JESUS CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF 2 KINGS (ELIJAH - ELISHA)
JESUS CHRIST IN THE BOOK OF 2 KINGS (ELIJAH - ELISHA)
Pastor Carolyn Sissom
May 27, 2025; November 15, 2009
Second Kings begins where first Kings left off. In view, of the recent prophetic words that an Elijah-Elisha ministry of healings, miracles, signs and wonders is now being released into Kingdom ministries, I have felt led to continue with the study of Elijah and Elisha. It would take several books to adequately teach on these two Spiritual Giants. (See the teaching I did last week on Elijah).
Elijah went up by a whirlwind into Heaven. (V. 12) in a chariot of fire with horses of fire.
2 Ki. 2:13: He (Elisha) took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him.
There was a close resemblance between Elijah and Elisha. Both of them were prophets, both dwelt in Samaria, and were confronted with much the same situation. Elisha became a partaker of a “Double Portion” of Elijah’s Spirit. Elisha worked 16 miracles and Elijah worked 8 miracles.
The principal contrast between the two prophets appears in the character of the miracles wrought. The majority of those performed by Elijah were associated with death and destruction, whereas Elisha’s were works of healing and restoration. If the former was the prophet of judgment, the latter was the prophet of Grace. The work of Elijah was chiefly a protest against evil, while the work of Elisha was an almost continuous testimony to the readiness of God to relieve the distressed and respond to the call of need.
However, the Lord instructed Elijah to anoint Hazael to be king over Syria; and Jehu the son of Nimshi shall you anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat you shall anoint to be a prophet in your place. (1 Ki. 19:15-16). Elijah only actually performed the anointing of Elisha. It was Elisha who anointed Hazael and Jehu.
The Lord Jesus Christ revealed Himself through both ministries as the Sovereign One as well as many other dimensions:
4: 1-7 – The Provider in need.
4: 8-17 – The Rewarder for acts of kindness.
4: 18-37 – The One Who has power over death.
5: 1-19 – The Sanctifier and Healer.
5: 20-27 – The Omniscient One.
6: 8-23 – The Lord of Hosts.
6: 24-31 – The God of Judgment (Deut. 28:53).
The life of Elisha demonstrates preparatory principles of the Lord’s chosen ministry leadership. We see the training and tests that many servants of God must undergo. Much took place between Elisha touching Elijah’s mantle and the actual reception of Elijah’s mantle.
1 Ki. 19: 19-20: So, he departed, and found Elisha, the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yokes of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth; and Elijah passed by him and cast his mantle upon him.
The Hebrew word for “Mantle” used here is “Addereth” (#155, 117, 145) which means “something ample; garment, goodly, glory, robe, powerful, excellent, famous, gallant, lordly, mighty, noble, worthy, splendor.” Nice Garment.!!!! This also constituted a species of adoption.
Elisha was the son of a man named Shaphat of the city of Abel-meholah.
Shaphat means “judge.” Elisha would have been a man of proper spiritual judgment due to his heritage. Abel-meholah means dancing. Elisha would have been a man of “joy”.
Elisha’s contact with the anointing of Elijah was a life-changing experience.
He finds Elisha plowing ---It is a picture of domestic sunshine. Twelve plows and teams of oxen are busy in early spring preparing the ground for the seed; ---and the last of the twelve is guided by the hand of an only son. In the midst of this busy scene, the toil-worn Prophet of Carmel and Horeb presents himself. The presence of the stalwart figure of the prophet would have caused quite a surprise with the son of Shaphat and his eleven plowmen. For years Elijah’s name had been a house-hold word associated with mingled feelings of reverence, terror, awe, and wonder!
This is the first spring after the 3-1/2 years of drought. The furrows for the first time in 3-1/2 years invite the seed. Nature is about to burst from her grave, rejoicing in the spring rains.
