◄ 2 Kings 2:15 ►
When the sons of the prophets who were facing him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.
Study Bible
When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened
The "sons of the prophets" refers to a group of prophetic disciples or a school of prophets, which were common during this period in Israel's history. These groups were likely organized communities dedicated to studying and proclaiming God's word. Jericho, a city with a rich biblical history, was a strategic location near the Jordan River, where significant events often took place. The sons of the prophets were witnesses to the miraculous event of Elijah being taken up to heaven, which affirmed the divine authority and continuity of prophetic leadership.

they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.”
This declaration acknowledges the transfer of prophetic authority and power from Elijah to Elisha. The "spirit of Elijah" signifies the same divine empowerment and prophetic mantle that Elijah carried. This transfer is reminiscent of Moses passing his leadership to Joshua, as seen in Deuteronomy 34:9, where Joshua is filled with the spirit of wisdom. The continuity of God's work through chosen leaders is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant and guidance for His people.

And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.
The act of bowing down signifies respect and recognition of Elisha's new role as the leading prophet. This gesture is not one of worship, which is reserved for God alone, but rather an acknowledgment of Elisha's authority and the divine calling upon his life. In the cultural context of the time, bowing was a common way to show honor and submission to someone in a position of authority. This moment marks the beginning of Elisha's ministry, which would be characterized by numerous miracles and a strong prophetic voice, continuing the work of Elijah and pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate prophet, priest, and king.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elijah
A major prophet in Israel known for his powerful ministry and miraculous acts. He was recently taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.

2. Elisha
The successor of Elijah, who received a double portion of Elijah's spirit, signifying the continuation and expansion of Elijah's prophetic ministry.

3. Sons of the Prophets
A group of prophetic disciples or followers who were present in various locations, including Jericho. They served as witnesses to the transition of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha.

4. Jericho
A city in the Jordan Valley, significant in Israel's history, and a place where a group of the sons of the prophets resided.

5. The Spirit of Elijah
Refers to the prophetic spirit and power that was upon Elijah, now resting on Elisha, indicating God's endorsement of Elisha as Elijah's successor.
Teaching Points
The Continuity of God's Work
God's work continues through His chosen servants. Just as Elisha took up Elijah's mantle, we are called to continue the work of those who have gone before us in faith.

Recognition of God's Anointing
The sons of the prophets recognized the spirit of Elijah on Elisha. We should be discerning and recognize God's anointing and calling on others.

Humility and Respect for God's Servants
The sons of the prophets bowed before Elisha, showing respect for God's chosen leader. We should honor and support those whom God has placed in leadership.

The Role of Witnesses in God's Plan
The sons of the prophets served as witnesses to God's work. We are called to be witnesses to God's power and presence in the world.

Empowerment for Ministry
Just as Elisha was empowered by the spirit of Elijah, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their God-given missions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the transition of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha encourage us in our own spiritual journeys and leadership transitions?

2. In what ways can we discern and affirm the presence of God's Spirit in the lives of others around us?

3. How can we show respect and support for those whom God has placed in positions of spiritual leadership today?

4. What role do witnesses play in the unfolding of God's plans, and how can we be effective witnesses in our communities?

5. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament relate to the empowerment Elisha received, and what does this mean for our personal ministry?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 19:19-21
This passage describes Elisha's initial call to follow Elijah, highlighting the beginning of his journey as a prophet.

Luke 1:17
This verse speaks of John the Baptist coming in the spirit and power of Elijah, drawing a parallel to the transfer of prophetic authority and spirit.

Acts 1:8
The empowerment of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, similar to the empowerment Elisha received, enabling them to continue Jesus' ministry.
Sermons
A Holy SuccessionHelps for Speakers.2 Kings 2:15
Elijah's LegacyA. Scott.2 Kings 2:15
Possessing the Spirit of Another2 Kings 2:15
The Recognition of Spiritual SuperiorityH. Davenport.2 Kings 2:15
The True SuccessionT. T. Mitchell, D. D.2 Kings 2:15
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
Elijah Taken UpJ. Orr 2 Kings 2:7-15
The Beginning of Elisha's WorkC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 2:13-18
The Proper Spirit for Theological StudentsD. Thomas 2 Kings 2:15-22
People
Elijah, Elisha
Places
Bethel, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River, Mount Carmel, Samaria
Topics
Bow, Bowed, Elijah, Eli'jah, Elisha, Eli'sha, Facing, Ground, Jericho, Meet, Opposite, Over-against, Prophets, Rest, Rested, Resting, Rests, Sons, Spirit, Themselves, View, Watching
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 2:15

     7778   school of prophets

2 Kings 2:15-16

     8343   servanthood, in society

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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