◄ 2 Kings 2:2 ►
and Elijah said to Elisha, "Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel." But Elisha replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.
Study Bible
and Elijah said to Elisha,

Elijah, a prominent prophet in Israel, is nearing the end of his earthly ministry. Elisha, his devoted disciple, has been chosen by God to succeed him. This relationship mirrors the mentor-disciple dynamic seen throughout Scripture, such as Moses and Joshua or Paul and Timothy.

1Ki 19:19-21 So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat.…
1Ki 19:16 You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king…

“Please stay here,

Elijah's request for Elisha to stay behind may test Elisha's commitment and loyalty. It reflects the biblical theme of testing faithfulness, similar to Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him three times (John 21:15-17).

Gen 22:5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants…
1Ki 19:3 And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.…

for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.”

Bethel, meaning "House of God," is a significant location in Israel's history. It was a center of worship and the site where Jacob had his vision of the ladder (Genesis 28:10-19). Elijah's journey to Bethel signifies a continuation of God's work and presence in Israel.

1Ki 13:1 Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar…
Gen 28:19 and he called that place Bethel, though previously the city…

But Elisha replied,

Elisha's response demonstrates his determination and dedication to his calling. His unwavering commitment is reminiscent of Ruth's loyalty to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17).

1Sa 3:10 Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before,…
Isa 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying…
Rut 1:16 But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you”…

“As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live,

This oath underscores the seriousness of Elisha's commitment. The phrase "as the LORD lives" is a common biblical expression affirming the truth and certainty of one's words (1 Samuel 14:39).

1Sa 20:3 But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well…
2Ki 4:30 And the mother of the boy said, “As surely as the LORD lives…
1Ki 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers…

I will not leave you.”

Elisha's refusal to leave Elijah highlights the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in ministry. It foreshadows the disciples' commitment to Jesus, even unto death (Matthew 26:35).

Heb 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content…
Jos 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life.…
Deu 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you.…

So they went down to Bethel.

The journey to Bethel signifies obedience to God's direction. The phrase "went down" may indicate a descent in elevation, as Bethel is situated in the hill country of Ephraim. This physical journey parallels the spiritual journey of following God's call, regardless of the challenges.

Gen 35:1-3 Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel.”…
Gen 13:3-4 From the Negev he journeyed from place to place…
Gen 12:8 From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elijah
A major prophet in Israel, known for his powerful ministry and miracles. He is nearing the end of his earthly journey and is about to be taken up to heaven.

2. Elisha
A devoted disciple and successor of Elijah, who is determined to follow his mentor until the very end.

3. Bethel
A significant location in Israel's history, often associated with worship and revelation. It is one of the places Elijah visits before his departure.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who directs the movements of His prophets.

5. The Journey
The event of Elijah's final journey, which includes several stops, each with spiritual significance.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Godly Leadership
Elisha's refusal to leave Elijah demonstrates the importance of commitment to godly mentorship and leadership. In our spiritual journey, we should seek and remain faithful to those who guide us in truth.

The Importance of Spiritual Perseverance
Elisha's determination to follow Elijah to the end teaches us about perseverance in our spiritual walk. We must remain steadfast in our faith, even when the journey is challenging.

Recognizing Divine Appointments
Elijah's journey to Bethel, directed by the LORD, reminds us to be attentive to God's leading in our lives. We should seek to understand and follow His divine appointments.

The Role of Faithful Companionship
Elisha's loyalty to Elijah highlights the value of faithful companionship in our spiritual lives. We are called to support and encourage one another in our walk with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elisha's commitment to Elijah challenge us in our relationships with spiritual mentors or leaders today?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate perseverance in our faith journey, similar to Elisha's determination to follow Elijah?

3. How can we discern and respond to God's leading in our lives, as Elijah did when he was sent to Bethel?

4. What are some practical ways we can be faithful companions to others in their spiritual journey, as Elisha was to Elijah?

5. How does the account of Elijah and Elisha encourage us to trust in God's promises and presence, even when facing transitions or uncertainties?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ruth 1:16-17
Elisha's commitment to Elijah mirrors Ruth's loyalty to Naomi, emphasizing steadfast devotion and faithfulness.

Matthew 16:24
Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him, similar to Elisha's determination to follow Elijah, highlighting the cost and commitment of discipleship.

