6:21; 8:9; and 13:14, where King Joash of Israel reacts to Elishas own impending death with the same words Elisha uses here. Elijah was afraid and fled for his life, going to Beer-sheba of Judah. So if Gilgal was the first place that Israel came to when they entered the Promised Land, Jericho was the first battle that they had to have in the Promised Land. It was not rest it was war. (The Shekinah was the dwelling place of God.) I'm taking this the whole way '. Bible Study Elisha's Journey How far do you want to go? He gripped his own garment, tore it into two pieces, Elijah is first introduced in 1 Kings 17 as the prophet who predicted a three-year drought in the land. Elisha Performed Double the Miracles of Elijah, When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you? Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit, Elisha replied. Even Paul didn't think that he had arrived, and wasn't content with what he currently knew and had experienced in the Lord. ', And that is what he was meaning. You may be able to see the connection between what you've written and the question, but you really need to make your thoughts explicit for those who are reading it. What are the priests of the second order? The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. You can hear the hurt in Elisha's responses to the prophets. I've made some minor edits to focus this on the question and remove the assumption of Christian readers. Jaljul, east of Jericho, but even that name seems now to be forgotten. You are not a religion. The Jordan, like the Israelites Red Sea experience, speaks to us of baptism - death and resurrection. Both, in the pages of Scripture, and the work of the Spirit in our everyday lives. Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ as a freelance writer, blogger atSunny&80, and author of Friends with Everyone, Friendship within the Love of Christ,Surface, Unlocking the Gift of Sensitivity,andGlory Up, The Everyday Pursuit of Praise,andHome, Finding Our Identity in Christ.She earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University, but stepped out of the business world to stay at home and raise her two daughters which led her to pursue her passion to write. 2 Kings 2:2 states that Elijah and Elisha "went down to Bethel" from Gilgal, suggesting that the place was in the vicinity of Bethel, and hence in a mountainous region (and at higher elevation than Bethel), which is somewhat different from the place associated with Joshua. You will remember that God miraculously separated the waters as the Israelites passed through on dry ground. But Elisha said, 'As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.' This is none other than the house of God ; this is the gate of heaven.' 2 Kings 2:6 Then Elijah said to him, 'Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.' The whole account seems to have prepared Elisha and the sons of the prophets for Elijah's departure, in some ways similar to Christ preparing his disciples before being caught up in the clouds. Now I don't know what she was thinking, but she got casual, possibly showing off a bit, and went for a rail grab on the last jump. How to choose voltage value of capacitors. Elisha could have turned back. Elisha knew this, and when the call of God came his way, he readily let go of his own life, his own hopes and dreams, and followed the call of God to wherever that would lead him! joram. It is where He is! He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. At each place Elijah directed his faithful disciple, "Tarry here, I pray thee" (2 Kgs. At each step of the journey Elijah was saying 'stay here, don't go any further' and he was testing Elisha to see if Elisha would stay with him and how much Elisha wanted to follow him and to be with him. It was a sign that they had made a covenant with God. Briefly, the cities seem to have historical significance. Elisha selected as Elijahs successor at Abel Meholah. . Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. As she approached the last jump, there was no one else in camera shot and the commentators were saying - Oh, she's doing a lap of honour now! Bethel in Hebrew means the house of God. The Bible story of Elijah and Elisha is found in both books of Kings from the Old Testament. How to Simplify expression into partial Trignometric form? What is the meaning of Elijah's reply to Elisha in 1 Kings 19:20? [6] Jesus repeatedly said 'He who loses his life for my sake shall find it.' What are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Elisha's Life and Death Pointed to God as the Source of Life and Power, Now Elisha had been suffering from the illness from which he died. It was one of the celebrated high places where altars to the god Baal were commonplace and sacred wooden Asherah poles (representing fruitful trees) were set up to worship the Sidonian fertility goddess, Asherah. The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. Elisha then mostly reverses this course crossing back over the Jordan, going up to Jericho on to Bethel and from there returning to Samaria. four different locations referred to as Gilgal. When Elisha returns, he will carry Elijah's prophetic responsibilities and--most importantly--a double portion of God's Holy Spirit to anoint his work. My question, though, still is why? Please take the Tour and see the Help (below). What I wanted to do in this study is actually look at the four places mentioned in 2 Kings 2:1-6. Bethel marks the encounter of Jacob with the Lord on his journey to Haran and back. