Elijah and Elisha Prophets to emulate. Elijah: The person The name Elijah ( אֱלִיָּהוּ ) means: “The Lord is my God”

Elijah and Elisha

Prophets to emulate

Elijah: The person• The name Elijah (� ��הו (א�ל�יmeans: “The Lord is my God”

Elijah: The person• The name Elijah (� ��הו (א�ל�יmeans: “The Lord is my God”• First appearance is 1 Kings 17:1

Elijah: The person• The name Elijah (� ��הו (א�ל�י

means: “The Lord is my God”• First appearance is 1 Kings

17:1• A Tishbite from Tishbe in

Gilead

Elijah: The person• The name Elijah (� ��הו (א�ל�י

means: “The Lord is my God”• First appearance is 1 Kings

17:1• A Tishbite from Tishbe in

Gilead• Tishbe means “Captivity”

Elijah: The Person• One of the most prevalent

people in all of scripture

Elijah: The Person• One of the most prevalent people in all of

scripture

• He is referred to over 20 times in the New Testament

Elijah: The Person• One of the most prevalent people in all of

scripture• He is referred to over 20 times in the New

Testament

• He lived at a pivotal time in history

Elijah: The Person• How did he look?• He wore a garment of black

camel’s hair girded with a leather belt about his waist to hold in his garment for freer movement (2 Kings 1:7-8)

Elijah: The Person• Why does it matter how he looked? 3

Reasons:

Elijah: The Person• Why does it matter how he looked? 3 Reasons:

• (a) His chosen poverty and priorities--material things were not on his priority list.

Elijah: The Person• Why does it matter how he looked? 3 Reasons:• (a) His chosen poverty and priorities--material

things were not on his priority list.

• (b) His separation and denouncement of the world--he was not controlled by the lifestyle of the world. He was separated to the Lord as God’s servant.

Elijah: The Person• Why does it matter how he looked? 3 Reasons:• (a) His chosen poverty and priorities--material things were not on his

priority list. • (b) His separation and denouncement of the world--he was not

controlled by the lifestyle of the world. He was separated to the Lord as God’s servant.

• (c) His official office and purpose in life--he was a proclaimer of the Word of Yahweh. He knew who he was (God’s representative), where he was (in a sinful world that stood opposed to the purposes of God) and why he was there (to give out God’s message of light to people in darkness).

• How do we match up so far?

Elijah’s Purpose• Number 1: He sheds light on the

greatness of the God of the Bible: His purposes, and His love and care for His people in a world in desperate need of the saving message of Jesus Christ.

Elijah’s Purpose• Number 1: He sheds light on the greatness of

the God of the Bible: His purposes, and His love and care for His people in a world in desperate need of the saving message of Jesus Christ.

• Number 2: The story of Elijah also reflects the need of God’s people to walk with Him by faith through the privilege of prayer and the knowledge of His Word.

Elijah’s Setting

Elijah’s Setting• A transition of kings, both

good and bad

Elijah’s Setting• A transition of kings, both good and bad

• A divided kingdom

Elijah’s Setting• A transition of kings, both good and bad• A divided kingdom

• Prevalence of Baal worship ,Baal literally meaning :(ב�EעEל)“lord, master, owner”

Elijah’s Setting• A transition of kings, both good and bad• A divided kingdom• Prevalence of Baal worship (לEעEב�): Baal literally

meaning, “lord, master, owner”

• The rise of Baal worship: stemming from insecurities, lack of faith, and laziness• A decline in morality and

spirituality

Elijah’s Setting• A transition of kings, both good and bad• A divided kingdom• Prevalence of Baal worship (לEעEב�): Baal literally

meaning, “lord, master, owner”• The rise of Baal worship: stemming from

insecurities, lack of faith, and laziness

• A desperate desire for belonging

Elijah’s name• Elijah’s name is important

Elijah’s name• Elijah’s name is important

• “The Lord is my God.”

