Topical Bible: Judgments: Preservation During

◄ Judgments: Preservation During - Exemplified: Elisha ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the prophet Elisha stands as a prominent figure exemplifying divine preservation during times of judgment. His life and ministry, as recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Kings, demonstrate God's ability to protect and sustain His servants amidst adversity and divine retribution.

Context and Background

Elisha, the successor of Elijah, served as a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel during a tumultuous period marked by idolatry and moral decline. His ministry occurred during the reigns of several kings, including Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joash. Elisha's role was not only to deliver God's messages but also to perform miracles that affirmed God's power and presence among His people.

Divine Preservation During Judgment

1. Protection from the Arameans: One of the most striking examples of Elisha's preservation is found in 2 Kings 6:8-23. The king of Aram was at war with Israel and sought to capture Elisha, who was revealing the king's plans to the Israelites. When the Aramean army surrounded the city of Dothan to seize him, Elisha's servant was terrified. Elisha prayed, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." The LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha (2 Kings 6:17). This divine protection not only preserved Elisha but also demonstrated God's sovereignty over the nations.

2. Provision during Famine: In 2 Kings 4:38-44, during a time of famine, Elisha instructed his servant to prepare a stew for the sons of the prophets. Unknowingly, they gathered wild gourds that were poisonous. When the men cried out, "There is death in the pot, O man of God!" Elisha responded by adding flour to the pot, and the stew became safe to eat (2 Kings 4:40-41). This miracle of provision highlights God's care for His faithful even in dire circumstances.

3. Deliverance from Death: Elisha's preservation is further illustrated in the account of the Shunammite woman's son. In 2 Kings 4:18-37, the child, who was a miraculous gift from God to the woman, died suddenly. The woman sought Elisha, who returned with her and prayed to the LORD. Elisha stretched himself upon the child, and the LORD restored the boy's life (2 Kings 4:34-35). This act of divine intervention underscores God's power to preserve life even in the face of death.

4. Victory over Moab: In 2 Kings 3, Elisha played a crucial role in the coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab. When the armies found themselves without water, Elisha prophesied that the valley would be filled with water without wind or rain, and that they would defeat Moab. The next morning, water flowed from Edom, and the Israelites were victorious (2 Kings 3:16-24). This event illustrates God's provision and deliverance through His prophet during a time of military judgment.

Conclusion

Elisha's life and ministry provide a powerful testament to God's ability to preserve His people during times of judgment. Through miraculous interventions, divine protection, and provision, Elisha's experiences reveal the faithfulness of God to those who serve Him. His account encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and care, even amidst trials and divine retribution.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 4:38-41
And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said to his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
Torrey's Topical Textbook