisha said”—an improvement.
“Not only Elisha, the intimate companion and future successor of Elijah, but all the disciples of the different ‘schools of the prophets,’ have the presentiment of the loss which threatens them. The Spirit has warned them all; they communicate their f...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. he reigned ... in Jerusalem--**Its particular designation as "the city which the Lord did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there," seems given here, both as a reflection on the apostasy of the ten tribes, and as a proof of the aggravated wickedness of introducing idolatry and its attendant vices there.
**his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess--**Her heathen extra...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Elijah divides Jordan.
(1-8)
Elijah is taken up into heaven.
(9-12)
Elisha is manifested to be Elijah's successor.
(13-18)
Elisha heals the waters of Jericho, Those that mocked Elisha destroyed.
(19-25)
**Verses 1-8**
The Lord had let Elijah know that his time was at hand. He therefore went to the different schools of the prophets...
Read full commentary →And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. to view: Heb. in sight, or, over against
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **And fifty . . . went.**—*Now fifty* . . . *had gone.*
**Stood to view.**—*Taken their stand opposite, i.e.*, directly opposite the place where the two were standing by the brink of the river, yet at some distance behind. They wished to see whether and how the companions would cross the stream at a point where there was no ford.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Elijah divides Jordan.
(1-8)
Elijah is taken up into heaven.
(9-12)
Elisha is manifested to be Elijah's successor.
(13-18)
Elisha heals the waters of Jericho, Those that mocked Elisha destroyed.
(19-25)
**Verses 1-8**
The Lord had let Elijah know that his time was at hand. He therefore went to the different schools of the prophets...
Read full commentary →And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **His mantle.**—The hairy ’*addèreth,* which characterised him as prophet. Zechariah 13:4, ’*addèreth sē‘ār*, “mantle of hair;” Syriac and Arabic, “head-dress” (wrongly).
**Wrapped it together.**—*Rolled it up.* Here only. (Comp. “my substance,” or “mass,” Psalm 139:16; “blue mantles,” Ezekiel 27:24, from the same root.) LXX., εἵλησεν; Vulg., “involvit;” Syriac, “rolled it up.”
**Smote the wat...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Elijah divides Jordan.
(1-8)
Elijah is taken up into heaven.
(9-12)
Elisha is manifested to be Elijah's successor.
(13-18)
Elisha heals the waters of Jericho, Those that mocked Elisha destroyed.
(19-25)
**Verses 1-8**
The Lord had let Elijah know that his time was at hand. He therefore went to the different schools of the prophets...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's prim...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **I pray thee, let . . .**—Literally, And (i.e., well, then) *let there fall, I pray thee, a portion of two in thy spirit, unto me.*
**A double portion.**—The expression used in Deuteronomy 21:7 of the share of the firstborn son, who by the Mosaic law inherited two parts of his father’s property.
Elisha asks to be treated as the firstborn among “the sons of the prophets,” and so to receive twi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-12**
That fulness, from whence prophets and apostles had all their supply, still exists as of old, and we are told to ask large supplies from it. Diligent attendance upon Elijah, particularly in his last hours, would be proper means for Elisha to obtain much of his spirit. The comforts of departing saints, and their experiences, help both to gild our comforts and to strengthen our r...
Read full commentary →And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. Thou hast: Heb. Thou hast done hard in asking
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and peo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Thou hast asked a hard thing.**—Because to grant such a petition was not in Elijah’s own power, but in God’s only. And therefore in the next words the prophet connects the fulfilment of his follower’s wish with a condition depending entirely upon the Divine will: “If thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee (*Keil*).” ‘If the Lord think thee worthy to witness my depar...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25-26. Shishak king of Egypt came up--**He was the instrument in the hand of Providence for punishing the national defection. Even though this king had been Solomon's father-in-law, he was no relation of Rehoboam's; but there is a strong probability that he belonged to another dynasty (see on 2Ch 12:2). He was the Sheshonk of the Egyptian monuments, who is depicted on a bas-relief at Karnak, as ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-12**
That fulness, from whence prophets and apostles had all their supply, still exists as of old, and we are told to ask large supplies from it. Diligent attendance upon Elijah, particularly in his last hours, would be proper means for Elisha to obtain much of his spirit. The comforts of departing saints, and their experiences, help both to gild our comforts and to strengthen our r...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of cove...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **And it came to pass . . . talked.**—Literally, *And it came to pass, they* (emphatic) *were walking a walking and talking, i.e.*, were going on farther and farther, talking as they went. Whither they went is not told; probably some height of the mountains of Gilead, Elijah’s native country, was the scene of his departure. (Comp. Deuteronomy 34:5; Numbers 20:28.)