The visit was equally strange, unique, and dramatic. In silence, ---without uttering a word, --- Elijah takes off his well-known prophet’s mantle---casts it on the shoulders of the young farmer---and then passes on.
God has given Elijah the first pledge of “the remnant church (hidden) church”. He has discovered one family at least of the seven thousand who have not bowed their knee to Baal or kissed his image.
Elijah must have felt as if an oppressive load was lifted off his spirit, and as if his own special mission of wind, earthquake and fire were now to be superseded by a gentler ambassador.
As sudden and startling as the whole transaction was, Elisha knows exactly the meaning of the symbolism. This ceremony has always been considered by Eastern people as an indispensable part of the consecration to the sacred office. Elisha knew well, when he felt the garment touching his shoulders, that it formed the token of the investiture into the sacred office and of his adoption as son of the Tishbite.
1 Kings 19: 19-20: Elisha deserted the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please! Let me kiss my father and mother good-bye---then I’ll follow you.’ ‘Go ahead,’ said Elijah, ‘but mind you, don’t forget what I’ve just done to you. (Message)
Elisha –understood well what just happened! You are from this hour the accredited messenger of God, the consecrated seer of Israel!
In a brief hour, the destiny of a whole life is changed.
The Prophet-elect assembles for the last time around the domestic hearth. Father, mother, son, and servants, seat themselves around a farewell meal. In connection with the feast there occurs symbolism of another significant act. Elisha’s agricultural labors are to be renounced forever. He is to put his hand to a different plow, and never more to look back. There must be some expressive outward token of that abandonment.
1 Kings 19:20: Elisha returned back from Elijah, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they did eat. Then he arose and went after Elijah, and ministered to him.”
The animals which he had driven before him in plow and harrow are slain. The harness and tackling are thrown into the fire, to complete the symbol of entire and unqualified renunciation.
The feast is over. The father’s blessing is received. Elisha then goes forth the ordained Prophet on his predestined mission. He begins his lowly office of ministering to the prophet.
Elisha’s call was loud and clear. A leader must know for what specific ministry and place God has anointed him before he can be prepared for that ministry.
He was respectful to his parents. However, a leader must be willing to make known to his family and friends in a very practical way that he is sacrificing his old lifestyle in order to be a slave to the Lord Jesus Christ. This was the testing of Elisha’s affections.
Many will try to cause God’s servants to stumble by leading a life of duplicity. There can be no duplicity for the Servants of the Lord. We must not have a divided heart. A leader must have a servant’s heart.
As long as Elijah’s ministry continued, Elisha served him (1 Ki. 19:21), much as Joshua had served Moses. He went after Elijah and ministered unto him. This is one of the principles of the Lord’s chosen. A leader must never be too proud to be a servant to other ministries. A leader must learn how to be a good student of those who go before him.
This is an example of the variety of character among God’s servants. Never were two individual more opposite than these two lights of this age in Israel.
Elijah ----the rough child of the desert, without recorded parents or lineage; His homes was the wilds of Cherith---the thunder-gloom of Carmel---the shade of the wilderness juniper---the cliffs of Sinai; ---a direct messenger of wrath from heaven---The Prophet of fire. Like Jesus, he laid the axe to the root of the trees ---making the crowds tremble and cower under words of doom. Elijah’s name means “The strength of God,” or “the strong Lord; ---strength, the lion-symbol, being especially associated with the deeds of Elijah.
Elisha ---trained and nurtured under the roof of a Godly home, loving and beloved. He had no ambitions beyond his family land; and tending his parents in their old age. Even his physical appearance is in striking contrast with that of the older. Elisha reflects the Baptist’s description of Jesus who would not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. Elisha’s name means, “God my Savior,” or, “God my salvation.”
The two were raised up for different Kingdom assignments. This is why we are to never compare ministers or ministries.
Elijah was a destroyer. His task was to overturn the false deity of Baal and show by startling miracle and judgment that power belongs unto God.
