Lesson 292: ELIJAH AND ELISHA

II Kings 2:1-22

Full Lesson HERE

INTRODUCTION. After reigning over Israel for 22 years, Ahab was killed in a battle

with the Syrians at Ramoth Gilead on the east side of the Jordan River. He was

struck by an arrow as he rode in his chariot in the battle, and his blood ran out of the

wound into the bottom of the chariot. After the battle Ahab's body was brought back

to Samaria, his capital city. While his chariot was being washed, the dogs licked up

his blood according to the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah (I Kings 22).

When Elijah fled from Jezebel into the wilderness after he had killed the prophets of

Baal and Asherah, God directed him to anoint Elisha to be a prophet (I Kings 19:16).

Sometime later Elijah and Elisha journeyed together to the Jordan River and crossed

on dry land after Elijah smote the waters with his mantle (coat). As they walked and

talked, Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Suddenly a chariot and

horses of fire appeared, and Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha

picked up Elijah's mantle, and returning to the river he smote the waters with the

mantle, calling upon the God of Elijah. The waters parted and Elisha crossed over.

Sons of the prophets nearby who witnessed Elisha's action acknowledged him as

Elijah's successor.