2 Kings 14
KingComments2 Kings 14:1
The Sons of the Prophets
There was a great contrast between Elisha and the student prophets from Jericho, who in everything that had happened, had remained at a distance and therefore had not been eyewitnesses to Elijah’s ascension (2 Kings 2:7; 15). The student prophets, both in Bethel and in Jericho (2 Kings 2:3; 5), were well informed about the impending event –perhaps by a prophetic revelation of which Elisha had also been informed. However, they did not see with illuminated eyes, like Elisha, how Elijah was triumphantly caught up to heaven. Only Elisha had had his eyes opened for the rapture of Elijah.
However, the student prophets saw something else. They noticed a change in Elisha as a result of what he had seen. The ascension of Elijah radiated, as it were, from him. Such a testimony will also radiate from us when people see in us the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. They will be reminded of Him through our actions (Acts 4:13). This Spirit did not rest on the student prophets of Jericho. They also did not see Elijah go to heaven. Christians who have no knowledge of a glorified Lord cannot show much of His Spirit, that Spirit Who bears witness of Him.
The student prophets felt that Elisha, so to speak, was spiritually above them. But they didn’t get any further. They did not ask why it was that the spirit of Elijah rested on him, and even less, desired to receive the same Spirit. Instead they did as Obadiah did before Elijah and bowed down before him (1 Kings 18:7). They also reasoned exactly like Obadiah, who was afraid that the Spirit of LORD would suddenly move Elijah to another environment (1 Kings 18:12). They believed that the Spirit may have taken Elijah “up and cast him on some mountain or into some valley”.
When they asked to search for Elijah, they showed that their horizon was limited to the earth. They did not take into account a real taking up to heaven. In the same way there are people in our day who are characterized on the one hand by religious confusion, and on the other hand by open idolatry. There are many well-intentioned confessors, who belong to the “prophets of the LORD” (1 Kings 18:13), but still think of earthly things. Unfortunately, they have – at least in the practice of Christian life – no eye for a heavenly Christ (Philippians 3:19-20; Colossians 3:1-4).
Elisha answered the question of the student prophets with a clear ‘no’. Because they wanted to search anyway, he finally agrees. Their search showed that they had not understood the truth of Elijah’s ascension. The action by fifty men of the student prophets of Jericho was both superfluous and in vain. Elijah was not found, just as Enoch in his days “was not found because God took him up” (Hebrews 11:5). It is possible that after Enoch’s ascension, a futile search for him was organized; the words ‘he was not found’ may indicate this. When they returned without any result, Elisha gently pointed out their unbelief to them.
2 Kings 14:2
The Sons of the Prophets
There was a great contrast between Elisha and the student prophets from Jericho, who in everything that had happened, had remained at a distance and therefore had not been eyewitnesses to Elijah’s ascension (2 Kings 2:7; 15). The student prophets, both in Bethel and in Jericho (2 Kings 2:3; 5), were well informed about the impending event –perhaps by a prophetic revelation of which Elisha had also been informed. However, they did not see with illuminated eyes, like Elisha, how Elijah was triumphantly caught up to heaven. Only Elisha had had his eyes opened for the rapture of Elijah.
However, the student prophets saw something else. They noticed a change in Elisha as a result of what he had seen. The ascension of Elijah radiated, as it were, from him. Such a testimony will also radiate from us when people see in us the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. They will be reminded of Him through our actions (Acts 4:13). This Spirit did not rest on the student prophets of Jericho. They also did not see Elijah go to heaven. Christians who have no knowledge of a glorified Lord cannot show much of His Spirit, that Spirit Who bears witness of Him.
The student prophets felt that Elisha, so to speak, was spiritually above them. But they didn’t get any further. They did not ask why it was that the spirit of Elijah rested on him, and even less, desired to receive the same Spirit. Instead they did as Obadiah did before Elijah and bowed down before him (1 Kings 18:7). They also reasoned exactly like Obadiah, who was afraid that the Spirit of LORD would suddenly move Elijah to another environment (1 Kings 18:12). They believed that the Spirit may have taken Elijah “up and cast him on some mountain or into some valley”.
When they asked to search for Elijah, they showed that their horizon was limited to the earth. They did not take into account a real taking up to heaven. In the same way there are people in our day who are characterized on the one hand by religious confusion, and on the other hand by open idolatry. There are many well-intentioned confessors, who belong to the “prophets of the LORD” (1 Kings 18:13), but still think of earthly things. Unfortunately, they have – at least in the practice of Christian life – no eye for a heavenly Christ (Philippians 3:19-20; Colossians 3:1-4).
Elisha answered the question of the student prophets with a clear ‘no’. Because they wanted to search anyway, he finally agrees. Their search showed that they had not understood the truth of Elijah’s ascension. The action by fifty men of the student prophets of Jericho was both superfluous and in vain. Elijah was not found, just as Enoch in his days “was not found because God took him up” (Hebrews 11:5). It is possible that after Enoch’s ascension, a futile search for him was organized; the words ‘he was not found’ may indicate this. When they returned without any result, Elisha gently pointed out their unbelief to them.
2 Kings 14:3
The Water of Jericho
Before we look further in detail to the miracles of Elisha, we must first make a general remark about them. When we see all the miracles in which Elisha is involved, there is a remarkable order to be discovered. The striking of the water of the Jordan was Elisha’s first miracle. His last miracle took place when he had already died and lay in the grave. When a dead man was thrown into his grave, the dead man came back to life (2 Kings 13:21). There is a similarity between the two miracles. They both have to do with death and resurrection. The Jordan is a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and the dead man thrown into the tomb of Elisha, came back to life by the touch of Elisha’s bones. This is why his first and his last miracles belong together.
Several miracles in between seem to belong together two by two. In any case, there is a connection between the following six miracles. Thus, in the two miracles that now come to our attention first, the water of Jericho and the bears from the forest, we can see miracles that are related to nature, where one miracle was a blessing and the other miracle was judgment. The next two miracles are about what was empty and filled by the LORD: empty trenches and empty vessels were filled with water (the Word) and oil (Spirit) respectively. The following two miracles have to do with life from the dead.
The first revelation of grace in the service of Elisha took place in Jericho, the city of the curse (Joshua 6:26). What man had built up seemed pleasant. The situation of the city was pleasant. But it remained the place of the curse, a place which, as we have already seen, had been rebuilt in rebellion toward God (1 Kings 16:34). Death reigned there and inhibited the prospect of fruitful life. The men of the city addressed their need to the man of God. With the words “behold now” they pointed out the situation to him to observe it with his own eyes. In this way they involved him in their situation.
Then Elisha acted. The prophet of grace came to the place of death. He did not come to judge, but to give life. That is the hallmark of our time. God’s patience still postpones judgment (2 Peter 3:9b). God wants to give life, but does so on His own terms. It is only possible to escape death through the man of God, who is now the Lord Jesus.
