Fire, Faith, and Miracles: The Power Struggles and Prophetic Call of Elisha

Be God's Glory
Apr 5
10 min read

Welcome to Day 94 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are beginning the book of 2 Kings. In 2 Kings 1-3, these chapters mark the transition from the prophet Elijah to his successor, Elisha, against the backdrop of Israel's ongoing struggles with idolatry and foreign threats. In chapter 1, King Ahaziah’s defiance of God leads to his downfall as Elijah calls down fire from heaven. Chapter 2 focuses on Elijah’s dramatic ascension to heaven in a whirlwind and Elisha’s reception of a double portion of his spirit, confirmed through a series of miracles. In chapter 3, Elisha aids the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom in their battle against Moab by providing water for their army and prophesying their victory. These events highlight God’s power, judgment, and provision, reinforcing the authority of His prophets in guiding and defending His people.

2 Kings 1: King Ahaziah of Israel, after being injured, seeks guidance from Baal-Zebub instead of the Lord, prompting Elijah to deliver a prophecy of his impending death. When Ahaziah sends soldiers to seize Elijah, fire from heaven consumes the first two groups of fifty men, while the third group humbly pleads for mercy and is spared. Elijah then confirms the prophecy in person, and Ahaziah dies without an heir, leading to his brother Jehoram taking the throne. This chapter underscores God’s sovereignty, the futility of idolatry, and the importance of seeking Him rather than false gods. It also demonstrates Elijah’s authority as God’s prophet and the consequences of rejecting God’s word.

2 Kings 2: Elijah’s departure marks the passing of prophetic authority to Elisha, who refuses to leave his master’s side until the end. Elijah is taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, and Elisha inherits his mantle and a double portion of his spirit. Elisha confirms his new role through miracles, parting the Jordan River, healing Jericho’s water supply, and pronouncing judgment on disrespectful youths who mock him. His actions establish his authority and demonstrate that God’s power remains with His people despite Elijah’s departure. This chapter highlights the continuity of God’s work through His prophets and the importance of faithfulness in carrying out His mission.

2 Kings 3: King Jehoram of Israel forms an alliance with King Jehoshaphat of Judah and the king of Edom to fight against Moab, who had rebelled against Israel. The armies find themselves stranded in the desert without water, but Elisha, called upon by Jehoshaphat, prophesies that God will provide water and deliver victory over Moab. The next morning, water miraculously fills the land, and the Moabites, misinterpreting its appearance as blood, rush into an ambush. The battle results in Moab’s devastation, though their king makes a desperate and horrific sacrifice in a last attempt to turn the tide. This chapter reveals God’s provision in desperate circumstances and the importance of seeking His guidance in battle and leadership.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name 2 Kings continues from 1 Kings, as both books were originally one single work in the Hebrew Bible. The title "Kings" comes from the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translation of the Hebrew word Melekhim, meaning “Kings.” It records the reigns of various monarchs in Israel and Judah, detailing their faithfulness or rebellion against God.

Purpose of the Book:

The purpose of 2 Kings is to document the spiritual and political decline of Israel and Judah, ultimately leading to their exiles. It highlights the consequences of disobedience to God’s covenant, contrasting faithful and unfaithful kings. The book serves as a historical and theological lesson that obedience to God brings blessings, while disobedience leads to judgment.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The authorship of 2 Kings is traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, though this is not explicitly stated in the text. Several pieces of evidence support this claim:

Internal Biblical Evidence:
- 2 Kings 24–25 closely parallels Jeremiah 39 and 52, describing the fall of Jerusalem.
- Jeremiah was a prophet during the final days of Judah and personally witnessed the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 1:1-3).
External References & Historical Sources:
- The Talmud (Baba Bathra 15a) credits Jeremiah as the author of 1 & 2 Kings.
- 2 Kings frequently refers to historical records such as:
  - The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (2 Kings 8:23, 12:19, etc.)
  - The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel (2 Kings 1:18, 10:34, etc.)

While some scholars suggest a later anonymous compiler from the exilic period, the traditional view holds that Jeremiah, or a disciple influenced by him, compiled the book using these historical records under divine inspiration.

Key People:

Elijah – A prophet of God who ascends to heaven without dying (2 Kings 2).
Elisha – Successor of Elijah, performing many miracles (2 Kings 2-13).
Jehu – A king of Israel who eradicates Ahab’s family and Baal worship (2 Kings 9-10).
Hezekiah – A righteous king of Judah known for his reforms and miraculous healing (2 Kings 18-20).
Manasseh – A wicked king of Judah who later repents (2 Kings 21).
Josiah – A godly king who restores worship and finds the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22-23).
Nebuchadnezzar – King of Babylon who conquers Judah and exiles its people (2 Kings 24-25).
Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 24-25).

