The miracle of the waters of the Jordan River being divided is a significant event in the ministry of the prophet Elisha, demonstrating the power of God working through His chosen servant. This event is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 2 Kings.

Context and Background

Elisha was the successor of the prophet Elijah, having been chosen by God to continue the prophetic ministry in Israel. The transition of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha is marked by a series of miraculous events, underscoring the divine endorsement of Elisha's ministry. The division of the Jordan River occurs immediately after Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, a momentous event witnessed by Elisha.

Biblical Account

The account of the Jordan River being divided is found in 2 Kings 2:13-14. After Elijah's ascension, Elisha picks up Elijah's mantle, which had fallen from him. The mantle symbolizes the prophetic authority and power that Elijah had, now passed on to Elisha. The Berean Standard Bible records the event as follows:

"He also took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters, saying, 'Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over."

Significance of the Miracle

1. Confirmation of Elisha's Prophetic Authority: The division of the Jordan River serves as a divine confirmation of Elisha's role as the legitimate successor to Elijah. Just as Elijah had performed miracles, including the parting of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:8), Elisha's ability to do the same demonstrates that the Spirit of God rests upon him.

2. Symbol of God's Presence and Power: The miracle is a testament to God's continued presence and power among His people. It reassures the sons of the prophets and the nation of Israel that God has not abandoned them, even as Elijah departs. The parting of the waters echoes the earlier miracles of Moses at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and Joshua at the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17), reinforcing the theme of divine intervention and guidance.

3. Encouragement for Faith and Obedience: For the people of Israel, witnessing such a miracle would have been a powerful encouragement to remain faithful and obedient to God. It serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over nature and history, capable of performing wonders to fulfill His purposes.

Theological Implications

The miracle of the Jordan River being divided through Elisha highlights several theological themes central to the biblical narrative. It underscores the continuity of God's work through His prophets, the importance of faith in God's promises, and the assurance of His presence with His people. Elisha's ministry, beginning with this miraculous event, sets the stage for further acts of divine power and revelation, affirming God's covenantal relationship with Israel.2 Kings 2:14
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 here and thither: and Elisha went over.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Chariot of Fire
... Lord.' The soil was redolent of the miracles of the ... is a sign that the unexhausted
Power which wrought it is ... The former had been done through the ark; this, by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the chariot of fire.htm

On the Baptism of Christ.
... grace of the Resurrection which was wrought in three ... Baptism, as that fornicator
was thrust through by the ... one of the earliest references to miracles worked by ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the baptism of christ.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... he putteth no trust in his servants, and chargeth ... the centurion was found worthy
through alms-giving ... who, while he was fasting, had wrought miracles, no sooner ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... lose not those things which we have wrought, but that ... through the lust of the flesh,
through much wantonness ... the earth by the means of those miracles which he ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... While these were passing through the mountains they called ... alarmed at its advent,
and exclaimed, "God is come ... ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ... But this shall not fail to
be wrought in them ... He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

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