Elijah’s name• Elijah’s name is important• “The Lord is my God.”

• Proclamation of who he worshipped

Elijah’s name• Elijah’s name is important• “The Lord is my God.”• Proclamation of who he worshipped

• Standing up for his beliefs in the face of Baalism

Elijah’s name• Elijah’s name is important• “The Lord is my God.”• Proclamation of who he worshipped• Standing up for his beliefs in the face of Baalism

• Making a statement to Ahab beginning his prophecy

Elijah’s first prophecy

Elijah’s first prophecy• 1 Kings 17:1 To Ahab-“There will be

neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

Elijah’s first prophecy• 1 Kings 17:1 To Ahab-“There will be neither dew

nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

• The story of the ravens



• The story of the ravens

• Elijah is told to go to Kerith Ravine, east of Jordan



• The story of the ravens• Elijah is told to go to Kerith Ravine, east of Jordan

• Ravens would bring him food: Bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening.”

The Widow at Zarephath

• A widow and her family with no money


• A widow and her family with no money

• “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug.”


• A widow and her family with no money • “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in

a jar and a little oil in a jug.”

• “I am making us a meal so that we may eat and then die.”



a jar and a little oil in a jug.”• “I am making us a meal so that we may eat and

then die.”

• Elijah asks her to make him a cake instead



a jar and a little oil in a jug.”• “I am making us a meal so that we may eat and

then die.”• Elijah asks her to make him a cake instead

• For her selflessness and obedience Elijah says that the jar of flour and jug of oil will not run dry until the drought is over

Elijah and Obadiah• In the third year of the drought, Ahab

was getting frustrated and impatient

Elijah and Obadiah• In the third year of the drought, Ahab was getting

frustrated and impatient

• At the time, Jezebel had been killing off any prophet who served the Lord


frustrated and impatient• At the time, Jezebel had been killing off any

prophet who served the Lord

• Ahab sent Obadiah out to search the land for water or some source of liquid, now Obadiah had been living among the sinners, and had hidden 100 prophets from Jezebel



prophet who served the Lord• Ahab sent Obadiah out to search the land for

water or some source of liquid

• Elijah and Obadiah meet, Elijah tells Obadiah to go back to Ahab and announce “Elijah is here!”



prophet who served the Lord• Ahab sent Obadiah out to search the land for

water or some source of liquid• Elijah and Obadiah meet, Elijah tells Obadiah to

go back to Ahab and announce “Elijah is here!”

• Obadiah is nervous because anyone who is/helps a prophet of the Lord, Jezebel would kill

Elijah and Obadiah• Elijah was fearless and confident in the

Lord, so he went to present himself to Ahabo Fearless obedienceo Immediate obedience

Elijah at Mt. Carmel

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• Elijah tells Ahab to summon 450

prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah who “eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 Kings 18:20

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• Elijah tells Ahab to summon 450 prophets of Baal

and 400 prophets of Asherah who “eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 Kings 18:20

• Elijah challenges the prophets and says, “I am the only prophet of the Lord left.” The power of one man/person.

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• Elijah tells Ahab to summon 450 prophets of Baal

and 400 prophets of Asherah who “eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 Kings 18:20

• Elijah challenges the prophets and says, “I am the only prophet of the Lord left.”

• Elijah comes up with a way to show who is the true God…

Elijah at Mt. Carmel

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• 2 bulls were to be cut up, and put on

the altar, but NOT set on fire

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• 2 bulls were to be cut up, and put on the altar,

but NOT set on fire

• Each group would call out to their god, and whomever’s god sent fire to burn up the sacrifice, was God.


but NOT set on fire• Each group would call out to their god, and

whomever’s god sent fire to burn up the sacrifice, was God.

• Baal worshippers tried to call to Baal…nothing happened. They danced around the altar…nothing happened


but NOT set on fire• Each group would call out to their god, and

whomever’s god sent fire to burn up the sacrifice, was God.