Elisha said that they needed to bring him a new jar with salt in it. When God starts working in a place of the curse, He does so through something new, not through something that has already been used and is old. This symbolically represents that God does not restore the old nature, but makes a new beginning. He does not connect something new to something that is old (Matthew 9:16). The salt speaks of “the salt of the covenant” of God with His people (Leviticus 2:13). Salt is a preservative and stops spoilage. That is how it is with God’s covenant that holds up against everything. God keeps His word in Christ, Who is the new Man. Only in Him is everything protected and pure. In Him are all the promises of God yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20). In Him we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The salt was thrown into the spring of Jericho. In the history of Christianity, i.e. the professing church, we see how its influence has brought life and prevented corruption. We see this also in the lives of converted people. Christian influence on the world around it is life. That is what the Lord Jesus means when He tells His disciples and us: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13a).
Unfortunately, it must also be added that “the salt has become tasteless” (Matthew 5:13b). We see now, in professing Christianity, how the salt loses its strength. All Christian values and norms derived from the Bible are increasingly disappearing from society and legislation. In the midst of increasing moral decline, the command of God for the faithful disciple, the man (man or woman) of God, is to show in marriage and family, how He intended us to live. The Christian who does this has “salt in himself” (Mark 9:50b) and will speak words of grace that are “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).
Such a person is a true blessing to those surrounding him, and he glorifies God in his life. He is a source that is healthy. Everyone with whom he comes into contact will experience the health giving influence of it. The life of such a person does not give rise to death or unfruitfulness, but life. This is the result of acting “according to the word of Elisha which he spoke”. The word of the man of God is nothing but the word of God. We have nothing but the Word. If we speak according to the Word of God, there will be healthy spiritual growth.
We see in this event that Elisha brought grace and blessing to a place of judgment like Jericho. In the next chapters we will see that Elisha brought blessing for what in picture represented the future faithful remnant (2 Kings 4) and that he had blessing for the nations (2 Kings 5). Like the Lord Jesus, Elisha used his power for the benefit of others and not for himself.
2 Kings 14:4
The Water of Jericho
Before we look further in detail to the miracles of Elisha, we must first make a general remark about them. When we see all the miracles in which Elisha is involved, there is a remarkable order to be discovered. The striking of the water of the Jordan was Elisha’s first miracle. His last miracle took place when he had already died and lay in the grave. When a dead man was thrown into his grave, the dead man came back to life (2 Kings 13:21). There is a similarity between the two miracles. They both have to do with death and resurrection. The Jordan is a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and the dead man thrown into the tomb of Elisha, came back to life by the touch of Elisha’s bones. This is why his first and his last miracles belong together.
Several miracles in between seem to belong together two by two. In any case, there is a connection between the following six miracles. Thus, in the two miracles that now come to our attention first, the water of Jericho and the bears from the forest, we can see miracles that are related to nature, where one miracle was a blessing and the other miracle was judgment. The next two miracles are about what was empty and filled by the LORD: empty trenches and empty vessels were filled with water (the Word) and oil (Spirit) respectively. The following two miracles have to do with life from the dead.
The first revelation of grace in the service of Elisha took place in Jericho, the city of the curse (Joshua 6:26). What man had built up seemed pleasant. The situation of the city was pleasant. But it remained the place of the curse, a place which, as we have already seen, had been rebuilt in rebellion toward God (1 Kings 16:34). Death reigned there and inhibited the prospect of fruitful life. The men of the city addressed their need to the man of God. With the words “behold now” they pointed out the situation to him to observe it with his own eyes. In this way they involved him in their situation.
Then Elisha acted. The prophet of grace came to the place of death. He did not come to judge, but to give life. That is the hallmark of our time. God’s patience still postpones judgment (2 Peter 3:9b). God wants to give life, but does so on His own terms. It is only possible to escape death through the man of God, who is now the Lord Jesus.
Elisha said that they needed to bring him a new jar with salt in it. When God starts working in a place of the curse, He does so through something new, not through something that has already been used and is old. This symbolically represents that God does not restore the old nature, but makes a new beginning. He does not connect something new to something that is old (Matthew 9:16). The salt speaks of “the salt of the covenant” of God with His people (Leviticus 2:13). Salt is a preservative and stops spoilage. That is how it is with God’s covenant that holds up against everything. God keeps His word in Christ, Who is the new Man. Only in Him is everything protected and pure. In Him are all the promises of God yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20). In Him we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The salt was thrown into the spring of Jericho. In the history of Christianity, i.e. the professing church, we see how its influence has brought life and prevented corruption. We see this also in the lives of converted people. Christian influence on the world around it is life. That is what the Lord Jesus means when He tells His disciples and us: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13a).
Unfortunately, it must also be added that “the salt has become tasteless” (Matthew 5:13b). We see now, in professing Christianity, how the salt loses its strength. All Christian values and norms derived from the Bible are increasingly disappearing from society and legislation. In the midst of increasing moral decline, the command of God for the faithful disciple, the man (man or woman) of God, is to show in marriage and family, how He intended us to live. The Christian who does this has “salt in himself” (Mark 9:50b) and will speak words of grace that are “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).
Such a person is a true blessing to those surrounding him, and he glorifies God in his life. He is a source that is healthy. Everyone with whom he comes into contact will experience the health giving influence of it. The life of such a person does not give rise to death or unfruitfulness, but life. This is the result of acting “according to the word of Elisha which he spoke”. The word of the man of God is nothing but the word of God. We have nothing but the Word. If we speak according to the Word of God, there will be healthy spiritual growth.
We see in this event that Elisha brought grace and blessing to a place of judgment like Jericho. In the next chapters we will see that Elisha brought blessing for what in picture represented the future faithful remnant (2 Kings 4) and that he had blessing for the nations (2 Kings 5). Like the Lord Jesus, Elisha used his power for the benefit of others and not for himself.
2 Kings 14:5
The Water of Jericho
Before we look further in detail to the miracles of Elisha, we must first make a general remark about them. When we see all the miracles in which Elisha is involved, there is a remarkable order to be discovered. The striking of the water of the Jordan was Elisha’s first miracle. His last miracle took place when he had already died and lay in the grave. When a dead man was thrown into his grave, the dead man came back to life (2 Kings 13:21). There is a similarity between the two miracles. They both have to do with death and resurrection. The Jordan is a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and the dead man thrown into the tomb of Elisha, came back to life by the touch of Elisha’s bones. This is why his first and his last miracles belong together.
Several miracles in between seem to belong together two by two. In any case, there is a connection between the following six miracles. Thus, in the two miracles that now come to our attention first, the water of Jericho and the bears from the forest, we can see miracles that are related to nature, where one miracle was a blessing and the other miracle was judgment. The next two miracles are about what was empty and filled by the LORD: empty trenches and empty vessels were filled with water (the Word) and oil (Spirit) respectively. The following two miracles have to do with life from the dead.
The first revelation of grace in the service of Elisha took place in Jericho, the city of the curse (Joshua 6:26). What man had built up seemed pleasant. The situation of the city was pleasant. But it remained the place of the curse, a place which, as we have already seen, had been rebuilt in rebellion toward God (1 Kings 16:34). Death reigned there and inhibited the prospect of fruitful life. The men of the city addressed their need to the man of God. With the words “behold now” they pointed out the situation to him to observe it with his own eyes. In this way they involved him in their situation.
