Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his powerful ministry and numerous miracles. One of the most significant miracles attributed to Elisha is the dividing of the Jordan River, an event that underscores his prophetic authority and the continuation of Elijah's spirit upon him.

Context and Background

The miracle of dividing the Jordan occurs at a pivotal moment in Elisha's life, immediately following the ascension of Elijah into heaven. Elijah, aware that his time on earth was drawing to a close, journeyed with Elisha from Gilgal to the Jordan River. Along the way, they visited Bethel and Jericho, where the sons of the prophets repeatedly informed Elisha of Elijah's impending departure. Elisha, steadfast in his loyalty, refused to leave Elijah's side.

As they reached the Jordan River, Elijah performed a miracle by striking the water with his rolled-up cloak, causing the river to part so that both prophets could cross on dry ground. This act set the stage for Elisha's own demonstration of divine power.

The Miracle

After Elijah was taken up into heaven by a whirlwind, Elisha was left standing by the Jordan River, holding Elijah's cloak. This moment was crucial, as it signified the transfer of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha. Elisha's first act as the new leader of the prophetic community was to test whether the spirit of Elijah now rested upon him.

In 2 Kings 2:13-14 , the narrative describes the miracle:

"He also took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters, saying, 'Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over."

This miraculous event confirmed Elisha's role as Elijah's successor and demonstrated that the same divine power that had been with Elijah was now with Elisha. The parting of the Jordan River was a public affirmation of Elisha's prophetic authority and a sign to the sons of the prophets and the people of Israel that God was with him.

Significance

The dividing of the Jordan by Elisha is rich in theological and symbolic meaning. It echoes the earlier biblical events of the parting of the Red Sea by Moses and the crossing of the Jordan by Joshua, linking Elisha to the great leaders of Israel's past. This miracle serves as a testament to God's continued presence and power among His people, even as leadership transitions from one prophet to another.

Furthermore, the miracle underscores the theme of continuity in God's plan. Just as Elijah's ministry was marked by miraculous signs, Elisha's ministry would also be characterized by divine interventions, affirming that God's work through His prophets would persist despite changes in leadership.

In summary, the miracle of Elisha dividing the Jordan River is a foundational event in his prophetic ministry, symbolizing the transfer of authority, the presence of God's power, and the continuation of His divine purposes through His chosen servants.2 Kings 2:14
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 here and thither: and Elisha went over.
Nave's Topical Index

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... 4774] Bardesanes, a Babylonian, divides the Gymnosophists ... He who, while he was fasting,
had wrought miracles, no sooner ate a meal than he paid the penalty for ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
... Gentiles have required a succession of millennial miracles. ... we find that the Massorah
divides the Pentateuch ... broken the covenant, and Elisha was immediately ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x the synagogue at.htm

Three Homilies. On Our Lord.
... accompanied up to the sea, that they might fear; and blessed miracles surrounded
in the ... But Elisha, as one ignorant, said to the Shunamite;"Peace to thee and ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/three homilies on our lord.htm

Why did Elisha request a double portion of Elijah's spirit? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Elijah and Elisha? | GotQuestions.org

Why did the Prophet Elisha curse the “youths” for making fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24)? | GotQuestions.org

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