Elijah Ascends to Heaven
September 17, 2021
Commentary
As this chapter begins, Elisha was still accompanying Elijah whose home base was in Gilgal (v. 1). They leave this site and go down to Bethel (v. 2). Elijah went to visit two schools of prophets for the last time. Three times Elijah, as a test, asked Elisha not to follow him, but each time Elisha was persistent to stick with him (vv. 3-4). Elisha had learned somehow (perhaps from Elijah himself) that this would be Elijah’s last day on earth (v. 5). Determined to be with his father in the faith till the very end Elisha refused Elijah’s suggestio. As they approached the Jordan River, 50 of the young prophets from Jericho, realizing that Elijah’s departure was imminent, followed at a distance to observe what would happen to him (vv. 6-7). Elijah rolled up his cloak and struck the water (v. 8). The cloak symbolized his authority under God. Miraculously the water divided and the riverbed dried up so the two men could walk across on dry land just like the Israelites had done years earlier.
Elijah then asked Elisha what he would like to have from him before he would be taken away. Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit (vv. 9-10). Suddenly a fast-approaching chariot and horses of fire separated Elijah from Elisha (v. 11). Elijah did not ride into heaven in a chariot of fire but a whirlwind snatched him up and Elisha was left standing on his own. In an act of mourning Elisha tore his clothes (v. 12). As Elijah had been snatched away, his mantle had fallen to the ground. Elisha then tests his power by striking the cloak on the Jordan River and the waters parted again (vv. 13-14). This was an obvious confirmation of God’s approval and blessing.
Application
Jehu did most of what the Lord told him to do, but he did not obey him with all his heart. We need to check the condition of our heart toward God. We can be very active in our work for God and still not give the complete obedience that He desires.
2 Kings 10:18– 36 (NET)
18 Jehu assembled all the people and said to them, âAhab worshiped Baal a little; Jehu will worship him with great devotion. 19 So now, bring to me all the prophets of Baal, as well as all his servants and priests. None of them must be absent, for I am offering a great sacrifice to Baal. Any of them who fails to appear will lose his life.â But Jehu was tricking them so he could destroy the servants of Baal. 20 Then Jehu ordered, âMake arrangements for a celebration for Baal.â So they announced it. 21 Jehu sent invitations throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; not one was absent. They arrived at the temple of Baal and filled it up from end to end. 22 Jehu ordered the one who was in charge of the wardrobe, âBring out robes for all the servants of Baal.â So he brought out robes for them. 23 Then Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rekab went to the temple of Baal. Jehu said to the servants of Baal, âMake sure there are no servants of the Lord here with you; there must be only servants of Baal.â 24 They went inside to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside. He had told them, âIf any of the men inside gets away, you will pay with your lives!â
25 When he finished offering the burnt sacrifice, Jehu ordered the royal guard and officers, âCome in and strike them down! Donât let any escape!â So the royal guard and officers struck them down with the sword and left their bodies lying there. Then they entered the inner sanctuary of the temple of Baal. 26 They hauled out the sacred pillar of the temple of Baal and burned it. 27 They demolished the sacred pillar of Baal and the temple of Baal; it is used as a latrine to this very day. 28 So Jehu eradicated Baal worship from Israel.
29 However, Jehu did not repudiate the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had encouraged Israel to commit; the golden calves remained in Bethel and Dan. 30 The Lord said to Jehu, âYou have done well. You have accomplished my will and carried out my wishes with regard to Ahabâs dynasty. Therefore four generations of your descendants will rule over Israel.â 31 But Jehu did not carefully and wholeheartedly obey the law of the Lord God of Israel. He did not repudiate the sins which Jeroboam had encouraged Israel to commit.
32 In those days the Lord began to reduce the size of Israelâs territory. Hazael attacked their eastern border. 33 He conquered all the land of Gilead, including the territory of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh, extending all the way from the Aroer in the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan.
34 The rest of the events of Jehuâs reign, including all his accomplishments and successes, are recorded in the scroll called the Annals of the Kings of Israel. 35 Jehu passed away and was buried in Samaria. His son Jehoahaz replaced him as king. 36 Jehu reigned over Israel for twenty-eight years in Samaria.