Elisha was the healer; ---he healed the waters at Jericho, and broke off the curse of barrenness.
Ministers are raised up by the power of God for the seasons of God. He adapts us for his varied positions and posts of usefulness in His church. He has servants whose assignment is to assault the enemies’ works by word and deed. He has others whose vocations is neither pulpit nor platform, but the quiet duties of the study or the closet; men who are thinking and praying while others are acting.
We have brought forth generations of ministers who covet the glamour of the platform; but have no comprehension of the study in the closet or the labor needed to build the platform.
Whatever you are doing to earn your living, God is able to find you there and establish you in your Kingdom calling.
Undoubtedly, great was the honor of becoming the consecrated prophet of God!
Elisha was the heir of an ancestral inheritance of land, servants at his command and at least twelve oxen. In answering the call, he was placing himself in circumstances of danger. He was abandoning a sphere of quiet seclusion, for the arena of public life.
In 2 Kings, chapter 2, the eventful time of Elijah’s departure arrived where he is to be upborne in a fiery chariot to his heavenly rest and crown.
2 Ki. 2:1: It came to pass, when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
Another day, and he would be soaring, in his magnificent flight, amid angels--- kindred spirits in the upper sanctuary, ---ministers of flaming fire; ---communing with the sainted fathers and patriarchs of his nation; getting on the ineffable glories of God Himself.
Such an anticipation would overpower most of us. But Elijah betrays no apparent emotion. We meet him on the way from Gilgal walking sided by side with Elisha ---calm, unmoved, unagitated. He makes no mention of the honors in heaven awaiting him. He sounds no trumpet before him. He could easily have gathered all Israel to the heights of the Jordan valley, to witness the wondrous spectacle of his departure.
“Mark the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace.” (Psa. 37:37)
Elisha’s constancy was unshaken. He was no summer friend, forsaking the prop on which he had long leaned when it was about to be removed. When Elijah tried to persuade Elisha to stay behind in Gilgal, Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So, they went down to Bethel.”
A leader must be persistent to take up a greater mantle. We will each be tested that the Lord will be able to trust the response that we give to the question of 2 Kg. 2:9, “Ask what I shall do for you.” Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” And he said, You have asked a hard thing; nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so unto you; but if not, it shall not be so.”
That brought to my remembrance what was spoken to me about the pastor who will follow me at Eastgate: “Carolyn, before I take you to Heaven, I will tell you who will be the next pastor, if I do not tell you, the ministry will have to be re-established.”
There have been some who have tried to circumvent that Word by helping God. I don’t see how that Word could be circumvented. It should be terrifying to anyone who would try.
When Elijah said he had asked a hard thing, I don’t think he meant it was too hard for God. He knew Elisha would have to pay a high price for a double portion. The Lord would not give him more trials than he could bear or more anointing than he could minister triumphantly. This was a test of Elisha’s character.
The Lord’s chosen can ask great things for their ministry, nation, and generation. A leader must understand that to ask for great things will require the spiritual conditions of obedience, revelation, and insight. A leader must respect and be relational with Father God in the Father/Son relationship as was Jesus Christ.
Elisha was tested in his sincerity, faith, and commitment when Elijah told him to “tarry here.” Elisha replied as the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you” (2 Ki. 2:2). His will and resolution were tested by the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel. Elijah replied, hold your peace. (11 Ki. 2:3). He was also tested after the endowment of the mantle when he smote the waters with Elijah’s mantle (2 Ki. 13-14).
A leader must realize that only God makes a way for their ministry. We must rest and know that if we are to be used of the Lord, He will confirm it. Other ministries will recognize the gifts and callings. After Elijah’s mantle fell on Elisha, 11 Ki: 2 15: The sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said. The spirit of Elijah does rest on Elisha.
We must never allow the pressures that come through other leaders to cause us to doubt the will of God (11 Ki. 2:15). We must know who we are in Christ Jesus and never allow competition with others. We must always celebrate other ministries and their gifts and callings.
