Observations and Interpretations:
(1) Background
2:1 Just before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a windstorm, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal.
(NAC) since 1 Kgs 19:16 that Elisha will take Elijah’s place, but how that transition would occur has remained a mystery. Now the author sets the scene by announcing that what follows recounts the events leading up to Elijah’s being taken “to heaven in a whirlwind.”
v. 11 (BKC) The fiery horses and chariot were symbols of God’s power in battle. Horses and chariots were the mightiest means of warfare in that day. God was saying in this event that His power was far greater than any military might...
(NAC) Also, this scene may be one last time where Yahweh proves stronger than Baal, for once again the Lord conquers death (cf. 1 Kgs 17:7–24), and once again he rules the storms instead of the supposed storm god Baal. Thus, rich irony, not unlike that so evident in the Mount Carmel episode, prevails to the end of the Elijah accounts.
Reflection: Elijah experienced a supernatural departure from earth to heavens. As his life was a witness to the LORD to the evil Israel, so would be his death. And this supernatural departure was even more amazing that it was well known among the prophets before it had happened. Elijah, Elisha and 2 groups of prophetic guilds knew about it v.3, 5. However, the evil idol worship was not abandoned by the Israelites (2 Kings 3:1-3). The transition of the office of prophet from Elijah to Elisha was necessary because of the continual evil bent to worship idols in Israel.
2: 12 While Elisha was watching, he was crying out, “My father, my father! The chariot and horsemen of Israel!” Then he could no longer see him.
(NET) Elijah is viewed as a one man army, as it were. When the Lord spoke through him, his prophetic word was as powerful as an army of chariots and horses.
(NAC) ... he [Elisha] regarded Elijah as a powerful instrument whom God had used to wage war against the idolatry in Israel. He would be greatly missed
Reflection: Why Elijah was so important to Elisha was because of the presence of the LORD. Elisha valued Elijah because he valued the LORD. He knew how important it was to fight against the unbelief in Israel who worshipped the idols. What do we value today? What war was important for you to fight?
Reflection: Why Elijah was so important to Elisha was because of the presence of the LORD. Elisha valued Elijah because he valued the LORD. He knew how important it was to fight against the unbelief in Israel who worshipped the idols. What do we value today? What war was important for you to fight?
(3) The authority of the prophet did not end when Elijah was taken up to heaven
2:23 He went up from there to Bethel. As he was traveling up the road, some young boys came out of the city and made fun of him, saying, “Go on up, baldy! Go on up, baldy!” 24 When he turned around and saw them, he called God’s judgment down on them. Two female bears came out of the woods and ripped forty-two of the boys to pieces.
(NAC) These boys parallel the soldiers in [2 Kgs 1:9–12] who order Elijah to come with them, for both groups seem to lack respect for the prophets’ authority and position. The specific insult cast at Elijah is, “Go on up, you baldhead,” a phrase that may refer to some physical marking Elisha took on as a prophet rather than to a literal baldness. If this was the case, the insult was directed specifically at Elisha as a prophet and therefore at the Lord whom he represented. The jeering “Go on up!” may be a reference to Elijah’s translation, with the sense of “Go away like Elijah,” perhaps spoken in “contemptuous disbelief.”
(NET) The two brief episodes recorded in vv. 19–25 demonstrate Elisha’s authority and prove that he is the legitimate prophetic heir of Elijah. He has the capacity to bring life and blessing to those who recognize his authority, or death and judgment to those who reject him.
Audrey
(NAC) These boys parallel the soldiers in [2 Kgs 1:9–12] who order Elijah to come with them, for both groups seem to lack respect for the prophets’ authority and position. The specific insult cast at Elijah is, “Go on up, you baldhead,” a phrase that may refer to some physical marking Elisha took on as a prophet rather than to a literal baldness. If this was the case, the insult was directed specifically at Elisha as a prophet and therefore at the Lord whom he represented. The jeering “Go on up!” may be a reference to Elijah’s translation, with the sense of “Go away like Elijah,” perhaps spoken in “contemptuous disbelief.”
(NET) The two brief episodes recorded in vv. 19–25 demonstrate Elisha’s authority and prove that he is the legitimate prophetic heir of Elijah. He has the capacity to bring life and blessing to those who recognize his authority, or death and judgment to those who reject him.
Audrey
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