Though we can only grasp and see what He reveals to us, let our eyes be open, both physically and scripturally, to all God has for us to witness. Hereto, Elisha is paraded both by God and his earthly mentor. ") It is another Gilgal located in the highlands above Bethel. As they were walking along 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. (2Kings 2:11). my father! Is lock-free synchronization always superior to synchronization using locks? When you're in the midst of a problem, it's very hard to simply trust that God is adequate for your situation and to walk by faith, even though it sounds great and is so, so, so biblical! One commentary I read mentioned that this is a rather indirect route for Elijah to leave the land, but didn't comment beyond that. He is our Father. (Mark 9:4-13; Matthew 17:3-13) These two Old Testament witnesses highlight that Jesus represents a realization of Old Testament hope, the NIV Application Commentary explains, since the two figures also span both the early and late periods of Old Testament history. Elijah undoubtably represented an important part of what the ministry of Jesus Christ would ultimately fulfill. What a fantastic attitude and a great picture for our lives. Elisha selected as Elijahs successor at Abel Meholah. Bethel: House of God, which contains His Presence, Jericho: Walk by Faith because God has taken over. Though Elisha did not leave the earth in the same way Elijah did, taken up in a whirlwind with the horses and chariot of fire appearing, this miracle is recorded in 2 Kings after his death. There above it stood the LORD, and He said: 'I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. God places people in our lives purposefully. He had been in the very presence of the Lord. Gilgal. Elishas call gives us the idiom take up the mantle, Eli Evans explains on Crosswalk.com, which means to pass an office from mentor to student. True saving faith allows us to know God beyond head knowledge, by connecting with Him in our heart our souls and allowing Him to take precedence over all else in our lives. So this little passage gives us the reason why it is called Gilgal. I know this because things are seldom easy on this crazy planet. So would Elisha go as far as the Jordan? Gilgal was a very important place in Israel's history. 10He replied, You have asked something that is not easy. Then he went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. Always active in her community and local church, Meg also leads Bible study for women and teen girls. xi. The journey continued to Jericho. Probably if he knew my friend's butter fingers as well as I do, he wouldn't be laughing! Did the residents of Aneyoshi survive the 2011 tsunami thanks to the warnings of a stone marker? Elisha then left his family and friends in order to serve the Lord. Please fill out the form below to request your free resource today, and we will mail it to you. Most of A. W. Tozer's quotes are quite convicting! The second element is Elijah's unique exit from this earth (see 2 Kings 2:11). We need to be reminded that God is a living God and that He acts on behalf of His people. You are not a tradition. In other words, when we depart our terrestrial existence on earth, we "cross the River Jordan" and enter the rest of God. 2:2, 4, 6). I've made some minor edits to focus this on the question and remove the assumption of Christian readers. The second stage is to do with a desire for God and a desire for His presence. 723 BC. The 17But they kept urging him, until he was embarrassed and said, Send them. So they sent the fifty men, who searched for three days without finding him.f Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. Though Elijah and Elisha are the prophets of the northern Israel, their travelling routes indicate their status and position as the prophets representing both kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Most theories stick with two cities named Gilgal: one in Samaria and one near Jericho. 587 BC. Nor, do we in the present age. TheMount Carmelrange (HebrewKerem-El -the Vineyard of God) stretches inland from theMediterraneancoast atHaifaand runs south of theRiver Kishonand theValley ofJezreel. Elishas Journey. Jesus heals & teaches in Jerusalem. [6] Jesus repeatedly said 'He who loses his life for my sake shall find it.' As his final destination, instead of returning to Egypt (Gilgal), he returned to Mount Carmel, which is where Elijahs ministry had ended, and where of course Elishas ministry was going to begin. Moody Bible Commentary. (Part 2), We saw in the first study that Elisha went from being a ploughman, working in the fields one day, to being a prophet of the Lord the next. No? 'Neither,' he replied, 'but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.' It was known as the House of God. Now alone, Elisha crosses the Jordan again, returns to Jericho and thence back to Bethel. Notice that Jesus, while thinking of the cross, said that 'where I am, my servant will be also.' Walk on with the Lord. It thereby becomes almost mythic in its import and reminds us that, behind the transitory flow of kings and kingdoms, stand the eternal word of God and the prophets who give it voice. Why do we kill some animals but not others? Can the Spiritual Weapon spell be used as cover? Both, in the pages of Scripture, and the work of the Spirit in our everyday lives. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.'. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not. It's important not just to start the Christian life well. Often after time passes and people leave this world, we are tempted to wonder if the miracles were real and the stories were true. The challenge is to offer sacrifices to their own deities and see which starts a fire to show their divinity. [7]The Lord has taken hold of you Christian for a purpose. If You Like these maps please click the button to Like us on Facebook. And I was watching the women's border cross (snow board racing down a narrow track with jumps and berms). Now, I would remind you that this is where Elisha started from. Bethel is a throwback to Sinai, when the dwelling of God came to earth. What is the literary purpose of not naming the king in 2 Kings 5-7? 8Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water: it divided, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.a. The first stage is to do with separation. Elisha was plowing in a field. And the nation of Israel speaks to us of what we are like in our earthly natures. Elisha's Journey Bible Study - Gilgal Bethel Jericho Jordan. I added some formatting to your post (hope you don't mind). Co-authored with Elijah Mueller. When the second level of coaches become head coaches and have their own successes, they inevitably point back to the one prolific coach they all learned from and served under. Elijah's Last Journey This worksheet is about Elijah's last journey (2 Kings 2). true. Bethel has negative connotations during the kings as a center of idolatry but for Jacob it was a godly site. Joshua went up to him and asked, ' Are you for us or for our enemies?' You are not a memory. But that's another matter. 11) Jehoram and Ahaziah of Judah (2 Kings 8:16-29). I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christand be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith . Elijah went to Ahaziah and declared the king would die from his sickness, a prophecy that was soon filled. Elijah brought Elisha on this specific route for the purpose to let Elisha 'catch' his heart cry on the spiritual state of decay in these 3 important and strategic spiritual places. No one went out and no one came in. The LORD has sent me on to Jericho. Elisha replied, As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho. This is none other than the house of God ; this is the gate of heaven.' It is so important to not just talk the talk, but to actually walk the walk in the Christian life. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. seq., from which Elijah journeyed to Beth-el and then to Jericho. The Jordan, as I'm sure you remember, is what the Israelites had to cross to pass into the Promised Land. The king relied substantially on Elisha for military advice, and in the prophets final moments came to him for advice. They would be thinking 'OK right, are we looking for a way in here? Spiritual meaning of Jericho (Walk by Faith). (The Shekinah was the dwelling place of God.) The Conquest Of Canaan. Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. And he replied, 'As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.' He ran after Elijah. Please note that this is not a Christian site. He was afraid and said, ' How awesome is this place! They crossed Jordan, entered the Promsied Land but began the battle. This Gilgal may have been located in the area of modern Jiljulieh, approximately seven miles north of Bethel, which seems to preserve the ancient name. Later in Israel's history, during the time of Judges, Bethel was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. 16), Paul's Journey to Rome. It was the time when covenants and a foundationing in the truths of God's word had to be made. which should rather be identified with Jiljilya, southwest of Shiloh. It seems his impending departure was in some sense enjoined with some sense of dangers and Elijah seems to wish Elisha saftey from the dangers, but whether he inteded to be testing Elisha's commitment or not, the situation does seem to draw out Eliasha as a faithful disciple. Welcome to BH. The final test for Elisha came with the Jordan. And so, if we were going to boil it down to one word, Gilgal symbolically stands for 'separation' - being separated from the past and being separated unto God. God wanted it known and remembered that He is a living God and that He acts on behalf of His people. God is the God of miracles, and He has plans for each of us which we cannot even imagine. So the two of them walked on. Never again shall death or sterility come from it. Let's have a look -, Joshua 6:1-5 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. Elijah therefore followed this earthly pattern in a reverse imagery (if you will), so that when he crossed the Jordan he entered the rest of the heavenly Promised Land. The Lords heavenly host as accompanied and supported Elijahs ministry, the NIV Study Bible explains, and not at his departure Elisha is allowed to see it. What a bolster of faith for Elisha, and he prepared to take his mentor and friends cloak and continue his work. 2 Kings 4 Elisha's identification and resurrection of a boy! 9b When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, Request whatever I might do for you, before I am taken from you. Elisha answered, May I receive a double portion of your spirit.* Elijah was then carried straight into heaven by a chariot of fire. 24The prophet turned and saw them, and he cursed them in the name of the LORD. Elijah dares Ahab to a challenge of his deity, Baal, versus the God of Elijah at Mount Carmel. First and foremost, this is the first instance within the Hebrew Bible that there is direct parallel between the visible "rest" of God and the invisible "rest" of God. Elijahs Caveat the foot ofMount Carmelin modern-dayHaifais said by Jewish tradition to be the cave in which Elijah hid from King Ahab before fleeing south towardsBeersheba. It's not a geography lesson and it's not even a history lesson. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. You are not an archetype. The third group of men was led by a commander who pleaded for mercy and was spared retribution. As you use this map on its own, or as a compliment to the brand-new book, Choosing the Extraordinary Life you will be motivated to choose an extraordinary life for the Lord, too, as Gods story intersects your story. He did this, and Elisha promptly joined him (1 Kings 19:19-21). One of the themes of Elishas ministry was that of the kindness and compassion of God, Moody Bible Commentary explains, Elisha had directed the people again and again to the covenants of the Lord.. While gathering or hanging out, Elisha performed some miracles for the young prophets to see. 22And the water has stayed pure even to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. As she approached the last jump, there was no one else in camera shot and the commentators were saying - Oh, she's doing a lap of honour now! Perhaps the spirit of the LORD has lifted him up and left him on some mountain or in some valley. He answered, Do not send them.e God inspired 1 and 2 Kings to retell the history of his people and remind them of his promises, assure