Topical Encyclopedia The River Jordan holds a significant place in biblical history, serving as a backdrop for numerous miraculous events. Among these, the division of its waters by the prophet Elisha stands out as a testament to God's power and the prophetic authority bestowed upon Elisha.Context and Background The event of the Jordan's division by Elisha occurs in the context of the transition of prophetic leadership from Elijah to Elisha. Elijah, a mighty prophet of God, had been a central figure in Israel, confronting idolatry and performing miracles. As his earthly ministry drew to a close, God instructed him to anoint Elisha as his successor (1 Kings 19:16-21). The Event The division of the Jordan by Elisha is recorded in 2 Kings 2:13-14. After Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha picked up Elijah's cloak, which had fallen as Elijah ascended. This cloak symbolized the prophetic authority and power that was now transferred to Elisha. Elisha returned to the banks of the Jordan River, where he had previously crossed with Elijah. Standing before the river, Elisha struck the waters with Elijah's cloak and called upon the God of Elijah, saying, "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" (2 Kings 2:14). The waters of the Jordan parted, allowing Elisha to cross on dry ground, mirroring the earlier miracle performed by Elijah (2 Kings 2:8). Significance The division of the Jordan by Elisha is significant for several reasons: 1. Confirmation of Prophetic Authority: This miracle served as a divine confirmation of Elisha's role as Elijah's successor. By replicating Elijah's miracle, Elisha demonstrated that the same God who empowered Elijah was now with him. 2. Symbol of God's Presence: The parting of the Jordan was a powerful reminder of God's presence and intervention in the lives of His people. It echoed the earlier miraculous crossing of the Jordan by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 3:14-17), reinforcing the idea that God was actively guiding and supporting His chosen leaders. 3. Encouragement to the Faithful: For the faithful in Israel, this event was an encouragement that God continued to work through His prophets. It reassured them that despite Elijah's departure, God's work and His promises would endure through Elisha. 4. Foreshadowing of Greater Works: The miracle also foreshadowed the greater works that Elisha would perform during his ministry. It set the stage for a series of miraculous events that would further establish Elisha's role as a prophet and God's instrument in Israel. Conclusion The division of the Jordan River by Elisha is a remarkable event that underscores the continuity of God's work through His prophets. It highlights the seamless transition of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha and serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring presence and power among His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 2:14And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Where was Jesus baptized? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Perea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Shittim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Jordan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jordan: Crossed by a Ferry Boat Jordan: Empties Into the Dead Sea Jordan: John the Baptist Immerses In Jordan: John the Baptist Immerses Jesus In Jordan: Naaman Washes In, for the Healing of his Leprosy Jordan: Plain of Israelites Camped In Jordan: Plain of Solomon's Foundry In Jordan: Swelling of, at Harvest Time Jordan: Swelling of, in the Early Spring Jordan: The Waters of, Miraculously Separated for the Passage of Elijah Jordan: The Waters of, Miraculously Separated for the Passage of Elisha Jordan: The Waters of, Miraculously Separated for the Passage of the Israelites the River Jordan: Despised by Foreigners the River Jordan: Eastern Boundary of Canaan the River Jordan: Empties Itself Into the Dead Sea the River Jordan: Ferry Boats often Used On the River Jordan: Fordable in some Places the River Jordan: Moses not Allowed to Cross the River Jordan: Often Overflowed the River Jordan: Overflowing of, Called the Swelling of Jordan the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over in an Appointed Order the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: A Pledge That God Would Drive the Canaanites out of the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Alluded To the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Commemorated by a Pillar of Stones in Gilgal the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Commemorated by a Pillar of Stones Raised in It the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Preceded by Priests With the Ark the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Promised the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Successfully Effected the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Baptism of Multitudes by John the Baptist the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Baptism of Our Lord the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Division of Its Waters to Let Israel Pass Over the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Healing of Naaman the Leper the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Its Division by Elijah the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Its Division by Elisha the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Return of Its Waters to Their Place the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Slaughter of Moabites the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Slaughter of the Ephraimites the River Jordan: The Jews had Great Pride In the River Jordan: The Plains of Afforded Clay for Moulding Brass the River Jordan: The Plains of Chosen by Lot for a Residence the River Jordan: The Plains of Exceeding Fertile the River Jordan: The Plains of Infested With Lions the River Jordan: The Plains of Thickly Wooded Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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