**That, behold, there appear...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**25-26. Shishak king of Egypt came up--**He was the instrument in the hand of Providence for punishing the national defection. Even though this king had been Solomon's father-in-law, he was no relation of Rehoboam's; but there is a strong probability that he belonged to another dynasty (see on 2Ch 12:2). He was the Sheshonk of the Egyptian monuments, who is depicted on a bas-relief at Karnak, as ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-12**
That fulness, from whence prophets and apostles had all their supply, still exists as of old, and we are told to ask large supplies from it. Diligent attendance upon Elijah, particularly in his last hours, would be proper means for Elisha to obtain much of his spirit. The comforts of departing saints, and their experiences, help both to gild our comforts and to strengthen our r...
Read full commentary →And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant en...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **And Elisha . . . cried**.—Literally, *And Elisha was seeing, and he* (emphatic) *was shouting.* (Comp. 2Kings 2:10, “If thou see me taken away.”)
**My father, my father.**—Expresses what Elijah was to Elisha. (See Note on 2Kings 2:9.)
**The chariot** (c*hariots—rèkeb*) **of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.**—Expressing what Elijah was to the nation. The Targum paraphrases, “My master, my m...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-12**
That fulness, from whence prophets and apostles had all their supply, still exists as of old, and we are told to ask large supplies from it. Diligent attendance upon Elijah, particularly in his last hours, would be proper means for Elisha to obtain much of his spirit. The comforts of departing saints, and their experiences, help both to gild our comforts and to strengthen our r...
Read full commentary →Elisha Succeeds Elijah
He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; bank: Heb. lip
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **The mantle of Elijah.**—See 2Kings 2:8, and comp. 1Kings 19:19. The badge of the prophet’s office was naturally transferred to his successor.
**The bank.**—Literally, *lip.* So χείλς is used in Greek (Herod. ii. 70).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
Elijah left his mantle to Elisha; as a token of the descent of the Spirit upon him; it was more than if he had left him thousands of gold and silver. Elisha took it up, not as a sacred relic to be worshipped, but as a significant garment to be worn. Now that Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha inquired, 1. After God; when our creature-comforts are removed, we have a God to go t...
Read full commentary →And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant rel...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Where is the Lord God of Elijah?**—Has He left the earth with His prophet? If not, let Him now show His power, and verify the granting of my request (2Kings 2:9). The words are a sort of irony of faith. Elisha “seeks” Jehovah as the only source of power. (Comp. Jeremiah 2:6; Jeremiah 2:8, where the priests and prophets are blamed for having recourse to idols, instead of asking, “Where is Je...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29. Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam ..., are they not written in the book of the chronicles?--**not the book so called and comprehended in the sacred canon, but the national archives of Judah.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
Elijah left his mantle to Elisha; as a token of the descent of the Spirit upon him; it was more than if he had left him thousands of gold and silver. Elisha took it up, not as a sacred relic to be worshipped, but as a significant garment to be worn. Now that Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha inquired, 1. After God; when our creature-comforts are removed, we have a God to go t...
Read full commentary →And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of coven...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **To view.**—*Opposite, over against.* LXX., ἐξ ἐναντίας; Vulg., “e contra” (Deuteronomy 32:52). It is not clear whether these sons of the prophets are the fifty who “went and stood opposite afar off” (2Kings 2:7), or not. On the whole, it seems likely that *all* the guild residing at Jericho is meant. Awaiting Elisha’s return, they had assembled at the river side and witnessed the miracle, w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30. there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam--**The former was prohibited from entering on an aggressive war; but as the two kingdoms kept up a jealous rivalry, he might be forced into vigilant measures of defense, and frequent skirmishes would take place on the borders.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
Elijah left his mantle to Elisha; as a token of the descent of the Spirit upon him; it was more than if he had left him thousands of gold and silver. Elisha took it up, not as a sacred relic to be worshipped, but as a significant garment to be worn. Now that Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha inquired, 1. After God; when our creature-comforts are removed, we have a God to go t...
Read full commentary →And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men ; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send. strong: Heb. sons of strength some mountain: Heb. one of the mountains
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of di...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **And they said unto him.**—After he had told them of the Assumption of Elijah (*Thenius*).
