Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 2
Elijah usually had to do his special work for God alone (1 Kings 19:10). However, God had told him that 7000 people in Israel would remain loyal to God (1 Kings 19:18). Some of those people formed groups, often called the ‘sons of the prophets’. That name meant that they followed the message of Israel’s prophets (holy men). By the word ‘sons’ they did not mean that they belonged to the families of former prophets.
There were such groups at Gilgal (4:38), at Bethel and at Jericho. Elijah was eager to encourage them. He went to visit each of these groups immediately before God took him to heaven.
The people in these groups prayed and studied God’s law together. Some of them became prophets; but probably most of them did not.
God wanted Elisha to serve him as Elijah had done. However, it was not yet clear whether Elisha would be able to serve God alone, under such pressure. Until now, Elisha had served God only with Elijah. Elisha had remained constantly with him.
At Bethel and at Jericho, the sons of the prophets discussed this with Elisha. It was clear to them that God would soon separate Elijah from Elisha. Perhaps God showed them this; or perhaps Elijah told them.
Again, Elijah tried to free Elisha from his promise to remain with him. Elisha could join one of those groups, at Bethel or Jericho. He could be its leader and teacher. He did not have to serve God alone. However, Elisha repeated his serious promise. God had appointed him to serve God as Elijah had done. So Elisha would remain with Elijah until God gave Elisha the power for his work. Then Elisha would at last serve God alone as Israel’s principal prophet, as Elijah had done.
Next part: Elijah crosses the river Jordan on dry ground (2 Kings 2:7-8)
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