• Baal worshippers tried to call to Baal…nothing happened. They danced around the altar…nothing happened

• They began to slash their arms, as their custom, so blood flowed onto the altar…nothing happened

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• Now it was Elijah’s turn:

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• Now it was Elijah’s turn:

• Elijah took 12 stones to symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel, and built an altar

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• Now it was Elijah’s turn:• Elijah took 12 stones to symbolize the 12 tribes of

Israel, and built an altar

• He then dug a trench around it that could hold 2 seahs of seed (15 liters)


Israel, and built an altar• He then dug a trench around it that could hold 2

seahs of seed (15 liters)

• Then he cut up the bull and put it on the altar and instructed the people to pour jugs of water onto the altar 3 times


Israel, and built an altar• He then dug a trench around it that could hold 2 seahs

of seed (15 liters)• Then he cut up the bull and put it on the altar and

instructed the people to pour jugs of water onto the altar 3 times

• After this was done, Elijah cries out to the Lord, and God sends fire from heaven and it burns up the sacrifice, altar, stones, wood, and water.

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• 1 Kings 18:39 “When all the people saw

this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!’”

• One becomes the majority

Elijah at Mt. Carmel• 1 Kings 18:39 “When all the people saw this, they

fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!’”

• After this Elijah sent Ahab off to eat and drink, but as he left, a cloud came over the sea, and a great rain began




• Elijah sent word to have Ahab take his chariots and return to Jezreel




• Elijah sent word to have Ahab take his chariots and return to Jezreel

• Elijah was filled with the Spirit, tucked his robe into his belt, and ran all the way back to Jezreel ahead of Ahab

The Aftermath• 1 Kings 19

The Aftermath• After the rain and all that had

happened, Ahab told Jezebel what Elijah had done

The Aftermath• After the rain and all that had happened, Ahab

told Jezebel what Elijah had done

• Jezebel vowed to kill Elijah


told Jezebel what Elijah had done• Jezebel vowed to kill Elijah

• Elijah flees to Beersheba and then to Horeb to hide


told Jezebel what Elijah had done• Jezebel vowed to kill Elijah• Elijah flees to Beersheba and then to Horeb to

hide

• While Elijah was hiding, the word of the Lord came to him, telling him to go out on the mountain so the Lord could pass by him

The Presence of the Lord

• First a powerful wind came through, it wasn’t the Lord



• Then an earthquake came through, it wasn’t the Lord




• Then a fire came through, it wasn’t the Lord




• Then a fire came through, it wasn’t the Lord

• Finally a gentle whisper came through, and Elijah covered himself with a cloak and went out to the Lord

God’s Presence• Seeing the Lord as a gentle whisper

God’s Presence• Seeing the Lord as a gentle whisper

• Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

God’s Presence• Seeing the Lord as a gentle whisper• Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

• Taking time in solitude to wait upon the Lord

God’s Presence• Seeing the Lord as a gentle whisper• Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”• Taking time in solitude to wait upon the Lord

• Don’t be distracted by the busyness of life

The Two Commands of the Lord

• After Elijah goes out to the Lord, God instructs him to do two things:



• First- Anoint Hazael king of Aram, and Jehu king of Israel



• First- Anoint Hazael king of Aram, and Jehu king of Israel

• Second- anoint Elisha prophet to succeed Elijah

The Call of Elisha• When Elijah went to find Elisha, he

found him driving the 12th pair of oxen in his father’s field

The Call of Elisha• When Elijah went to find Elisha, he found him

driving the 12th pair of oxen in his father’s field

• Elijah went and threw his cloak around him


driving the 12th pair of oxen in his father’s field• Elijah went and threw his cloak around him

• Elisha immediately left his oxen and ran after Elijah, “let me kiss my father and mother ‘good-bye.’”


driving the 12th pair of oxen in his father’s field• Elijah went and threw his cloak around him• Elisha immediately left his oxen and ran after

Elijah, “let me kiss my father and mother ‘good-bye.’”