This past Sunday evening, I made a statement that I have never been intimidated or threatened by another ministry. I welcome the anointing, the Office, and gifts of all ministries of the Lord Jesus Christ. To carry on that kind of conversation between Christians, of surmising jealousy or that another is a threat is from the carnal mind and foolish speaking.
2 Ki. 2:11: As Elijah and Elisha went on and talked, 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. Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
Prophet of fire, you have reached the source of your brightness.
The sons of the prophets sent 50 strong men to look for the body of Elijah. These men were naturally strong, but weak in faith; they were rationalistic led by their own understanding.
“He was not for God took him.” O rejoice, it is not until the LORD calls that we too will be “taken.” “Knowest thou that the LORD will take” (2 Ki. 2:3). “ Carolyn, before I take you.”
There were several miracles that were purposed in view of the fact that they all relate to the sons of the prophets to teach them the fact and secret of divine credentials. (2 Ki. 2: 14-15).
1. 2 Ki. 2: 14-15 –Elisha took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah? When he had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.
2. 2 Ki. 2: 19-22 – To teach them by demonstration the secret of performing miracles. (the healing of the waters in the city).
3. 2 Ki. 2:23-24 – To teach them by the fear of God and respect unto his servants the prophets. The children were mocking him because of his bald head. Elisah called forth the bears to kill 42 of them.
Many years ago, a pastor, in Katy, Tx. (I will refrain from mentioning his name) told me that some people in his congregation had come to him and told him they were scared of me. I smiled and said, “I won’t call out the bears.”
4. 2 Ki. 4: 38-41 – To teach the power of God in its supremacy over the power of poison. Again, the sons of the prophets discovered the pottage was poison. Elijah cast meal into the pot and there was no harm in the pot. The herbs and wild vine which had been added to the pot represents the contamination of a worldly mixture. The principle of the meal offering of Lev. 2. Plenty in a time of famine! Elisha poured it into the pot, and the others began to pour it out for consumption (Pastoral principle).
5. 2 Ki. 6: 1-7: When Elisha made the axe head swim, he taught them the fact of God’s supremacy over the laws of nature.
As a leader Elijah knew that praise releases ministry. 3:15-20: But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.
We must all follow the good example of seasoned ministry. We all hope that our ceiling will be the floor of the next generation. I honor and appreciate the great men and women of God who have spoken into my life.
6. 1 Ki. 4: We must teach people to combine God’s resources with their own to bring forth a life of spiritual anointing and fruitfulness. The certain woman who was a wife of one of the sons of the prophet only owned a “pot of oil.” She had to be willing to pour out all she had to receive her miracle.
7. Ministers must know how to receive from others. (4:8-17) He received the blessing of the bread, a little chamber, a bed, table, and candlestick from “a great woman and her husband” (The Shunammite) These four things are necessary to the prophetic ministry:
a. Bed – The rest of the Lord.
b. Table – The fellowship of the Lord.
c. Stool – (Chair) – “seated” - The authority of the Lord (Throne)
d. Candlestick – The illumination (revelation) of the Lord.
As we receive, let us return thanks and bless. As he was resting there one day with Gehazi his servant, The prophet said, “Call the Shunammite.” Those who honor Elisha will be honored. “What is to be done for you? Would you have me speak for you to the King or to the Captain of the Host? She contentedly replied, “I dwell among my own people.” Elisha had great influence with the King! The woman had no child and her husband was old. “Call her!” This is the commission of the prophetic ministry that precedes a manifestation of the Son. The church is standing in the door to hear this message (Jn. 10: 1-7). 2 Ki. 4:16: About this season, according to the Time of Life, you shall embrace a son! So, she conceived and bare a son according to the word!