**Fifty strong men.**—See margin. Perhaps these were attendants on the members of the prophetic guild. (Comp. Elisha’s servant Gehazi, and the fifty sons of the prophets, in 2Kings 2:7.) Their being “sons of valour” was important, as the search in the mountains would involve danger.
**The Spirit of the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
Elijah left his mantle to Elisha; as a token of the descent of the Spirit upon him; it was more than if he had left him thousands of gold and silver. Elisha took it up, not as a sacred relic to be worshipped, but as a significant garment to be worn. Now that Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha inquired, 1. After God; when our creature-comforts are removed, we have a God to go t...
Read full commentary →And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Urged him.**—Genesis 33:11.
**Till he was ashamed.**—Literally, *unto being ashamed.* The pronoun is not expressed in the Hebrew. “They pressed upon him, *‘ad bōsh,*” means “until he was embarrassed, disconcerted, put out of countenance.” (Comp. 2Kings 8:11; Judges 3:25.) Thenius prefers “they carried their importunity to a shameless length;” Keil and Bähr, “until he was disappointed in the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
Elijah left his mantle to Elisha; as a token of the descent of the Spirit upon him; it was more than if he had left him thousands of gold and silver. Elisha took it up, not as a sacred relic to be worshipped, but as a significant garment to be worn. Now that Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha inquired, 1. After God; when our creature-comforts are removed, we have a God to go t...
Read full commentary →And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Isr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **For he tarried.**—*Now he* (emphatic) *was abiding in Jericho* (while they were searching).
**Did I not say.**—Or, command. Elisha could now fairly remind them of his authority. So the phrase “Go not” is, in the Hebrew, imperative. (Comp. “Ye shall not send,” 2Kings 2:16.) With these words, the history of Elijah significantly closes. “Elias resembled Moses in courage and eloquence, and no o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 15
1Ki 15:1-8. Abijam's Wicked Reign over Judah.
**1. Abijam--**His name was at first Abijah (2Ch 12:16); "Jah," the name of God, according to an ancient fashion, being conjoined with it. But afterwards, when he was found "walking in all the sins of his father" [1Ki 15:3], that honorable addition was withdrawn, and his name in sacred history changed into Abijam [Lightfoot].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 13-18**
Elijah left his mantle to Elisha; as a token of the descent of the Spirit upon him; it was more than if he had left him thousands of gold and silver. Elisha took it up, not as a sacred relic to be worshipped, but as a significant garment to be worn. Now that Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha inquired, 1. After God; when our creature-comforts are removed, we have a God to go t...
Read full commentary →Elisha Heals the Water
And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. barren: Heb. causing to miscarry
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both k...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19-25) Elisha, as prophet, heals the waters of Jericho, and curses the scorners of Beth-el.
(19) **The men of the city.**—Not “the sons of the prophets,” but the citizens make this trial of the prophet’s miraculous powers.
**The situation of this** (Heb.,* the*) **city is pleasant **(Heb.,* good*).—Jericho, “the city of palms” (Deuteronomy 34:3), had a fine position, “rising like an oasis from a ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Three years reigned he--**(compare 1Ki 15:1 with 1Ki 15:9). Parts of years are often counted in Scripture as whole years. The reign began in Jeroboam's eighteenth year, continued till the nineteenth, and ended in the course of the twentieth.
**his mother's name was Maachah--**or Michaiah (2Ch 13:2), probably altered from the one to the other on her becoming queen, as was very common under a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-25**
Observe the miracle of healing the waters. Prophets should make every place to which they come better for them, endeavouring to sweeten bitter spirits, and to make barren souls fruitful, by the word of God, which is like the salt cast into the water by Elisha. It was an apt emblem of the effect produced by the grace of God on the sinful heart of man. Whole families, towns, and...
Read full commentary →And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **A new cruse.**—*Vessel*; either *dish, bowl,* or* cup *(*çĕlōhîth*); only here. (Comp. *çĕlāhôth*, 2Chronicles 35:16 : and the Targum, (*çĕlûhîthā*.) A *new* one, because the holy purpose demanded an instrument uncontaminated by use. (Comp. Numbers 19:2; 2Samuel 6:3.)