Then Elisha acted. The prophet of grace came to the place of death. He did not come to judge, but to give life. That is the hallmark of our time. God’s patience still postpones judgment (2 Peter 3:9b). God wants to give life, but does so on His own terms. It is only possible to escape death through the man of God, who is now the Lord Jesus.
Elisha said that they needed to bring him a new jar with salt in it. When God starts working in a place of the curse, He does so through something new, not through something that has already been used and is old. This symbolically represents that God does not restore the old nature, but makes a new beginning. He does not connect something new to something that is old (Matthew 9:16). The salt speaks of “the salt of the covenant” of God with His people (Leviticus 2:13). Salt is a preservative and stops spoilage. That is how it is with God’s covenant that holds up against everything. God keeps His word in Christ, Who is the new Man. Only in Him is everything protected and pure. In Him are all the promises of God yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20). In Him we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The salt was thrown into the spring of Jericho. In the history of Christianity, i.e. the professing church, we see how its influence has brought life and prevented corruption. We see this also in the lives of converted people. Christian influence on the world around it is life. That is what the Lord Jesus means when He tells His disciples and us: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13a).
Unfortunately, it must also be added that “the salt has become tasteless” (Matthew 5:13b). We see now, in professing Christianity, how the salt loses its strength. All Christian values and norms derived from the Bible are increasingly disappearing from society and legislation. In the midst of increasing moral decline, the command of God for the faithful disciple, the man (man or woman) of God, is to show in marriage and family, how He intended us to live. The Christian who does this has “salt in himself” (Mark 9:50b) and will speak words of grace that are “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).
Such a person is a true blessing to those surrounding him, and he glorifies God in his life. He is a source that is healthy. Everyone with whom he comes into contact will experience the health giving influence of it. The life of such a person does not give rise to death or unfruitfulness, but life. This is the result of acting “according to the word of Elisha which he spoke”. The word of the man of God is nothing but the word of God. We have nothing but the Word. If we speak according to the Word of God, there will be healthy spiritual growth.
We see in this event that Elisha brought grace and blessing to a place of judgment like Jericho. In the next chapters we will see that Elisha brought blessing for what in picture represented the future faithful remnant (2 Kings 4) and that he had blessing for the nations (2 Kings 5). Like the Lord Jesus, Elisha used his power for the benefit of others and not for himself.
2 Kings 14:6
The Water of Jericho
Before we look further in detail to the miracles of Elisha, we must first make a general remark about them. When we see all the miracles in which Elisha is involved, there is a remarkable order to be discovered. The striking of the water of the Jordan was Elisha’s first miracle. His last miracle took place when he had already died and lay in the grave. When a dead man was thrown into his grave, the dead man came back to life (2 Kings 13:21). There is a similarity between the two miracles. They both have to do with death and resurrection. The Jordan is a picture of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and the dead man thrown into the tomb of Elisha, came back to life by the touch of Elisha’s bones. This is why his first and his last miracles belong together.
Several miracles in between seem to belong together two by two. In any case, there is a connection between the following six miracles. Thus, in the two miracles that now come to our attention first, the water of Jericho and the bears from the forest, we can see miracles that are related to nature, where one miracle was a blessing and the other miracle was judgment. The next two miracles are about what was empty and filled by the LORD: empty trenches and empty vessels were filled with water (the Word) and oil (Spirit) respectively. The following two miracles have to do with life from the dead.
The first revelation of grace in the service of Elisha took place in Jericho, the city of the curse (Joshua 6:26). What man had built up seemed pleasant. The situation of the city was pleasant. But it remained the place of the curse, a place which, as we have already seen, had been rebuilt in rebellion toward God (1 Kings 16:34). Death reigned there and inhibited the prospect of fruitful life. The men of the city addressed their need to the man of God. With the words “behold now” they pointed out the situation to him to observe it with his own eyes. In this way they involved him in their situation.
Then Elisha acted. The prophet of grace came to the place of death. He did not come to judge, but to give life. That is the hallmark of our time. God’s patience still postpones judgment (2 Peter 3:9b). God wants to give life, but does so on His own terms. It is only possible to escape death through the man of God, who is now the Lord Jesus.
Elisha said that they needed to bring him a new jar with salt in it. When God starts working in a place of the curse, He does so through something new, not through something that has already been used and is old. This symbolically represents that God does not restore the old nature, but makes a new beginning. He does not connect something new to something that is old (Matthew 9:16). The salt speaks of “the salt of the covenant” of God with His people (Leviticus 2:13). Salt is a preservative and stops spoilage. That is how it is with God’s covenant that holds up against everything. God keeps His word in Christ, Who is the new Man. Only in Him is everything protected and pure. In Him are all the promises of God yes and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20). In Him we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The salt was thrown into the spring of Jericho. In the history of Christianity, i.e. the professing church, we see how its influence has brought life and prevented corruption. We see this also in the lives of converted people. Christian influence on the world around it is life. That is what the Lord Jesus means when He tells His disciples and us: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13a).
Unfortunately, it must also be added that “the salt has become tasteless” (Matthew 5:13b). We see now, in professing Christianity, how the salt loses its strength. All Christian values and norms derived from the Bible are increasingly disappearing from society and legislation. In the midst of increasing moral decline, the command of God for the faithful disciple, the man (man or woman) of God, is to show in marriage and family, how He intended us to live. The Christian who does this has “salt in himself” (Mark 9:50b) and will speak words of grace that are “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).
Such a person is a true blessing to those surrounding him, and he glorifies God in his life. He is a source that is healthy. Everyone with whom he comes into contact will experience the health giving influence of it. The life of such a person does not give rise to death or unfruitfulness, but life. This is the result of acting “according to the word of Elisha which he spoke”. The word of the man of God is nothing but the word of God. We have nothing but the Word. If we speak according to the Word of God, there will be healthy spiritual growth.
We see in this event that Elisha brought grace and blessing to a place of judgment like Jericho. In the next chapters we will see that Elisha brought blessing for what in picture represented the future faithful remnant (2 Kings 4) and that he had blessing for the nations (2 Kings 5). Like the Lord Jesus, Elisha used his power for the benefit of others and not for himself.
2 Kings 14:7
Judgment on Mocking Boys
Elisha’s service was not only one of grace. Three times he also judged: here about mocking boys, later about Gehazi (2 Kings 5:21-27) and then about the officer of the king (2 Kings 7:1-2; 17-20). After the Jordan and Jericho, the cursed city, Elisha set off for Bethel, which means ‘house of God’. At the place of the curse, blessing was brought. In connection with the house of God, judgment is brought.
Elisha went on his way to Bethel, but he didn’t get there. After his meeting with and judgment of the mocking boys, he went to Carmel. The boys from Bethel had no respect for a servant of God. Such young people will not grow spiritually, but die. If young people have no respect for those who do God’s work, the bears will make short work of them. We may ask ourselves what kind of young people our own local church produces. The local church can be seen as a reflection of the house of God.
These “young lads” are not innocent little children. We would estimate them to be around fifteen years old. They know what they say; they demonstrate without doubt, their contempt for the truth. Their appreciation of the truth is according to what became of Bethel: the place where the golden calf stands and the Baal is worshipped. Thus Bethel has become a town where God has no place.