2 Ki. 4: 18-26. When the child grew …He went out to his father to the reapers and he said to his father, “My head, my head,” and he said to the lad, “Carry him to his mother.” He sat on her knees and he died at noon. The woman lay her Son upon the bed of Elisha, shut the door and went out, leaving him alone (4:21). She took a servant, saddled an ass, and ran to Elisha. “Drive and go forward, slack not…” From Mt. Carmel, Elisha saw her afar of and sent Gehazi to meet her. In the face of death, there is peace! Coming to the hill, the Shunammite held Elisha by the feet. “let her alone, for her soul is vexed within her.” He said to Gehazi, “Get yourself ready, and take my staff. Lay my staff upon the face of the child.” The rod or branch principle speaks of authority. So, we speak in the name of Jesus! Gehazi went on ahead of them and laid the staff on the face of the child; But there was no voice or hearing. Gehazi met them, “The youth is not awakened!” Elisha went in, shut the door, and prayed. (4:33) Elisha’s touch made the child to be warm, to sneeze 7 times, and to revive. “Take up your son!”
8. 2 Ki. 4:42-44 The miracle of the loaves -- the feeding of the hundred men: A minister must use what he has and have faith for more. “And there came a man from Baal-Shalisha (Lord of the third part”). This is the principle of the third dimension, the realm of the Most Holy Place. He brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk. The message of the Kingdom, a Firstfruits Company, and coming to full stature. “Give unto the people that they may eat!” The servitor said, “What should I set this before a hundred men?” (100-fold principle). “They shall eat and shall have leftovers! So it was by the Word of the Lord!
9. 2 Ki. 5: 1-10: This is the healing of Naaman the Leper This is a detailed picture of the natural man, enjoying the highest and best, but yet unregenerate. Leprosy in the O.T. is a type of sin.
1. It begins as a small, insignificant sport or blemish.
2. It is not recognized by the individual at the first.
3. It is progressive in degrees according to the individual.
4. It affects the whole man; worst kind – forehead.
5. It causes the hair to fall out.
6. It causes numbness.
7. It brings estrangement from the camp.
8. It is incurable – no natural remedy.
9. It is healed by Jesus alone. (Mt. 8:3; Mk. 1:41; Lk. 5:12; 17;12)
Naaman, was commander of the army of the king of Syria. He was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. His wife had an Israelite maid a captive from the land of Israel. She told of the prophet that is in Samaria. Naaman told his master and the King of Syria said, “I will send a letter unto the king of Israel.” When the King read the letter, he was very upset, He said, “am I God, that I should kill and make alive… he seeks a quarrel against me.” So Jehoram rent his clothes. Elisha heard it and said, “Please let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
Naaman’s pride has to be dealt with. The remedy was too simple and demanded complete submission. Naaman came with his horses and chariots (human strength) to the door of the house of Elisha. The prophet sent a messenger to the proud Naaman; “Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again unto you, and you shall be clean.” Naaman went away disappointed and angry. Elisha hadn’t waved the magic wand. He left in a rage. But his servants persuaded him to obey the word of Elisha: “Wash, and be clean!” Then he went down from his chariot and dipped himself seven times in Jordan. (full baptism of death to self). His flesh came again like unto flesh of a child. This is the principle of rejuvenation!
This could be prophetic that Syria will return to the Lord and acknowledge the God of Israel. Naaman asked Elisha to receive a blessing. Naaman had sought help from a man of position instead of from a man of power and had expected healing by his own pre-conceived instrumentality and method. God had dealt first with Naaman’s pride in sanctification, and then with his physical need in healing by means of humiliation and obedience in a manner that would bring all the Glory to God.
To be continued.
Carolyn Sissom, Pastor
Eastgate Ministries, Inc.
Scripture from K.J.V. and N.K.J.V. I entered into the labors of Principles of Present Truth by Kelly Varner and The Prophet of Fire by John Ross Macduff. Comments and conclusions are my own and not meant to reflect the views of those who I entered into their labors.