**Salt.**—As an antiseptic, an appropriate sacramental medium of the Divine influence which was to expel the corruption of t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. his heart was not perfect with the Lord ... , as the heart of David his father--**(Compare 1Ki 11:4; 14:22). He was not positively bad at first, for it appears that he had done something to restore the pillaged treasures of the temple (1Ki 15:15). This phrase contains a comparative reference to David's heart. His doing that which was right in the eyes of the Lord (1Ki 15:5) is frequently used...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-25**
Observe the miracle of healing the waters. Prophets should make every place to which they come better for them, endeavouring to sweeten bitter spirits, and to make barren souls fruitful, by the word of God, which is like the salt cast into the water by Elisha. It was an apt emblem of the effect produced by the grace of God on the sinful heart of man. Whole families, towns, and...
Read full commentary →And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **The spring of the waters.**—Now called *Aines Sultân* (“the Sultan’s Fountain”), a fine spring of sweet water, which irrigates the neighbouring plain.
**Thus saith the Lord.**—Not the prophet’s own power, nor the natural virtues of the salt, but the D*ivine creative will* was effectual to the healing of the spring.
**There shall not be.**—Many MSS., and all the versions, save LXX., read “an...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. for David's sake did the Lord his God give him a lamp--**"A lamp" in one's house is an Oriental phrase for continuance of family name and prosperity. Abijam was not rejected only in consequence of the divine promise to David (see on 1Ki 11:13-36).
1Ki 15:9-22. Asa's Good Reign.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-25**
Observe the miracle of healing the waters. Prophets should make every place to which they come better for them, endeavouring to sweeten bitter spirits, and to make barren souls fruitful, by the word of God, which is like the salt cast into the water by Elisha. It was an apt emblem of the effect produced by the grace of God on the sinful heart of man. Whole families, towns, and...
Read full commentary →So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggle...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-25**
Observe the miracle of healing the waters. Prophets should make every place to which they come better for them, endeavouring to sweeten bitter spirits, and to make barren souls fruitful, by the word of God, which is like the salt cast into the water by Elisha. It was an apt emblem of the effect produced by the grace of God on the sinful heart of man. Whole families, towns, and...
Read full commentary →Elisha and the Youths
And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he went up from thence unto Beth-el: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means o...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Went up.**—From Jericho, in the plain, Elisha goes now to visit the prophetic community established at Beth-el, the chief seat of the illicit *cultus*.
**By the way.**—The way *par excellence*; the highroad leading directly up to the gates of the town.
**Little children.**—*Young boys* (or, *lads*). *Na’ar* is not used rhetorically here, as in 1Chronicles 29:1; 2Chronicles 13:7. The boys wh...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-25**
Observe the miracle of healing the waters. Prophets should make every place to which they come better for them, endeavouring to sweeten bitter spirits, and to make barren souls fruitful, by the word of God, which is like the salt cast into the water by Elisha. It was an apt emblem of the effect produced by the grace of God on the sinful heart of man. Whole families, towns, and...
Read full commentary →And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **He turned back.**—The boys were following him with their jeers. Thenius says, “The wanton young people, who had not courage to attack except in the rear, had stolen round him.”
**Cursed them.**—“To avenge the honour of Jehovah, violated in his person” (*Keil*). (Comp. Exodus 16:8; Acts 5:4.)
**And there came forth.**—Whether at once, and in the presence of Elisha, or not, is uncertain. Then...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-25**
Observe the miracle of healing the waters. Prophets should make every place to which they come better for them, endeavouring to sweeten bitter spirits, and to make barren souls fruitful, by the word of God, which is like the salt cast into the water by Elisha. It was an apt emblem of the effect produced by the grace of God on the sinful heart of man. Whole families, towns, and...
Read full commentary →And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 2: Prophetic succession and confirmation of divine calling. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with per...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **To mount Carmel.**—To cultivate the memory of his master in solitude. Elijah had often lived there (comp. 1 Kings 18), as its caves were well fitted for solitude and concealment. Elisha may have retired thither to prepare himself for his public ministry by prayer and fasting. (Comp. Matthew 4:1, *seq*.)
**To Samaria.**—Where he had his permanent abode. (Comp. 2Kings 6:32.)
**Ellicott's Comm...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-25**
Observe the miracle of healing the waters. Prophets should make every place to which they come better for them, endeavouring to sweeten bitter spirits, and to make barren souls fruitful, by the word of God, which is like the salt cast into the water by Elisha. It was an apt emblem of the effect produced by the grace of God on the sinful heart of man. Whole families, towns, and...
Read full commentary →