“Baldhead” was a swearword and a judgment. It spoke of uncleanness (cf. Leviticus 13:40-44). By calling Elisha to “go up”, they mocked the ascension of Elijah. They scolded Elisha, not wanting him in their town. They wanted him to leave. They can be compared to the mockers of the end time in which we live (2 Peter 3:3-4). The ascension of the Lord Jesus has been scornfully dismissed. There is no belief in His ascension and even less in His return to earth.
Elisha pronounced judgment. He did so “in the Name of the LORD”. Thus will come the judgment of the unbelieving mockers. Young people from Christian families, so to speak from ‘Bethel’, will be torn apart by ferocious and cruel female bears. David was compared to a bear who was robbed of young (2 Samuel 17:8; Proverbs 17:12; Hosea 13:8). These female bears tore apart the boys who had no respect for life, for something that came from God.
After this event, Elisha went to Carmel. At Carmel, Elijah’s service has reached a climax. There, Elisha will have thought about Elijah’s service. Then he travelled to Samaria, where Jehoram, the king of Israel lives.
2 Kings 14:8
Judgment on Mocking Boys
Elisha’s service was not only one of grace. Three times he also judged: here about mocking boys, later about Gehazi (2 Kings 5:21-27) and then about the officer of the king (2 Kings 7:1-2; 17-20). After the Jordan and Jericho, the cursed city, Elisha set off for Bethel, which means ‘house of God’. At the place of the curse, blessing was brought. In connection with the house of God, judgment is brought.
Elisha went on his way to Bethel, but he didn’t get there. After his meeting with and judgment of the mocking boys, he went to Carmel. The boys from Bethel had no respect for a servant of God. Such young people will not grow spiritually, but die. If young people have no respect for those who do God’s work, the bears will make short work of them. We may ask ourselves what kind of young people our own local church produces. The local church can be seen as a reflection of the house of God.
These “young lads” are not innocent little children. We would estimate them to be around fifteen years old. They know what they say; they demonstrate without doubt, their contempt for the truth. Their appreciation of the truth is according to what became of Bethel: the place where the golden calf stands and the Baal is worshipped. Thus Bethel has become a town where God has no place.
“Baldhead” was a swearword and a judgment. It spoke of uncleanness (cf. Leviticus 13:40-44). By calling Elisha to “go up”, they mocked the ascension of Elijah. They scolded Elisha, not wanting him in their town. They wanted him to leave. They can be compared to the mockers of the end time in which we live (2 Peter 3:3-4). The ascension of the Lord Jesus has been scornfully dismissed. There is no belief in His ascension and even less in His return to earth.
Elisha pronounced judgment. He did so “in the Name of the LORD”. Thus will come the judgment of the unbelieving mockers. Young people from Christian families, so to speak from ‘Bethel’, will be torn apart by ferocious and cruel female bears. David was compared to a bear who was robbed of young (2 Samuel 17:8; Proverbs 17:12; Hosea 13:8). These female bears tore apart the boys who had no respect for life, for something that came from God.
After this event, Elisha went to Carmel. At Carmel, Elijah’s service has reached a climax. There, Elisha will have thought about Elijah’s service. Then he travelled to Samaria, where Jehoram, the king of Israel lives.
2 Kings 14:9
Judgment on Mocking Boys
Elisha’s service was not only one of grace. Three times he also judged: here about mocking boys, later about Gehazi (2 Kings 5:21-27) and then about the officer of the king (2 Kings 7:1-2; 17-20). After the Jordan and Jericho, the cursed city, Elisha set off for Bethel, which means ‘house of God’. At the place of the curse, blessing was brought. In connection with the house of God, judgment is brought.
Elisha went on his way to Bethel, but he didn’t get there. After his meeting with and judgment of the mocking boys, he went to Carmel. The boys from Bethel had no respect for a servant of God. Such young people will not grow spiritually, but die. If young people have no respect for those who do God’s work, the bears will make short work of them. We may ask ourselves what kind of young people our own local church produces. The local church can be seen as a reflection of the house of God.
These “young lads” are not innocent little children. We would estimate them to be around fifteen years old. They know what they say; they demonstrate without doubt, their contempt for the truth. Their appreciation of the truth is according to what became of Bethel: the place where the golden calf stands and the Baal is worshipped. Thus Bethel has become a town where God has no place.
“Baldhead” was a swearword and a judgment. It spoke of uncleanness (cf. Leviticus 13:40-44). By calling Elisha to “go up”, they mocked the ascension of Elijah. They scolded Elisha, not wanting him in their town. They wanted him to leave. They can be compared to the mockers of the end time in which we live (2 Peter 3:3-4). The ascension of the Lord Jesus has been scornfully dismissed. There is no belief in His ascension and even less in His return to earth.
Elisha pronounced judgment. He did so “in the Name of the LORD”. Thus will come the judgment of the unbelieving mockers. Young people from Christian families, so to speak from ‘Bethel’, will be torn apart by ferocious and cruel female bears. David was compared to a bear who was robbed of young (2 Samuel 17:8; Proverbs 17:12; Hosea 13:8). These female bears tore apart the boys who had no respect for life, for something that came from God.
After this event, Elisha went to Carmel. At Carmel, Elijah’s service has reached a climax. There, Elisha will have thought about Elijah’s service. Then he travelled to Samaria, where Jehoram, the king of Israel lives.
2 Kings 14:11
Jehoram King Over Israel
Jehoram became king after the death of his brother Ahaziah, who was childless. Though he did evil in the sight of the LORD, he still put away an abomination that his father had made. This did not go unnoticed by the LORD.
Although his wickedness was less bad than that of his parents, he “clung to the sins of Jeroboam. His perseverance in sin is underlined by the remark at the end of the verse: “He did not depart from them.” He remained an unbeliever.
2 Kings 14:12
Jehoram King Over Israel
Jehoram became king after the death of his brother Ahaziah, who was childless. Though he did evil in the sight of the LORD, he still put away an abomination that his father had made. This did not go unnoticed by the LORD.
Although his wickedness was less bad than that of his parents, he “clung to the sins of Jeroboam. His perseverance in sin is underlined by the remark at the end of the verse: “He did not depart from them.” He remained an unbeliever.
2 Kings 14:13
Jehoram King Over Israel
Jehoram became king after the death of his brother Ahaziah, who was childless. Though he did evil in the sight of the LORD, he still put away an abomination that his father had made. This did not go unnoticed by the LORD.
Although his wickedness was less bad than that of his parents, he “clung to the sins of Jeroboam. His perseverance in sin is underlined by the remark at the end of the verse: “He did not depart from them.” He remained an unbeliever.
2 Kings 14:14
Moab Rebels
The Moabites were great cattle farmers and had been subject to the kings of Israel for many years. Israel had compelled them to pay a large tribute of cattle. The death of Ahab was the reason for Mesha, king of Moab, to withdraw from the power of Israel over him (2 Kings 1:1).