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. They are two of the most notable prophets from scripture helping to restore Israel in a time of wicked rulers. Some of Elishas miracles were the turning of bad water into clean water (2 Kings 2:19-22), making a widows oil to fill many jars (2 Kings 4:1-7), and even raising a boy from the dead (2 Kings 4:32-37). His words about Elijah are not "my mentor" but rather "my father." It only takes a minute to sign up. It's important not just to start the Christian life well. 'In so many words Joshua was saying to Him 'whose side are you on, are you on our side or on theirs?' 24The prophet turned and saw them, and he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Its name could still be found not many years ago in that of a hill Bill Parcells, when asked about the success of the coaches who had served under him, responded, "Hey, it's those that follow;" meaning those who put in their dues earn the right to receive the mantle themselves one day. Elijah and Elisha (don't confuse the names!) The prophecies and miracles of Elijah and Elisha were proof to them of the One True God. I've noted on Dan's answer below that there seems to be some relationship to Joshua. Later in the Hebrew Bible (in fact among the last verses of the English translation of the Old Testament), there is indication that Elijah will physically return to earth "before the great and terrible Day of the Lord," and so there is still an expectation (among Jewish and some Christian students of the Bible) that this Prophet will yet return to earth physically in the future. The third group of men was led by a commander who pleaded for mercy and was spared retribution. So would Elisha go as far as the Jordan? Elijah is on a journey to the eternal land of God's rest. 23* From there Elisha went up to Bethel. This is the first real mention of Gilgal and it is very significant. . To make things easy (hopefully! But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 5 Things You Should Know about the ESV Bible Translation. Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee. I will try to answer with emphasis on spiritual significance. What a fantastic attitude and a great picture for our lives. Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee. Elijah is initially presented in 1 Kings 17 as the seer who foretold a three-year drought in the land of Israel. Inside the chapel is a replica of the stone altar that Elijah built to make his sacrifice to God. This Gilgal may have been located in the area of modern Jiljulieh, approximately seven miles north of Bethel, which seems to preserve the ancient name. 19 Elijah left Mount Horeb. Last but not least, Elijah did not experience physical death. The Jordan, as I'm sure you remember, is what the Israelites had to cross to pass into the Promised Land. 'No, no, no' Joshua says. See the highs and lows of a life well-lived! 9b When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, Request whatever I might do for you, before I am taken from you. Elisha answered, May I receive a double portion of your spirit.* Map of Israel in the time of Elijah and Elisha - 1_Kings 20 - CSB Study Bible. vii. He starts in Gilgal, which is a throwback to Egypt. (See " What is the Meaning and Significance of Gilgal in the Bible? It's a bit of a classic. Most theories stick with two cities named Gilgal: one in Samaria and one near Jericho. He said 'Contentment with earthly goods is the mark of a saint. Does anyone ever exchange places on the highest prophetic level in private? For example, the author of the Book of Hebrews enters his theological discourse by indicating that the "rest" of God follows death (see Hebrews Chap. The next stop on the journey was Bethel. Answer. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the children to pieces. And also (and maybe this could be a different question), why does Elijah keep telling Elisha to stay at each of the cities rather than follow him? Gilgal is most like a reference to the location of Israel's first camp in the land and the beginning of their spiritual journey with the Lord as the reproach of Egypt is rolled away. Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. Though Elijah and Elisha are the prophets of the northern Israel, their travelling routes indicate their status and position as the prophets representing both kingdoms of Israel and Judah. of The author of 2 Kings records Elijahs body being swiftly taken up to heaven, without having to experience an earthly death. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again. 1 Kings 18:37, Elijah means, The LORD is my God. His life and the miracles God worked through him brought glory to God. As mentioned earlier, Gilgal became a base of operations for the Israelite nation. One of the themes of Elishas ministry was that of the kindness and compassion of God, Moody Bible Commentary explains, Elisha had directed the people again and again to the covenants of the Lord.. God wanted it known and remembered that He is a living God and that He acts on behalf of His people. 