Conclusion

The book of 2 Kings concludes with the tragic fall of both Israel and Judah due to their persistent disobedience to God’s covenant, culminating in the Babylonian exile. Despite the judgment, a glimmer of hope remains as King Jehoiachin of Judah is shown mercy in Babylon (2 Kings 25:27-30), hinting at God’s ongoing plan for restoration. This ending reinforces the book’s central theme: faithfulness to God brings blessings, while rebellion leads to downfall, yet His mercy endures beyond judgment.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Kings 1, God’s authority is displayed through His name Elohim, meaning "Mighty One," as He proves that no false god has power over life and death. Yahweh Sabaoth, "The Lord of Hosts," is also demonstrated in His ability to send fire from heaven in response to Ahaziah’s rebellion. Ahaziah’s reliance on Baal-Zebub instead of Yahweh reveals the futility of idolatry, reinforcing that only the true God holds ultimate power over kings and nations.

God’s character in this chapter is just and powerful, showing that He does not tolerate rebellion against His authority. The lesson taught is that rejecting God leads to destruction, while humility before Him brings mercy. The contrast between the soldiers who were consumed by fire and the third group who humbly sought Elijah’s favor highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence. Those who acknowledge His sovereignty will find grace, but those who resist Him will face judgment.

In 2 Kings 2, the name Yahweh Elohim (The Lord God) is seen in the miraculous ascension of Elijah and the divine transfer of power to Elisha. This name emphasizes God’s eternal nature and His control over life and death. El Elyon (God Most High) is also reflected in His supreme authority over prophetic succession, as He empowers Elisha with a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. These names reveal that God orchestrates His plans with wisdom and power, ensuring that His mission continues through His chosen servants.

God’s character in this chapter is faithful and miraculous, demonstrating His ability to equip those He calls. The lesson is that God provides for His people by raising up leaders and ensuring His work continues. Elisha’s miracles confirm that God's power did not depart with Elijah but remains active through His chosen vessels. Those who mock or reject God’s representatives, like the youths from Bethel, ultimately face consequences, reinforcing the need for reverence toward God's authority.

In 2 Kings 3, Yahweh Yireh (The Lord Will Provide) is displayed as God supplies water for the desperate armies in the wilderness. El Shaddai (God Almighty) is revealed in His power to deliver Israel, Judah, and Edom from the Moabites despite overwhelming odds. These names emphasize that God not only meets His people's needs but also demonstrates His might in battle, ensuring victory when they trust in Him.

God’s character in this chapter is compassionate and victorious, proving that He is the source of provision and deliverance. The lesson is that human strength is insufficient, but God's power is limitless. When the kings sought Elisha, they were reminded that victory comes through obedience to God's word. Even when circumstances seem impossible, those who trust in God will see His miraculous intervention and triumph.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

What does 2 Kings 1 reveal about God's authority over kings and nations?
How does God’s response to Ahaziah’s inquiry of Baal-Zebub reflect His jealousy for His people’s devotion?
What do Elijah’s miracles in these chapters reveal about God’s power and faithfulness?
How does God show His justice and mercy in dealing with Ahaziah and the captains of fifty?
What does Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit show about how God equips His servants?
How does God’s miraculous provision of water in 2 Kings 3 highlight His ability to provide for His people?
How do these chapters demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel despite their continued disobedience?

Questions About Themes:

Authority & Judgment: How does God’s response to King Ahaziah’s idolatry demonstrate His ultimate authority?
Prophetic Leadership: What do we learn about the transition of leadership from Elijah to Elisha, and how does it reflect God’s plan for continuity?
God’s Power Through His Prophets: How does Elisha’s ability to part the Jordan River mirror Elijah’s ministry and affirm his calling?
Faith & Miracles: How does the miracle of water in 2 Kings 3 show God’s power in response to obedience and trust?
Idolatry & Consequences: What warnings can be drawn from Ahaziah seeking Baal-Zebub instead of the Lord?
God’s Provision & Deliverance: How does God’s intervention in the battle against Moab show His sovereignty over Israel’s enemies?
Elisha’s Calling & Anointing: What does Elisha’s commitment to following Elijah teach about dedication and spiritual inheritance?

Reflective Application Questions:

In what ways do we sometimes seek answers outside of God like Ahaziah did, and how can we correct that?
What does Elisha’s determination to stay with Elijah until the end teach us about perseverance in following God’s calling?
How can we seek a “double portion” of God’s presence and power in our own spiritual walk today?
What situations in our lives require us to trust in God’s provision, as seen in the miracle of water?
How do we respond when faced with opposition or doubt about God’s power, like the kings did in 2 Kings 3?
What lessons from Elijah and Elisha’s relationship can we apply to mentoring or being mentored in faith?
How can we recognize and respond to God’s call to step into greater responsibility or leadership, as Elisha did?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans