◄ 2 Kings 2:3 ►
Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, "Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?" "Yes, I know," he replied. "Do not speak of it."
Study Bible
Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha
The "sons of the prophets" refers to a group of prophetic disciples or a school of prophets, which were communities dedicated to the study and practice of prophecy. These groups were prevalent during the time of Elijah and Elisha, serving as centers for spiritual training and guidance. Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a significant religious site in Israel, though it had become a center for idolatrous worship after Jeroboam set up a golden calf there (1 Kings 12:28-29). The presence of a prophetic community in Bethel indicates a remnant of true worshippers amidst widespread apostasy. Elisha, a prominent prophet, was recognized as Elijah's successor, and his presence among the prophets signifies his leadership and the continuation of Elijah's ministry.

and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?”
The prophets at Bethel were aware of the impending departure of Elijah, indicating that God had revealed this event to them. This knowledge underscores the prophetic insight and communication with God that these communities possessed. Elijah's departure is a significant event, as he is one of the few individuals in the Bible who did not experience death but was taken up by God (2 Kings 2:11). This event prefigures the ascension of Jesus Christ, who also was taken up into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). The phrase "the LORD will take your master away" highlights the divine initiative in Elijah's departure, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the lives of His servants.

“Yes, I know,” he replied.
Elisha's response indicates his awareness of the situation, showing his close relationship with God and his mentor, Elijah. This acknowledgment reflects Elisha's preparedness for the transition of leadership and his acceptance of the prophetic mantle. Elisha's knowledge of Elijah's departure also demonstrates the unity and shared revelation among the prophets, as God had communicated this event to multiple individuals. Elisha's calm acknowledgment contrasts with the anxiety or uncertainty that might be expected, illustrating his faith and trust in God's plan.

“Do not speak of it.”
Elisha's request to "not speak of it" suggests a desire to focus on the present moment and the tasks at hand rather than dwelling on the impending separation. This response may also reflect a sense of reverence and solemnity regarding the divine event about to occur. Elisha's instruction to remain silent can be seen as an expression of humility and submission to God's will, recognizing that some matters are beyond human discussion and should be approached with quiet faith. This attitude is reminiscent of Jesus' teachings on the importance of focusing on God's work and trusting in His timing (John 9:4).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elisha
A prophet and the successor of Elijah. He is known for his faithfulness and dedication to his mentor, Elijah.

2. Elijah
A major prophet in Israel, known for his miraculous deeds and his confrontation with the prophets of Baal. He is about to be taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.

3. Sons of the Prophets
A group of prophetic disciples or followers who were present in various locations, including Bethel. They were aware of the impending departure of Elijah.

4. Bethel
A significant location in Israelite history, often associated with worship and prophetic activity. It was one of the places where the sons of the prophets resided.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is orchestrating the events surrounding Elijah's departure.
Teaching Points
The Role of Prophetic Community
The sons of the prophets represent a community that is attuned to God's plans. This highlights the importance of being part of a faith community that seeks to understand and follow God's will.

Respect for God's Timing
Elisha's response, "Yes, I know; be quiet," indicates his awareness and respect for God's timing. It teaches us to be patient and respectful of God's plans, even when we are aware of them.

Mentorship and Succession
The relationship between Elijah and Elisha underscores the importance of mentorship in spiritual growth. It encourages believers to seek and provide guidance within the faith community.

Faithfulness in Transition
Elisha's journey with Elijah, despite knowing the impending separation, demonstrates faithfulness and commitment. It challenges us to remain steadfast in our roles, even during times of transition.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the presence of the sons of the prophets in Bethel reflect the importance of community in spiritual life?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for transitions in our spiritual journey, as Elisha did with Elijah?

3. How can we discern and respect God's timing in our lives, similar to Elisha's response to the sons of the prophets?

4. What role does mentorship play in your spiritual growth, and how can you either seek or provide it within your community?

5. How does the knowledge of God's plans, as seen with the sons of the prophets, influence our daily walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 19:16-21
This passage describes the calling of Elisha by Elijah, establishing the mentor-mentee relationship that is central to 2 Kings 2:3.

2 Kings 2:9-11
These verses describe the actual event of Elijah being taken up to heaven, fulfilling the prophecy known by the sons of the prophets.

Amos 3:7
This verse highlights the principle that God reveals His plans to His prophets, which is evident in the knowledge the sons of the prophets have about Elijah's departure.
Sermons
Preparative to TranslationJ. Orr 2 Kings 2:1-6
Parting VisitsC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 2:1-8
The Departure of Good MenD. Thomas 2 Kings 2:1-14
Elijah TranslatedH. Crosby, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
Elijah TranslatedMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 2:1-15
Elisha's Love for ElijahL. A. Banks, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
EvensongF. B. Meyer, B. A.2 Kings 2:1-15
Life's EventideF. S. Webster, M. A.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Ascension of ElijahCanon Hutchings, M. A.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Christian a Native of HeavenAlex. Maclaren, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Departure of Good MenHomilist2 Kings 2:1-15
The Translation of ElijahJ. Parker, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Sons of the ProphetsJ. Orr 2 Kings 2:3, 5, 7
People
Elijah, Elisha
Places
Bethel, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River, Mount Carmel, Samaria
Topics
Bethel, Beth-el, Clear, Elisha, Eli'sha, Forth, Hast, Hold, Master, Peace, Prophets, Replied, Silent, Sons, Speak, Taking, To-day, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 2:3

     5950   silence
     7778   school of prophets
     8636   asking

Library
The Translation of Elijah and the Ascension of Christ
'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.'--2 KINGS ii. 11. 'And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.'--LUKE xxiv. 51. These two events, the translation of Elijah and the Ascension of our Lord, have sometimes been put side by side in order to show that the latter narrative is nothing …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS ii. 12. '...And Joash, the King of Israel, came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said. O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS xiii. U. The scenes and the speakers are strangely different in these two incidents. The one scene is that mysterious translation on the further bank of the Jordan, when a mortal was swept up to heaven in a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Chariot of Fire
'And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. 80 they went down to Beth-el 3, And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Gentleness Succeeding Strength
'He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14. 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. 15. 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 …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Preparing to Depart
"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."--2 Kings 2:11. IT seems to me that the departure of Elijah from the world, though of course he did not "die" at all, may furnish us with a very good type of the decease of those saints who, although taken away on a sudden, are not without some previous intimation that in such a manner they will be …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 54: 1908

Whether Hope is a Help or a Hindrance to Action?
Objection 1: It would seem that hope is not a help but a hindrance to action. Because hope implies security. But security begets negligence which hinders action. Therefore hope is a hindrance to action. Objection 2: Further, sorrow hinders action, as stated above ([1361]Q[37], A[3]). But hope sometimes causes sorrow: for it is written (Prov. 13:12): "Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul." Therefore hope hinders action. Objection 3: Further, despair is contrary to hope, as stated above [1362](A[4]). …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Jericho Itself.
We read, that this city was not only wasted by Joshua with fire and sword, but cursed also. "Cursed be he before the Lord, who shall rise up and build that city Jericho," Joshua 6:26. "Nor was another city to be built (says the Talmudists), which was to be called by the name of Jericho: nor was Jericho itself to be built, although to be called by another name." And yet I know not by what chance this city crept out of dust and rubbish, lived again, and flourished, and became the second city to Jerusalem. …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Consolations against the Fear of Death.
If in the time of thy sickness thou findest thyself fearful to die, meditate-- 1. That it argueth a dastardly mind to fear that which is not; for in the church of Christ there is no death (Isa. xxv. 7, 8), and whosoever liveth and believeth in Christ, shall never die (John xi. 26). Let them fear death who live without Christ. Christians die not; but when they please God, they are like Enoch translated unto God (Gen. v. 24;) their pains are but Elijah's fiery chariot to carry them up to heaven (2 …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Baptist's Testimony.
"There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light.... John beareth witness of Him, and crieth, saying, This was He of whom I said, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for He was before me. For of His fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. …
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Epistle vii. To Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius.
To Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius. Gregory to Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius, Bishops [1688] . I rejoice exceedingly that you welcomed with great joy the ordination of the most holy Cyriacus, my brother and fellow-priest. And since we have learnt from the preaching of Paul the apostle that If one member rejoice, all the members rejoice with it (1 Cor. xii. 26), you must needs consider with how great exultation I rejoice with you in this thing, wherein not one member, but many members of Christ have …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to Christians to be Holy. By John Bunyan.
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.'--[Psalm 93:5] London, by B. W., for Benj. Alsop, at the Angel and Bible, in the Poultrey. 1684. THE EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This is the most searching treatise that has ever fallen under our notice. It is an invaluable guide to those sincere Christians, who, under a sense of the infinite importance of the salvation of an immortal soul, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts, sigh and cry, "O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem.
1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed of the places of power justly, [25] and according to every one's deserts, he came to Antioch, and consulting which way he had best take, he preferred to go for Rome, rather than to march to Alexandria, because he saw that Alexandria was sure to him already, but that the affairs at Rome were put into disorder by Vitellius; so he sent Mucianus to Italy, and committed a considerable army both of horsemen and footmen to …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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