• Elijah replied, “what have I done to you?”


driving the 12th pair of oxen in his father’s field• Elijah went and threw his cloak around him• Elisha immediately left his oxen and ran after

Elijah, “let me kiss my father and mother ‘good-bye.’”

• Elijah replied, “what have I done to you?”

• Elisha left, went back, slaughtered his oxen and burned the plows. He cooked the meat and gave it to the people


driving the 12th pair of oxen in his father’s field• Elijah went and threw his cloak around him• Elisha immediately left his oxen and ran after Elijah,

“let me kiss my father and mother ‘good-bye.’”• Elijah replied, “what have I done to you?”• Elisha left, went back, slaughtered his oxen and

burned the plows. He cooked the meat and gave it to the people

• Elisha then followed Elijah and became his attendant

Meaning in Elisha’s Calling

• He drives his own oxen: meaning he was an ordinary man, a laborer, a hard-worker



• He immediately left his oxen and ran after Elijah



• He immediately left his oxen and ran after Elijah

• Elijah was distraught after calling Elisha (he had family, being a prophet of Israel was tough)



• He immediately left his oxen and ran after Elijah• Elijah was distraught after calling Elisha (he had

family, being a prophet of Israel was tough)

• He slaughtered the oxen and gave the meat to the people: he was generous, but there was no turning back—he was in it for the long haul—committed

Testing of Elisha’s Commitment


• 2 Kings 2


• 2 Kings 2

• Elijah and Elisha are sent by the Lord to travel on and continue their ministry


• 2 Kings 2• Elijah and Elisha are sent by the Lord to travel on

and continue their ministry

• Elijah tries to get Elisha to stay back and not go to Bethel, Elisha refuses



and continue their ministry• Elijah tries to get Elisha to stay back and not go

to Bethel, Elisha refuses

• Same thing happens on the way to Jericho



and continue their ministry• Elijah tries to get Elisha to stay back and not go

to Bethel, Elisha refuses• Same thing happens on the way to Jericho

• And again on the way to the Jordan River

What this says about Elisha

• This shows 3 things:


• This shows 3 things:

• 1. It demonstrates a teachable spirit


• This shows 3 things:• 1. It demonstrates a teachable spirit

• 2. He was loyal, loving and committed to ministry


• This shows 3 things:• 1. It demonstrates a teachable spirit• 2. He was loyal, loving and committed to

ministry

• 3. He was devoted to God’s calling

The Crossing of the Jordan


• As Elijah and Elisha were traveling, they came to the Jordan River



• Elijah rolled up his cloak, and struck the water, and it divided to the right and to the left



• Elijah rolled up his cloak, and struck the water, and it divided to the right and to the left

• After they had crossed the river, Elisha told Elijah after he was gone he hoped to have a double portion of Elijah’s spirit to serve the Lord

Elijah taken up to heaven


• “As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them…”



• “…and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” 2 Kings 2:11




• After Elisha saw this, he took Elijah’s cloak that had been left, took it, struck the Jordan, and exclaimed, “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?”




• After Elisha saw this, he took Elijah’s cloak that had been left, took it, struck the Jordan, and exclaimed, “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?”

• When he struck the water, it separated, and the people nearby said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.”

What does this mean to us?


• Elijah invested in those around him (Elisha)


• Elijah invested in those around him (Elisha)

• Elijah was committed to the cause and ministry


• Elijah invested in those around him (Elisha)• Elijah was committed to the cause and ministry

• We never know when we will be taken, but we need to be ready, and do all we can here while we can


• Elijah invested in those around him (Elisha)• Elijah was committed to the cause and ministry• We never know when we will be taken, but we

need to be ready, and do all we can here while we can

• Leave a legacy of service and suffering

Elisha and Naaman• Naaman was a commander of the army

of Aram

Elisha and Naaman• Naaman was a commander of the army of Aram

• He was highly regarded, he served the Lord and the Lord gave him victories

Elisha and Naaman• Naaman was a commander of the army of Aram• He was highly regarded, he served the Lord and

the Lord gave him victories

• But…he had leprosy


the Lord gave him victories• But…he had leprosy

• Naaman went to Elisha to be healed


the Lord gave him victories• But…he had leprosy • Naaman went to Elisha to be healed

• Elisha told Naaman to go down to the Jordan to wash in the river. Walk in and dip six times and then on the seventh you’ll come out free of leprosy

Elisha and Naaman• Naaman was a commander of the army of Aram• He was highly regarded, he served the Lord and the

Lord gave him victories• But…he had leprosy • Naaman went to Elisha to be healed• Elisha told Naaman to go down to the Jordan to

wash in the river. Walk in and dip six times and then on the seventh you’ll come out free of leprosy

• But this displeased Naaman because he expected immediate healing and he didn’t want to bathe in the Jordan River

Naaman• Naaman was prideful of where he was

from

Elisha and Naaman and Gehazi

• After a while, Naaman decided to wash in the river and was healed



• “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” 2 Kings 5:15




• After this, Naaman tried to offer a gift to Elisha, but Elisha refused





• Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, thought Naaman owed Elisha for his service






• So Gehazi chased after Naaman and claimed that Elisha demanded that he give two talents of silver






• So Gehazi chased after Naaman and claimed that Elisha demanded that he give two talents of silver

• But Gehazi lied

Gehazi and Elisha• When Gehazi returned to Elisha, Elisha

questioned Gehazi


questioned Gehazi

• “Where have you been Gehazi?” 2 Kings 5:25


questioned Gehazi• “Where have you been Gehazi?” 2 Kings 5:25

• “’Your servant didn’t go anywhere,’ Gehazi replied.”


questioned Gehazi• “Where have you been Gehazi?” 2 Kings 5:25• “’Your servant didn’t go anywhere,’ Gehazi

replied.”

• “Elisha said, ‘Is this the time to take clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds…’”

Gehazi and Elisha• When Gehazi returned to Elisha, Elisha questioned

Gehazi• “Where have you been Gehazi?” 2 Kings 5:25• “’Your servant didn’t go anywhere,’ Gehazi replied.”• “Elisha said, ‘Is this the time to take clothes, olive

groves, vineyards, flocks, herds…’”

• So Elisha cursed Gehazi and he was punished with Naaman’s leprosy, and “Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and he was leprous, as white as snow.” 2 Kings 5:27

Application from Elisha and Naaman


• 1. Stubbornness and pride lead to sin and doubt


• 1. Stubbornness and pride lead to sin and doubt

• 2. Trust and obey the first time, and God will bless you


• 1. Stubbornness and pride lead to sin and doubt• 2. Trust and obey the first time, and God will bless

you

• 3. Be grateful for the gifts you’ve been given, and be faithful even when we are not healed


• 1. Stubbornness and pride lead to sin and doubt• 2. Trust and obey the first time, and God will bless

you• 3. Be grateful for the gifts you’ve been given, and

be faithful even when we are not healed

• 4. God is BIG and capable of healing even the worst brokenness, sickness, or sin

Application from Elisha and Gehazi



• 1. Don’t expect anything in return for serving the Lord



• 2. Jealousy and greed cause us to fall



• 2. Jealousy and greed cause us to fall

• 3. God wants our best effort and obedience, we shouldn’t be in it for the reward alone



• 2. Jealousy and greed cause us to fall• 3. God wants our best effort and obedience, we

shouldn’t be in it for the reward alone

• 4. Serve for the sake of others

Elisha and the Axhead• After dealing with Gehazi, Elisha and

some of the other prophets of the Lord moved down near the Jordan

Elisha and the Axhead• After dealing with Gehazi, Elisha and some of the

other prophets of the Lord moved down near the Jordan

• As they were building houses, a prophet’s axhead fell off and into the water




• Since it was a borrowed axhead, the prophet was afraid




• Since it was a borrowed axhead, the prophet was afraid

• He told Elisha where it had fallen in, Elisha then cut a stick, threw it into the water, and the iron floated. The prophet could then lift out the axhead

What just happened?

What just happened?• A miracle showing the power of God

working in Elisha?

What just happened?• A miracle showing the power of God working in

Elisha?

• Symbolism that the lost will be found?

What just happened?• A miracle showing the power of God working in

Elisha?• Symbolism that the lost will be found?

• A metaphor for the sinking nation of Israel, God raising it again?

Blinding the Arameans• 2 Kings 6:8-23

Blinding the Arameans• 2 Kings 6:8-23

• Who do we know from Aram?

Blinding the Arameans• 2 Kings 6:8-23• Who do we know from Aram?

o Naaman

Blinding the Arameans

Blinding the Arameans• The king of Aram is angry at Elisha

for giving info to the king of Israel

Blinding the Arameans• The king of Aram is angry at Elisha for giving info

to the king of Israel

• Aram surrounds Dothan


to the king of Israel• Aram surrounds Dothan

• Elisha calls upon the Lord to blind the Arameans


to the king of Israel• Aram surrounds Dothan• Elisha calls upon the Lord to blind the Arameans

• Elisha leads the blind men to Samaria


to the king of Israel• Aram surrounds Dothan• Elisha calls upon the Lord to blind the Arameans• Elisha leads the blind men to Samaria

• The Israelites spare the Arameans in Samaria

What’s the meaning?• Elisha’s power and presence as

prophet

What’s the meaning?• Elisha’s power and presence as prophet

• The grace and generosity of the Israelites

What’s the meaning?• Elisha’s power and presence as prophet• The grace and generosity of the Israelites

• God’s provision

The final chapter• 2 Kings 13:14-20 Elisha’s death

The final chapter• 2 Kings 13:14-20 Elisha’s death

• War had continued between Aram and Israel

The final chapter• 2 Kings 13:14-20 Elisha’s death• War had continued between Aram and Israel

• Elisha had served the Lord faithfully

The final chapter• 2 Kings 13:14-20 Elisha’s death• War had continued between Aram and Israel• Elisha had served the Lord faithfully

• “Now Elisha was suffering from an illness…” v.14

The final chapter• 2 Kings 13:14-20 Elisha’s death• War had continued between Aram and Israel• Elisha had served the Lord faithfully• “Now Elisha was suffering from an illness…” v.14

oHe died from illness, not sin, not what he did wrong

The final chapter• What Elisha did before he died:

The final chapter• What Elisha did before he died:

• He had the king of Israel take a bow and arrow, and together they shot an arrow out the east window

The final chapter• What Elisha did before he died:• He had the king of Israel take a bow and arrow,

and together they shot an arrow out the east window

oThis symbolizes the defeat of Aram

After• Sometime later, when some

Israelites were burying a man who had died, they saw someone trying to raid a tomb

After• Sometime later, when some Israelites were

burying a man who had died, they saw someone trying to raid a tomb

• So they threw the body into Elisha’s tomb, and when the dead man’s body touched Elisha’s…

After…• Sometime later, when some Israelites were

burying a man who had died, they saw someone trying to raid a tomb

• So they threw the body into Elisha’s tomb, and when the dead man’s body touched Elisha’s

• “He came to life and stood up on his feet” v.21

• So live in such a way that, even in your death, you make an impact on people.

• Elijah’s name, confronting Baal worship, making a statement to Ahab

Elijah and Elisha Prophets to emulate. Elijah: The person The name Elijah ( אֱלִיָּהוּ ) means: “The Lord is my God”

Documents

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story of elijah