Moab is a picture of (the lusts of) the flesh. He submitted, but only for a short time and then rebels. That is always what the flesh does. Our flesh does not subject itself to God (Romans 8:7). It always desires wealth, power, prestige and pleasure. When the flesh comes to assert itself, we are the losers.
Israel had lost a lot when Moab rebelled. Their animals and their wool were blessings that God gave. If these blessings are enjoyed apart from God, they serve the flesh. If they are sanctified for God, they can be used to the glory of God. When Moab, the flesh, asserts itself, the lambs, the rams and the wool, the sacrifices, are lost for service to God. In spiritual application, this means that the resemblance to the Lord Jesus (lambs) and the devotion that is beneficial to others (rams’ wool) disappear. Wool also speaks of being cleansed of sins (Isaiah 1:18b).
2 Kings 14:15
Moab Rebels
The Moabites were great cattle farmers and had been subject to the kings of Israel for many years. Israel had compelled them to pay a large tribute of cattle. The death of Ahab was the reason for Mesha, king of Moab, to withdraw from the power of Israel over him (2 Kings 1:1).
Moab is a picture of (the lusts of) the flesh. He submitted, but only for a short time and then rebels. That is always what the flesh does. Our flesh does not subject itself to God (Romans 8:7). It always desires wealth, power, prestige and pleasure. When the flesh comes to assert itself, we are the losers.
Israel had lost a lot when Moab rebelled. Their animals and their wool were blessings that God gave. If these blessings are enjoyed apart from God, they serve the flesh. If they are sanctified for God, they can be used to the glory of God. When Moab, the flesh, asserts itself, the lambs, the rams and the wool, the sacrifices, are lost for service to God. In spiritual application, this means that the resemblance to the Lord Jesus (lambs) and the devotion that is beneficial to others (rams’ wool) disappear. Wool also speaks of being cleansed of sins (Isaiah 1:18b).
2 Kings 14:16
Jehoshaphat Is Willing to Help Jehoram
The loss of income due to the Moab rebellion led Jehoram to mobilize an army. He wanted the Moabites to be subject to him again. He also appealed to Jehoshaphat to go to battle with him. Jehoshaphat responded favorably to this request. He had also responded earlier, in the same way, to a request from Ahab to go along with him. He promised his cooperation with the same words he also spoke to Ahab (1 Kings 22:4).
Jehoshaphat seems not to have learned anything from what he experienced with Ahab. Believers learn with difficulty from their experiences. Abraham and Isaac also made the same mistake twice. We are only surprised if we don’t know ourselves well.
Jehoram asks which way they should go up. The non-spiritual believer Jehoshaphat advises to take a detour along the south side of Moab to attack him from that side. This also obliges the king of Edom, who at that time was subject to Jehoshaphat, to participate.
The answer to subject this rebellious king to the authority of the king of Israel again was not in the united armies of these three kings. In application, this means that the flesh cannot be controlled by the flesh. That is a useless and damaging waste of time. They must learn to call to God. That is where they will need to be brought.
2 Kings 14:17
Jehoshaphat Is Willing to Help Jehoram
The loss of income due to the Moab rebellion led Jehoram to mobilize an army. He wanted the Moabites to be subject to him again. He also appealed to Jehoshaphat to go to battle with him. Jehoshaphat responded favorably to this request. He had also responded earlier, in the same way, to a request from Ahab to go along with him. He promised his cooperation with the same words he also spoke to Ahab (1 Kings 22:4).
Jehoshaphat seems not to have learned anything from what he experienced with Ahab. Believers learn with difficulty from their experiences. Abraham and Isaac also made the same mistake twice. We are only surprised if we don’t know ourselves well.
Jehoram asks which way they should go up. The non-spiritual believer Jehoshaphat advises to take a detour along the south side of Moab to attack him from that side. This also obliges the king of Edom, who at that time was subject to Jehoshaphat, to participate.
The answer to subject this rebellious king to the authority of the king of Israel again was not in the united armies of these three kings. In application, this means that the flesh cannot be controlled by the flesh. That is a useless and damaging waste of time. They must learn to call to God. That is where they will need to be brought.
2 Kings 14:18
Jehoshaphat Is Willing to Help Jehoram
The loss of income due to the Moab rebellion led Jehoram to mobilize an army. He wanted the Moabites to be subject to him again. He also appealed to Jehoshaphat to go to battle with him. Jehoshaphat responded favorably to this request. He had also responded earlier, in the same way, to a request from Ahab to go along with him. He promised his cooperation with the same words he also spoke to Ahab (1 Kings 22:4).
Jehoshaphat seems not to have learned anything from what he experienced with Ahab. Believers learn with difficulty from their experiences. Abraham and Isaac also made the same mistake twice. We are only surprised if we don’t know ourselves well.
Jehoram asks which way they should go up. The non-spiritual believer Jehoshaphat advises to take a detour along the south side of Moab to attack him from that side. This also obliges the king of Edom, who at that time was subject to Jehoshaphat, to participate.
The answer to subject this rebellious king to the authority of the king of Israel again was not in the united armies of these three kings. In application, this means that the flesh cannot be controlled by the flesh. That is a useless and damaging waste of time. They must learn to call to God. That is where they will need to be brought.
2 Kings 14:19
Elisha Is Consulted
The three kings set off together. Then something happened that they haven’t taken into account at all: after seven days there was a lack of water. If a believer goes out with unbelievers, this can only lead to a lack. God cannot give a blessing in this way.
Jehoram reproached the LORD about this. He never took God into account, but when things went wrong, he blamed God. That’s how many people are today. Without water it is impossible to overcome Moab, the flesh. This is the situation in which the greater part of Christianity, i.e. the professing church, finds itself. They try to bring into subjection all kinds of expressions of the flesh that cause destruction. Without the water of God’s Word, however, that is impossible.
Then it turned out that Jehoshaphat was a believer and thus distinguished himself from Jehoram. He asked for a prophet of the LORD. Jehoram did not answer him; but one of his servants, one of the common people does. Jehoram himself apparently did not know of a prophet of the LORD. The servant referred to Elisha who apparently had gone with the army. The LORD will have made it clear to Elisha to join them.
Jehoshaphat knew him and that the word of the LORD was with him. The three kings go to him. Elisha hadn’t been a target of kings, like Elijah. It was because their fate depended on him, that they come to him. We see that here, Elisha was not called upon to appear before those men. It was the other way around; the great men of the earth went to the man of God.
2 Kings 14:20
Elisha Is Consulted
The three kings set off together. Then something happened that they haven’t taken into account at all: after seven days there was a lack of water. If a believer goes out with unbelievers, this can only lead to a lack. God cannot give a blessing in this way.
Jehoram reproached the LORD about this. He never took God into account, but when things went wrong, he blamed God. That’s how many people are today. Without water it is impossible to overcome Moab, the flesh. This is the situation in which the greater part of Christianity, i.e. the professing church, finds itself. They try to bring into subjection all kinds of expressions of the flesh that cause destruction. Without the water of God’s Word, however, that is impossible.
Then it turned out that Jehoshaphat was a believer and thus distinguished himself from Jehoram. He asked for a prophet of the LORD. Jehoram did not answer him; but one of his servants, one of the common people does. Jehoram himself apparently did not know of a prophet of the LORD. The servant referred to Elisha who apparently had gone with the army. The LORD will have made it clear to Elisha to join them.
