2 Kings 2

25 verses

TL;DR

Elijah is taken into heaven by a whirlwind while Elisha inherits his mantle and spirit, enabling him to perform miracles such as parting the Jordan River, healing the waters, and delivering a curse on mocking children.

Summary

Elijah’s departure from the world is accompanied by prophetic warnings from the sons of the prophets, who anticipate his loss. He entrusts Elisha with his mantle and spirit, and Elisha miraculously part the Jordan River, affirming the continuation of divine authority. In Jericho Elisha cures the barren waters with salt, demonstrating God's power over nature. He then confronts children mocking his baldness, cursing them and witnessing two bears maul forty‑two of them, a stark reminder of the seriousness of reverence. The chapter concludes with Elisha’s travels to Bethel, Mount Carmel, and back to Samaria, solidifying his role as the new prophet.

Outline

Elijah’s ascent and the transfer of prophetic authority to Elisha
Elisha’s miracles at the Jordan River and in Jericho
Elisha’s confrontation with mockers and final travels

Themes

Divine sovereignty and the transition of prophetic officeFaithfulness and obedience to divine instructionThe power of the Spirit and its impact on the world

Keywords

ElijahElishaMantleSpiritJordan RiverSaltBearsCursingProphetic authorityDivine intervention

People

ElijahElishasons of the prophets

Places

GilgalBethelJerichoJordan RiverSamariaMount Carmel

Things

mantle of Elijahdouble portion of spiritchariot of firesaltspring of waterbearschildren

Key Verses

2 Kings 2:11: Elijah is taken into heaven by a whirlwind, marking the divine transition of prophetic authority.
2 Kings 2:14: Elisha parting the Jordan River with Elijah’s mantle demonstrates the inheritance of divine power.
2 Kings 2:24: The curse on mocking children and the subsequent bears exemplify the seriousness of disrespect toward God’s representatives.

Questions

What does the transfer of Elijah’s mantle signify about the nature of prophetic authority?
How does Elisha’s use of the mantle and spirit illustrate continuity between the two prophets?
Why do you think the story includes both miraculous healing and violent judgment (the bears), and what message might that convey?
In what ways does the setting (Bethel, Jericho, Samaria) contribute to the narrative’s themes?
How can modern believers apply the themes of faithfulness and obedience found in this chapter?

Sentiment

mixed
The chapter juxtaposes awe-inspiring miracles with harsh judgment, reflecting both wonder and warning.