Topical Bible: Reproof: Elisha

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Introduction

Reproof, a form of correction or admonishment, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often used by God’s prophets to guide His people back to righteousness. Elisha, a prominent prophet in the Old Testament, is a significant figure who exemplifies the role of a prophet in delivering reproof. His ministry, marked by miracles and divine interventions, also includes instances where he offers reproof to individuals and groups, urging them to align with God's will.

Elisha's Role as a Prophet

Elisha, the successor of Elijah, served as a prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BC. His ministry is recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Elisha was known for his close relationship with God, which enabled him to perform numerous miracles and provide guidance to the people of Israel. His life and actions serve as a testament to the power and authority bestowed upon him by God to lead and correct His people.

Instances of Reproof by Elisha

1. Reproof of Jehoram, King of Israel: In 2 Kings 3, Elisha reproves King Jehoram of Israel. When Jehoram seeks Elisha's counsel during a military campaign against Moab, Elisha initially refuses to help, saying, "What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother" (2 Kings 3:13). This reproof highlights Jehoram's continued idolatry and reliance on false prophets, despite seeking Elisha's aid in a time of need. Elisha's rebuke serves as a reminder of the king's failure to fully commit to the worship of the true God.

2. Reproof of Gehazi: Elisha's servant Gehazi is reproved for his greed and deceit in 2 Kings 5. After Naaman, the Syrian commander, is healed of leprosy, Gehazi secretly accepts gifts from him, contrary to Elisha's instructions. Elisha confronts Gehazi, saying, "Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to accept money and clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants?" (2 Kings 5:26). Gehazi's punishment, leprosy, serves as a stern reproof and a warning against covetousness and dishonesty.

3. Reproof of the Sons of the Prophets: In 2 Kings 6, the sons of the prophets are building a new dwelling place when a borrowed axe head falls into the Jordan River. Elisha's response to their distress is not a direct reproof but a gentle correction through a miracle. By causing the axe head to float, Elisha teaches them about God's provision and the importance of faith. This incident serves as an indirect reproof, encouraging reliance on God rather than human effort alone.

4. Reproof of the King of Israel: In 2 Kings 13, Elisha, on his deathbed, reproves the King of Israel for his lack of faith and half-hearted obedience. When Elisha instructs the king to strike the ground with arrows as a symbol of victory over Aram, the king strikes only three times. Elisha responds with disappointment, saying, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat Aram only three times" (2 Kings 13:19). This reproof underscores the importance of complete trust and obedience to God's instructions.

Conclusion

Elisha's ministry is marked by instances of reproof that serve to correct, instruct, and guide individuals and the nation of Israel back to faithful worship and obedience to God. Through his actions and words, Elisha exemplifies the prophetic role of delivering God's truth, even when it involves challenging those in power or correcting those who stray from righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 5:26
And he said to him, Went not my heart with you, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive groves, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

John who was a Torch, Laid Bare and Rebuked the Wanton Ones: they ...
... 2. A great blessing was hidden in it, even in the reproof of Elijah. Elisha ministered
unto him and sought, a twofold reward of his ministration. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxi john who was.htm

A Prophet of Peace
... committed messages of condemnation and judgment; his was the voice of fearless reproof,
calling king and people to turn from their evil ways. Elisha's was a ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 19 a prophet of.htm

Impossible that Marcion's Christ Should Reprove the Faithless ...
... Now, if you come from Him, we will bear your reproof. ... on the contrary, [4389] let
loose bears against children, in order to avenge His prophet Elisha, who had ...
/.../chapter xxiii impossible that marcions christ.htm

"Is not this the Carpenter's Son?"
... of the king of Syria, and the great host of his armed men, Elisha beheld the ... of their
ambitious hopes better than they could bear Christ's reproof of their sins ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 24 is not this.htm

2 Timothy iii. 16, 17
... For if Elisha, ho was with his master to his last breath, when he saw ... by inspiration
of God, [1424] and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction ...
/.../homily ix 2 timothy iii.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... Elijah and Elisha, through Amos and Hosea, the Lord had repeatedly set before the
ten tribes the evils of disobedience. But notwithstanding reproof and entreaty ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

Matt. vii. 28
... [1072] For this cause, we see, Elisha did not ... But what is, "for a testimony unto
them"? For reproof, for demonstration, for accusation, if they be unthankful. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxv matt vii 28.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... to demand the stipulated tribute,"prophets such as Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah ...
commissioned by the Supreme, to approach them with reproof and instruction ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

Prophets in their Country.
... for Elijah did not suffer dishonour in Tishbeth of Gilead, nor Elisha in Abelmeholah ...
because of his living with rigorous austerity, and his reproof of sinners ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/18 prophets in their country.htm

The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ...
... A trespassing brother He will have rebuked. [4862] If one failed in this duty of
reproof, he in fact sinned, either ... [4883] Because Elisha did not in the case ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxv the judicial severity of.htm