Jehoshaphat knew him and that the word of the LORD was with him. The three kings go to him. Elisha hadn’t been a target of kings, like Elijah. It was because their fate depended on him, that they come to him. We see that here, Elisha was not called upon to appear before those men. It was the other way around; the great men of the earth went to the man of God.
2 Kings 14:21
Elisha Is Consulted
The three kings set off together. Then something happened that they haven’t taken into account at all: after seven days there was a lack of water. If a believer goes out with unbelievers, this can only lead to a lack. God cannot give a blessing in this way.
Jehoram reproached the LORD about this. He never took God into account, but when things went wrong, he blamed God. That’s how many people are today. Without water it is impossible to overcome Moab, the flesh. This is the situation in which the greater part of Christianity, i.e. the professing church, finds itself. They try to bring into subjection all kinds of expressions of the flesh that cause destruction. Without the water of God’s Word, however, that is impossible.
Then it turned out that Jehoshaphat was a believer and thus distinguished himself from Jehoram. He asked for a prophet of the LORD. Jehoram did not answer him; but one of his servants, one of the common people does. Jehoram himself apparently did not know of a prophet of the LORD. The servant referred to Elisha who apparently had gone with the army. The LORD will have made it clear to Elisha to join them.
Jehoshaphat knew him and that the word of the LORD was with him. The three kings go to him. Elisha hadn’t been a target of kings, like Elijah. It was because their fate depended on him, that they come to him. We see that here, Elisha was not called upon to appear before those men. It was the other way around; the great men of the earth went to the man of God.
2 Kings 14:22
Elisha Is Consulted
The three kings set off together. Then something happened that they haven’t taken into account at all: after seven days there was a lack of water. If a believer goes out with unbelievers, this can only lead to a lack. God cannot give a blessing in this way.
Jehoram reproached the LORD about this. He never took God into account, but when things went wrong, he blamed God. That’s how many people are today. Without water it is impossible to overcome Moab, the flesh. This is the situation in which the greater part of Christianity, i.e. the professing church, finds itself. They try to bring into subjection all kinds of expressions of the flesh that cause destruction. Without the water of God’s Word, however, that is impossible.
Then it turned out that Jehoshaphat was a believer and thus distinguished himself from Jehoram. He asked for a prophet of the LORD. Jehoram did not answer him; but one of his servants, one of the common people does. Jehoram himself apparently did not know of a prophet of the LORD. The servant referred to Elisha who apparently had gone with the army. The LORD will have made it clear to Elisha to join them.
Jehoshaphat knew him and that the word of the LORD was with him. The three kings go to him. Elisha hadn’t been a target of kings, like Elijah. It was because their fate depended on him, that they come to him. We see that here, Elisha was not called upon to appear before those men. It was the other way around; the great men of the earth went to the man of God.
2 Kings 14:23
Elisha’s Counsel
Elisha was a man without fear. Without any respect for the high company, he said to the king of Israel that he wanted nothing to do with him. There was no spiritual connection. He even said sarcastically that Jehoram should go to the prophets of his parents. Jehoram’s answer was what he had said earlier that his predicament had been ordered by the LORD.
Elisha said once again and more strongly that he didn’t want to have anything to do with Jehoram. The man remained wicked. The acknowledgement that the LORD had brought about the situation had not led him to repentance. All he wanted was to get out of this miserable situation, nothing more. It is because Jehoshaphat was in this company that Elisha didn’t turn around and leave. It seems, however, that he was so indignant by Jehoram’s attitude and also by that of Jehoshaphat that his mind had first to come to rest. For this he needed melodious, soothing music.
Spiritually minded believers are not able to speak a word from the Lord in every circumstance. Sometimes such agitation may have arisen in the mind that it is necessary to come to rest first. There must be harmony in a situation of discord. This rest can sometimes be obtained by a melodious instrument. Christ is the heavenly harp player Who gives peace to troubled minds. Christ is the keynote to which every need in our lives can be attuned, so that the distress can be borne and there is promise of a solution.
While the music is played, Elisha came to rest and the LORD’s hand came upon him. He then started to speak and declared what needed to be done. In the valley, a picture of the place of humility, trenches must be dug so that the trenches could be filled with water. Digging trenches so that they can be filled with water while there is drought, speaks of faith. Digging speaks of taking away earth. Dirt that prevents water from entering the trenches must be removed.
Everything that can prevent water from flowing must be removed. In practice, this means that room must be made for the Word of God, of which water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26: John 15:3). Water is also a picture of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Room for the Word of God also means room for the Spirit. Word and Spirit always work together.
When trenches had been dug, they could be filled with water to save the kings and their armies and cattle: the more trenches, the more water. In that way they would be able to defeat Moab. What a lot of ‘earth’ sometimes needs to be removed from our lives and that of the local church before the living water of the Word can flow into our lives and the local churches.
The digging does not fill the trenches with water. All we can do is make room for the water. By a miracle of the LORD, by the faith with which the trenches are dug, these trenches shall be filled with water. There are no accompanying, impressive signs, but when obstacles are removed, the way is cleared for the blessing of God. He will miraculously fill our lives, if they are lived in humility, with His presence.
The filling of the trenches with water is seen as a matter that is “a slight thing in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 3:18). The grace of God goes even further, for He would give Moab into their hand. If our lives are lived in the power of God’s Word and God’s Spirit, the result will be that the flesh is overcome. The victory will be total. God does not do half a job.
2 Kings 14:24
Elisha’s Counsel
Elisha was a man without fear. Without any respect for the high company, he said to the king of Israel that he wanted nothing to do with him. There was no spiritual connection. He even said sarcastically that Jehoram should go to the prophets of his parents. Jehoram’s answer was what he had said earlier that his predicament had been ordered by the LORD.
Elisha said once again and more strongly that he didn’t want to have anything to do with Jehoram. The man remained wicked. The acknowledgement that the LORD had brought about the situation had not led him to repentance. All he wanted was to get out of this miserable situation, nothing more. It is because Jehoshaphat was in this company that Elisha didn’t turn around and leave. It seems, however, that he was so indignant by Jehoram’s attitude and also by that of Jehoshaphat that his mind had first to come to rest. For this he needed melodious, soothing music.
Spiritually minded believers are not able to speak a word from the Lord in every circumstance. Sometimes such agitation may have arisen in the mind that it is necessary to come to rest first. There must be harmony in a situation of discord. This rest can sometimes be obtained by a melodious instrument. Christ is the heavenly harp player Who gives peace to troubled minds. Christ is the keynote to which every need in our lives can be attuned, so that the distress can be borne and there is promise of a solution.
While the music is played, Elisha came to rest and the LORD’s hand came upon him. He then started to speak and declared what needed to be done. In the valley, a picture of the place of humility, trenches must be dug so that the trenches could be filled with water. Digging trenches so that they can be filled with water while there is drought, speaks of faith. Digging speaks of taking away earth. Dirt that prevents water from entering the trenches must be removed.
Everything that can prevent water from flowing must be removed. In practice, this means that room must be made for the Word of God, of which water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26: John 15:3). Water is also a picture of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Room for the Word of God also means room for the Spirit. Word and Spirit always work together.
When trenches had been dug, they could be filled with water to save the kings and their armies and cattle: the more trenches, the more water. In that way they would be able to defeat Moab. What a lot of ‘earth’ sometimes needs to be removed from our lives and that of the local church before the living water of the Word can flow into our lives and the local churches.
The digging does not fill the trenches with water. All we can do is make room for the water. By a miracle of the LORD, by the faith with which the trenches are dug, these trenches shall be filled with water. There are no accompanying, impressive signs, but when obstacles are removed, the way is cleared for the blessing of God. He will miraculously fill our lives, if they are lived in humility, with His presence.
The filling of the trenches with water is seen as a matter that is “a slight thing in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 3:18). The grace of God goes even further, for He would give Moab into their hand. If our lives are lived in the power of God’s Word and God’s Spirit, the result will be that the flesh is overcome. The victory will be total. God does not do half a job.
2 Kings 14:25
Elisha’s Counsel
Elisha was a man without fear. Without any respect for the high company, he said to the king of Israel that he wanted nothing to do with him. There was no spiritual connection. He even said sarcastically that Jehoram should go to the prophets of his parents. Jehoram’s answer was what he had said earlier that his predicament had been ordered by the LORD.
Elisha said once again and more strongly that he didn’t want to have anything to do with Jehoram. The man remained wicked. The acknowledgement that the LORD had brought about the situation had not led him to repentance. All he wanted was to get out of this miserable situation, nothing more. It is because Jehoshaphat was in this company that Elisha didn’t turn around and leave. It seems, however, that he was so indignant by Jehoram’s attitude and also by that of Jehoshaphat that his mind had first to come to rest. For this he needed melodious, soothing music.
Spiritually minded believers are not able to speak a word from the Lord in every circumstance. Sometimes such agitation may have arisen in the mind that it is necessary to come to rest first. There must be harmony in a situation of discord. This rest can sometimes be obtained by a melodious instrument. Christ is the heavenly harp player Who gives peace to troubled minds. Christ is the keynote to which every need in our lives can be attuned, so that the distress can be borne and there is promise of a solution.
While the music is played, Elisha came to rest and the LORD’s hand came upon him. He then started to speak and declared what needed to be done. In the valley, a picture of the place of humility, trenches must be dug so that the trenches could be filled with water. Digging trenches so that they can be filled with water while there is drought, speaks of faith. Digging speaks of taking away earth. Dirt that prevents water from entering the trenches must be removed.
Everything that can prevent water from flowing must be removed. In practice, this means that room must be made for the Word of God, of which water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26: John 15:3). Water is also a picture of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Room for the Word of God also means room for the Spirit. Word and Spirit always work together.
When trenches had been dug, they could be filled with water to save the kings and their armies and cattle: the more trenches, the more water. In that way they would be able to defeat Moab. What a lot of ‘earth’ sometimes needs to be removed from our lives and that of the local church before the living water of the Word can flow into our lives and the local churches.
The digging does not fill the trenches with water. All we can do is make room for the water. By a miracle of the LORD, by the faith with which the trenches are dug, these trenches shall be filled with water. There are no accompanying, impressive signs, but when obstacles are removed, the way is cleared for the blessing of God. He will miraculously fill our lives, if they are lived in humility, with His presence.
The filling of the trenches with water is seen as a matter that is “a slight thing in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 3:18). The grace of God goes even further, for He would give Moab into their hand. If our lives are lived in the power of God’s Word and God’s Spirit, the result will be that the flesh is overcome. The victory will be total. God does not do half a job.
2 Kings 14:26
Elisha’s Counsel
Elisha was a man without fear. Without any respect for the high company, he said to the king of Israel that he wanted nothing to do with him. There was no spiritual connection. He even said sarcastically that Jehoram should go to the prophets of his parents. Jehoram’s answer was what he had said earlier that his predicament had been ordered by the LORD.
Elisha said once again and more strongly that he didn’t want to have anything to do with Jehoram. The man remained wicked. The acknowledgement that the LORD had brought about the situation had not led him to repentance. All he wanted was to get out of this miserable situation, nothing more. It is because Jehoshaphat was in this company that Elisha didn’t turn around and leave. It seems, however, that he was so indignant by Jehoram’s attitude and also by that of Jehoshaphat that his mind had first to come to rest. For this he needed melodious, soothing music.
Spiritually minded believers are not able to speak a word from the Lord in every circumstance. Sometimes such agitation may have arisen in the mind that it is necessary to come to rest first. There must be harmony in a situation of discord. This rest can sometimes be obtained by a melodious instrument. Christ is the heavenly harp player Who gives peace to troubled minds. Christ is the keynote to which every need in our lives can be attuned, so that the distress can be borne and there is promise of a solution.
While the music is played, Elisha came to rest and the LORD’s hand came upon him. He then started to speak and declared what needed to be done. In the valley, a picture of the place of humility, trenches must be dug so that the trenches could be filled with water. Digging trenches so that they can be filled with water while there is drought, speaks of faith. Digging speaks of taking away earth. Dirt that prevents water from entering the trenches must be removed.
Everything that can prevent water from flowing must be removed. In practice, this means that room must be made for the Word of God, of which water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26: John 15:3). Water is also a picture of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Room for the Word of God also means room for the Spirit. Word and Spirit always work together.
When trenches had been dug, they could be filled with water to save the kings and their armies and cattle: the more trenches, the more water. In that way they would be able to defeat Moab. What a lot of ‘earth’ sometimes needs to be removed from our lives and that of the local church before the living water of the Word can flow into our lives and the local churches.
The digging does not fill the trenches with water. All we can do is make room for the water. By a miracle of the LORD, by the faith with which the trenches are dug, these trenches shall be filled with water. There are no accompanying, impressive signs, but when obstacles are removed, the way is cleared for the blessing of God. He will miraculously fill our lives, if they are lived in humility, with His presence.
The filling of the trenches with water is seen as a matter that is “a slight thing in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 3:18). The grace of God goes even further, for He would give Moab into their hand. If our lives are lived in the power of God’s Word and God’s Spirit, the result will be that the flesh is overcome. The victory will be total. God does not do half a job.
2 Kings 14:27
Elisha’s Counsel
Elisha was a man without fear. Without any respect for the high company, he said to the king of Israel that he wanted nothing to do with him. There was no spiritual connection. He even said sarcastically that Jehoram should go to the prophets of his parents. Jehoram’s answer was what he had said earlier that his predicament had been ordered by the LORD.
Elisha said once again and more strongly that he didn’t want to have anything to do with Jehoram. The man remained wicked. The acknowledgement that the LORD had brought about the situation had not led him to repentance. All he wanted was to get out of this miserable situation, nothing more. It is because Jehoshaphat was in this company that Elisha didn’t turn around and leave. It seems, however, that he was so indignant by Jehoram’s attitude and also by that of Jehoshaphat that his mind had first to come to rest. For this he needed melodious, soothing music.