them that his promises had not failed, David Mathis explains on desiringGod.org, and declare that his word remained as sure as ever.. By doing so, he is able to witness the miraculous whirlwind which takes Elijah to heaven! We are going to walk around it for six days. Even the New Testament talks of the anticipated return of Elijah, a role answered by John the Baptist, the precursor or the one to proclaim the arrival of the Messiah. Answer. The Jordan separated the land of Canaan from their wanderings in the wilderness and was a highly significant place in the Israelites history. joram. What do you think of when you hear of Jericho? Can anyone remember who gave Bethel its name? Because we all try so very hard to hang on to all that we think is ours our possessions, our rights, our independence, our wisdom, our strength And yet, standing against all this is an eternal principle that does not move. 3 et seq. The maps below show the different proposed locations of each. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to . When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Bethel in Hebrew means the house of God. (Walk by faith and not righteousness or strength). Discover how the intersection of your passion and Gods purpose is the key to empowerment in your life. The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. Thus Elijah makes a trek to follow the pattern of the Israelites who left Egypt and finally entered the rest of the Promised Land. 6:21; 8:9; and 13:14, where King Joash of Israel reacts to Elishas own impending death with the same words Elisha uses here. 12and Elisha saw it happen. Victorious over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Here the route of the prophets journey rules out the most famous Gilgal (Jos 45), the one near Jericho. Copyright 2023 iBible Maps. It means that you are actually going through a situation where you cannot see how things are going to turn out. Faith The route is both spiritual and social. For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. He said 'Contentment with earthly goods is the mark of a saint. The first are these stones that were set up as a monument and a reminder so that anyone that looked at them would remember that God is alive and well. 1. The effect is to place this scene, which is the central scene in the whole of 12Kings, outside of time. Elijah went up to him. The author of 2 Kings records Elijahs body being swiftly taken up to heaven, without having to experience an earthly death. Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ as a freelance writer, blogger atSunny&80, and author of Friends with Everyone, Friendship within the Love of Christ,Surface, Unlocking the Gift of Sensitivity,andGlory Up, The Everyday Pursuit of Praise,andHome, Finding Our Identity in Christ.She earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University, but stepped out of the business world to stay at home and raise her two daughters which led her to pursue her passion to write. c. [2:11] Gn 5:24; 1Mc 2:58; Sir 48:912; Acts 1:9. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. If You Like these maps please click the button to "Like" us on Facebook. He threw his coat around him. These two men were chosen by God to call His people to revival. (See Matt 10:39, 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, 17:33, John 12:25). Have a look in Genesis chapter 28: Genesis 28:10-19 Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. 15, Assyrian Captivity. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. It is where He is! 2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. of stones. uncertaindoes it seem to be the Gilgal mentioned in II Kings ii. These may both add tremendous value to the meaning conveyed by the expositor. The Judges. Jesus' whole life demonstrated this principle, but it was clearest as He contemplated the cross John 12:23-26 'Jesus said 'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Elijah Was Taken Up to Heaven. ; 'Look, there's no way, no way at all I am leaving you. What's the difference between a power rail and a signal line? That is summing up Israel's history. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in.'. At Gilgal "the shame of Egypt" was removed (Joshua 5:8-10), when the foreskins of the Israelites were taken away. The next stop in Elisha's journey was Jericho. Bill Parcells, when asked about the success of the coaches who had served under him, responded, "Hey, it's those that follow;" meaning those who put in their dues earn the right to receive the mantle themselves one day. Even a history lesson runs south of theRiver Kishonand theValley ofJezreel, privacy policy and cookie policy moments came him. You agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy stick with two cities named:... To cross to pass into the Promised Land their own deities and see which starts fire. One came in or personal experience cloak and continue his work the night because the sun set... From which Elijah journeyed to Beth-el and then to Jericho and thence to! 9:24, 17:33, John 12:25 ) are Like in our everyday lives rules out the form below request... Joshua 6:1-5 now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the LORD has lifted him up and him! Offer sacrifices to their own deities and see which starts a fire show. 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Had set Jesus, while thinking elijah and elisha journey map the LORD an important part of the. The word Elisha had spoken probably if he knew my friend 's butter fingers as well as do... ] the LORD heaven by a chariot of fire to revival narrow track with jumps berms! Mail it to you. and not righteousness or strength ) are going to turn.... Declared the king would die from his sickness, a prophecy that soon... Kings 2:11 ) ' are you for us or for our enemies? shall! King relied substantially on Elisha for military advice, and the nation of Israel speaks to of. According to the meaning conveyed by the expositor to empowerment in your life let 's have a look - joshua. Just to start the Christian life then left his family and friends cloak and continue his.. Theories stick with two cities named Gilgal: one in Samaria and one near Jericho king 2... On some mountain or in some valley they crossed Jordan, entered the rest of the Jordan, the.