Hebrews 13:5
God's promise to never leave nor forsake His people, paralleling Elisha's promise to not leave Elijah.
Sermons
TestedM. G. Pearse.2 Kings 2:2
Preparative to TranslationJ. Orr 2 Kings 2:1-6
Parting VisitsC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 2:1-8
The Departure of Good MenD. Thomas 2 Kings 2:1-14
Elijah TranslatedH. Crosby, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
Elijah TranslatedMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 2:1-15
Elisha's Love for ElijahL. A. Banks, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
EvensongF. B. Meyer, B. A.2 Kings 2:1-15
Life's EventideF. S. Webster, M. A.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Ascension of ElijahCanon Hutchings, M. A.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Christian a Native of HeavenAlex. Maclaren, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Departure of Good MenHomilist2 Kings 2:1-15
The Translation of ElijahJ. Parker, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
People
Elijah, Elisha
Places
Bethel, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River, Mount Carmel, Samaria
Topics
Abide, Bethel, Beth-el, Elijah, Eli'jah, Elisha, Eli'sha, Farther, Leave, Parted, Please, Soul, Stay, Surely, Tarry, Wait
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 2:2

     5691   friends, good
     5895   intimacy

Library
The Translation of Elijah and the Ascension of Christ
'And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.'--2 KINGS ii. 11. 'And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.'--LUKE xxiv. 51. These two events, the translation of Elijah and the Ascension of our Lord, have sometimes been put side by side in order to show that the latter narrative is nothing …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS ii. 12. '...And Joash, the King of Israel, came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said. O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS xiii. U. The scenes and the speakers are strangely different in these two incidents. The one scene is that mysterious translation on the further bank of the Jordan, when a mortal was swept up to heaven in a …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Chariot of Fire
'And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. 80 they went down to Beth-el 3, And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Gentleness Succeeding Strength
'He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 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 hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 15. And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Preparing to Depart
"And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven."--2 Kings 2:11. IT seems to me that the departure of Elijah from the world, though of course he did not "die" at all, may furnish us with a very good type of the decease of those saints who, although taken away on a sudden, are not without some previous intimation that in such a manner they will be …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 54: 1908

Whether Hope is a Help or a Hindrance to Action?
Objection 1: It would seem that hope is not a help but a hindrance to action. Because hope implies security. But security begets negligence which hinders action. Therefore hope is a hindrance to action. Objection 2: Further, sorrow hinders action, as stated above ([1361]Q[37], A[3]). But hope sometimes causes sorrow: for it is written (Prov. 13:12): "Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul." Therefore hope hinders action. Objection 3: Further, despair is contrary to hope, as stated above [1362](A[4]). …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Jericho Itself.
We read, that this city was not only wasted by Joshua with fire and sword, but cursed also. "Cursed be he before the Lord, who shall rise up and build that city Jericho," Joshua 6:26. "Nor was another city to be built (says the Talmudists), which was to be called by the name of Jericho: nor was Jericho itself to be built, although to be called by another name." And yet I know not by what chance this city crept out of dust and rubbish, lived again, and flourished, and became the second city to Jerusalem. …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Consolations against the Fear of Death.
If in the time of thy sickness thou findest thyself fearful to die, meditate-- 1. That it argueth a dastardly mind to fear that which is not; for in the church of Christ there is no death (Isa. xxv. 7, 8), and whosoever liveth and believeth in Christ, shall never die (John xi. 26). Let them fear death who live without Christ. Christians die not; but when they please God, they are like Enoch translated unto God (Gen. v. 24;) their pains are but Elijah's fiery chariot to carry them up to heaven (2 …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Baptist's Testimony.
"There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light.... John beareth witness of Him, and crieth, saying, This was He of whom I said, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for He was before me. For of His fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. …
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Epistle vii. To Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius.
To Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius. Gregory to Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius, Bishops [1688] . I rejoice exceedingly that you welcomed with great joy the ordination of the most holy Cyriacus, my brother and fellow-priest. And since we have learnt from the preaching of Paul the apostle that If one member rejoice, all the members rejoice with it (1 Cor. xii. 26), you must needs consider with how great exultation I rejoice with you in this thing, wherein not one member, but many members of Christ have …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to Christians to be Holy. By John Bunyan.
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.'--[Psalm 93:5] London, by B. W., for Benj. Alsop, at the Angel and Bible, in the Poultrey. 1684. THE EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This is the most searching treatise that has ever fallen under our notice. It is an invaluable guide to those sincere Christians, who, under a sense of the infinite importance of the salvation of an immortal soul, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts, sigh and cry, "O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem.
1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed of the places of power justly, [25] and according to every one's deserts, he came to Antioch, and consulting which way he had best take, he preferred to go for Rome, rather than to march to Alexandria, because he saw that Alexandria was sure to him already, but that the affairs at Rome were put into disorder by Vitellius; so he sent Mucianus to Italy, and committed a considerable army both of horsemen and footmen to …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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