Spiritually minded believers are not able to speak a word from the Lord in every circumstance. Sometimes such agitation may have arisen in the mind that it is necessary to come to rest first. There must be harmony in a situation of discord. This rest can sometimes be obtained by a melodious instrument. Christ is the heavenly harp player Who gives peace to troubled minds. Christ is the keynote to which every need in our lives can be attuned, so that the distress can be borne and there is promise of a solution.
While the music is played, Elisha came to rest and the LORD’s hand came upon him. He then started to speak and declared what needed to be done. In the valley, a picture of the place of humility, trenches must be dug so that the trenches could be filled with water. Digging trenches so that they can be filled with water while there is drought, speaks of faith. Digging speaks of taking away earth. Dirt that prevents water from entering the trenches must be removed.
Everything that can prevent water from flowing must be removed. In practice, this means that room must be made for the Word of God, of which water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26: John 15:3). Water is also a picture of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Room for the Word of God also means room for the Spirit. Word and Spirit always work together.
When trenches had been dug, they could be filled with water to save the kings and their armies and cattle: the more trenches, the more water. In that way they would be able to defeat Moab. What a lot of ‘earth’ sometimes needs to be removed from our lives and that of the local church before the living water of the Word can flow into our lives and the local churches.
The digging does not fill the trenches with water. All we can do is make room for the water. By a miracle of the LORD, by the faith with which the trenches are dug, these trenches shall be filled with water. There are no accompanying, impressive signs, but when obstacles are removed, the way is cleared for the blessing of God. He will miraculously fill our lives, if they are lived in humility, with His presence.
The filling of the trenches with water is seen as a matter that is “a slight thing in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 3:18). The grace of God goes even further, for He would give Moab into their hand. If our lives are lived in the power of God’s Word and God’s Spirit, the result will be that the flesh is overcome. The victory will be total. God does not do half a job.
2 Kings 14:28
Elisha’s Counsel
Elisha was a man without fear. Without any respect for the high company, he said to the king of Israel that he wanted nothing to do with him. There was no spiritual connection. He even said sarcastically that Jehoram should go to the prophets of his parents. Jehoram’s answer was what he had said earlier that his predicament had been ordered by the LORD.
Elisha said once again and more strongly that he didn’t want to have anything to do with Jehoram. The man remained wicked. The acknowledgement that the LORD had brought about the situation had not led him to repentance. All he wanted was to get out of this miserable situation, nothing more. It is because Jehoshaphat was in this company that Elisha didn’t turn around and leave. It seems, however, that he was so indignant by Jehoram’s attitude and also by that of Jehoshaphat that his mind had first to come to rest. For this he needed melodious, soothing music.
Spiritually minded believers are not able to speak a word from the Lord in every circumstance. Sometimes such agitation may have arisen in the mind that it is necessary to come to rest first. There must be harmony in a situation of discord. This rest can sometimes be obtained by a melodious instrument. Christ is the heavenly harp player Who gives peace to troubled minds. Christ is the keynote to which every need in our lives can be attuned, so that the distress can be borne and there is promise of a solution.
While the music is played, Elisha came to rest and the LORD’s hand came upon him. He then started to speak and declared what needed to be done. In the valley, a picture of the place of humility, trenches must be dug so that the trenches could be filled with water. Digging trenches so that they can be filled with water while there is drought, speaks of faith. Digging speaks of taking away earth. Dirt that prevents water from entering the trenches must be removed.
Everything that can prevent water from flowing must be removed. In practice, this means that room must be made for the Word of God, of which water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26: John 15:3). Water is also a picture of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Room for the Word of God also means room for the Spirit. Word and Spirit always work together.
When trenches had been dug, they could be filled with water to save the kings and their armies and cattle: the more trenches, the more water. In that way they would be able to defeat Moab. What a lot of ‘earth’ sometimes needs to be removed from our lives and that of the local church before the living water of the Word can flow into our lives and the local churches.
The digging does not fill the trenches with water. All we can do is make room for the water. By a miracle of the LORD, by the faith with which the trenches are dug, these trenches shall be filled with water. There are no accompanying, impressive signs, but when obstacles are removed, the way is cleared for the blessing of God. He will miraculously fill our lives, if they are lived in humility, with His presence.
The filling of the trenches with water is seen as a matter that is “a slight thing in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 3:18). The grace of God goes even further, for He would give Moab into their hand. If our lives are lived in the power of God’s Word and God’s Spirit, the result will be that the flesh is overcome. The victory will be total. God does not do half a job.
2 Kings 14:29
Elisha’s Counsel
Elisha was a man without fear. Without any respect for the high company, he said to the king of Israel that he wanted nothing to do with him. There was no spiritual connection. He even said sarcastically that Jehoram should go to the prophets of his parents. Jehoram’s answer was what he had said earlier that his predicament had been ordered by the LORD.
Elisha said once again and more strongly that he didn’t want to have anything to do with Jehoram. The man remained wicked. The acknowledgement that the LORD had brought about the situation had not led him to repentance. All he wanted was to get out of this miserable situation, nothing more. It is because Jehoshaphat was in this company that Elisha didn’t turn around and leave. It seems, however, that he was so indignant by Jehoram’s attitude and also by that of Jehoshaphat that his mind had first to come to rest. For this he needed melodious, soothing music.
Spiritually minded believers are not able to speak a word from the Lord in every circumstance. Sometimes such agitation may have arisen in the mind that it is necessary to come to rest first. There must be harmony in a situation of discord. This rest can sometimes be obtained by a melodious instrument. Christ is the heavenly harp player Who gives peace to troubled minds. Christ is the keynote to which every need in our lives can be attuned, so that the distress can be borne and there is promise of a solution.
While the music is played, Elisha came to rest and the LORD’s hand came upon him. He then started to speak and declared what needed to be done. In the valley, a picture of the place of humility, trenches must be dug so that the trenches could be filled with water. Digging trenches so that they can be filled with water while there is drought, speaks of faith. Digging speaks of taking away earth. Dirt that prevents water from entering the trenches must be removed.
Everything that can prevent water from flowing must be removed. In practice, this means that room must be made for the Word of God, of which water is a picture (Ephesians 5:26: John 15:3). Water is also a picture of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Room for the Word of God also means room for the Spirit. Word and Spirit always work together.
When trenches had been dug, they could be filled with water to save the kings and their armies and cattle: the more trenches, the more water. In that way they would be able to defeat Moab. What a lot of ‘earth’ sometimes needs to be removed from our lives and that of the local church before the living water of the Word can flow into our lives and the local churches.
The digging does not fill the trenches with water. All we can do is make room for the water. By a miracle of the LORD, by the faith with which the trenches are dug, these trenches shall be filled with water. There are no accompanying, impressive signs, but when obstacles are removed, the way is cleared for the blessing of God. He will miraculously fill our lives, if they are lived in humility, with His presence.
The filling of the trenches with water is seen as a matter that is “a slight thing in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 3:18). The grace of God goes even further, for He would give Moab into their hand. If our lives are lived in the power of God’s Word and God’s Spirit, the result will be that the flesh is overcome. The victory will be total. God does not do half a job.