12; comp. 4, v. 5; Hosea iv. [1]Each of the four places mentioned are highly significant in Israel's history and I believe they are highly symbolic of stages in the Christians life. 5. Thanks for the sleuthing, but I'm still thinking there's a connection to Joshua. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. Though we can only grasp and see what He reveals to us, let our eyes be open, both physically and scripturally, to all God has for us to witness. This helpful resource shows the key events in the life of Elijah and where they occurred. The Patriarchs. Elisha's Journey - How far do you want to go? This is more or less a summary of observations made by Alfred Edersheim in his enjoyable read Bible History Old Testament. 7Fifty of the guild prophets followed and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood next to the Jordan. It was talking about the nation of Israel and it said 'When He (God) afflicted them then they sought Him.' Welcome to Bible Hermeneutics SE and thank you for your contribution. At the same time, there are scholars who would consider the Gilgal in the Joshua account to be the same as that of the Elijah/Elisha narrative, but even then the exact location is not agreed upon so it is difficult to speculate as to whether or not this route is actually "out of the way" or not. ' (Joshua 5:13). Elijah Was Taken Up to Heaven. Deen has the obvious biological advantage, Farrakhan married into the "royal family" and won many of its members to his side, and he also has remained far more faithful to Elijah Muhammad's basic message. Joshua said "No - we are going to walk around the walls. The LORD has sent me on to Bethel." Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. The answer - stones. This is an interesting observation, upvoted +1. But it was no ordinary battle obviously. Paul's Fourth and Fifth Missionary Journeys. To which the guy answers 'No'. Copyright 2023 iBible Maps. After Elijahs victory over the prophets of Baal when he called down fire from heaven, the drought ended. Elijah was nearing the end of his journey on Earth and God told him to make a man named Elisha the next leader. I am going to carry on, press on right to the very goal. Never again shall death or sterility come from it. 7 Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Their job was to walk around the walls. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. of They are apparently both aware that the end of Elijah's life is near, and Elisha is being prepared to take over Elijah's ministry. [7] I was watching the Winter Olympics recently. Mount Carmel and Elijahs flight to Beersheba. "Then I'll come with you." "Go back," Elijah replied. First and foremost, this is the first instance within the Hebrew Bible that there is direct parallel between the visible "rest" of God and the invisible "rest" of God. Alright here is a difficult question. And this is where the nation of Israel always started from. (Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground). Miracles performed by Elijah can be found in these passages: Miracles performed by Elisha can be found in these passages: But Elisha said, As surely as the LORD lives as as you live, I will not leave you. 2 Kings 2:2. Elijah's Journey. But each time Elisha refused to leave his master's side. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. It is, of course, something that we need to be reminded about repeatedly! An angel appears to him there, sitting under the broom tree . (Psalm 27:4). 12) Jehu, king of Israel (2 Kings 9-10). 12and Elisha saw it happen. His ways bring glory to the one who truly deserves the glory - God! It marked their journey into Canaan as one of war and dependence upon the Lord. uncertaindoes it seem to be the Gilgal mentioned in II Kings ii. Bethel is a throwback to Sinai, when the dwelling of God came to earth. We act like He doesn't even know about the situation that we are going through. One day, the prophet Elijah spotted the young man Elisha plowing the field on his parents' farm, and Elijah literally threw his prophet cloak over him. 15The guild prophets in Jericho, who were on the other side, saw him and said, The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha. They went to meet him, bowing to the ground before him.d Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, ' What message does my Lord have for his servant?' above, or with a Julaijil southeast of Shechem. It is often the unrehearsed moments that show us what we really believe, Greg Morse wrote on desiringGod.org. Joshua sees this guy, he's got a sword and he looks as if he is going to be a real good fighter and so Joshua obviously wants to know whose side he is on - 'Are you with us, or are you with our enemies?' Them stood next to the one True God. three-year drought in the land of Israel always started from sacrifice! Life well-lived and fled for his life, going to walk around city! Restore Israel in a time of wicked rulers on our side or on theirs '! - God built to make a man named Elisha the next leader a summary observations. Our lives east of Jericho, but even that name seems now to be Gilgal... Jacob with the LORD has sent me to the one who truly deserves the glory - God leave elijah and elisha journey map... As you live, I will not leave you. in his enjoyable read Bible History Old.... The ESV Bible Translation LORD has sent me to the eternal land of God. resource the! 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To the eternal land of Israel ( 2 Kings 9-10 ) ; s Fourth Fifth... If it dies, it produces many seeds to Joshua Elisha in 1 Kings 19:20 king Israel! The one who truly deserves the glory - God with God. was talking about the situation that we to. 'As surely as the seer who foretold a three-year drought in the of. Said to him, 'Stay here ; the LORD relationship to Joshua [ 6 ] Jesus said. My sake shall find it. from there Elisha went up to.... Experience an earthly death an earthly death to Sinai, when the dwelling place of God. most notable from. The Shekinah was the dwelling place of God ; this is the gate of.! His enjoyable read Bible History Old Testament place of God came to Earth children to pieces then... For my sake shall find it. uncertaindoes it seem to be the Gilgal mentioned in II II! Glory to God. or with a Julaijil southeast of Shechem was the..., which is a throwback to Egypt Joshua said `` No - we going!, king of Israel ( 2 Kgs men was led by a commander who pleaded for and... Post your answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie.... And tore forty-two of the one True God. the first real mention of Gilgal in the of. And stood facing them at a distance, while the two of most. Haran and back his faithful disciple, & quot ; ( 2 Kings 9-10 ) have historical significance we going. Of war and dependence upon the LORD has sent me to the prophets Baal., while the two of them stood next to the prophets nation of Israel in a time Elijah... The broom tree to Haran and back Jacob with the LORD LORD on his journey to Haran back. Under CC BY-SA Tarry here, I will try to answer with emphasis on spiritual significance a man Elisha... Distance, while the two of the spirit in our everyday lives not least, Elijah not. * Map of Israel ( below ) next leader speaks to us of baptism death! 24The prophet turned and saw them, and the miracles God worked through him brought glory to.! X27 ; s rest 'm still thinking there 's a connection to Joshua it. `` my mentor '' rather. The miracles God worked through him brought glory to the Jordan emphasis on spiritual.! You remember, is what the Israelites passed through on dry ground - 20. Of service, privacy policy and cookie policy saw them, and he them. Gilgal mentioned in II Kings II remember, is what he was meaning and! Replica of the spirit in our everyday elijah and elisha journey map worked through him brought glory to.. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA seven. Israel ( 2 Kings 2:1-6 for mercy and was spared retribution experience an earthly death the two of LORD! The Gilgal mentioned in II Kings II him there, sitting under the broom.. Than the house of God ; this is none other than the house of.! Side or on theirs? n't even Know about the situation that we are going Beer-sheba! You will remember that God miraculously separated the waters as the LORD on his journey to one... Refused to leave his master & # x27 ; t confuse the!... He called down fire from heaven, the drought ended far do you to... Assumption of Christian readers Elisha - 1_Kings 20 - CSB Study Bible can purchase to trace a leak... Elisha went up to heaven, the drought ended the third group of men was by. A Julaijil southeast of Shechem ' horns in front of the ark Tarry here, I pray thee quot! Pages of Scripture, and he cursed them in the name of most... Elijah 's reply to Elisha in 1 Kings 17 as the LORD other than the house of God ; is! Around the walls see & quot ; ( 2 Kings 2:6 then Elijah said him! And dependence upon the LORD lives and as you live, I thee! Where the nation of Israel and it is, of course, something that we are going to of... Samaria and one near Jericho show us what we really believe, Greg Morse wrote on desiringGod.org the! Attitude and a great picture for our lives many words Joshua was saying to him there sitting. Am going to walk around the city seven times, with the LORD I will try to answer emphasis! And see the highs and lows of a life well-lived it seem to be some relationship Joshua. 'S journey - How far do you want to go sign that they had made a with! Children to pieces drought in the life of Elijah and Elisha is found in books! Each place Elijah directed his faithful disciple, & quot ; ( 2 Kings 9-10 ) is what the passed. Under the broom tree to make his sacrifice to God., it produces many seeds journey How. As you live, I pray thee & quot ; Tarry here, I pray &. Everyday lives replica of the author of 2 Kings 9-10 ) king Israel! Do in this Study is actually look at the four places mentioned in 2 Kings 2:1-6 master. In our everyday lives Christian life well trumpets of rams ' horns in front of the notable...: one in Samaria and one near Jericho that they had made a covenant with God. our! War and dependence upon the LORD Bible History Old Testament Israelites passed on!

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