Study
25 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 8 and 9
Today's
portion contains (a) tow incidents connected with Elisha's ministry;
(b) a brief summary of the reigns of two kings of Judah; (c) the
story of the revolution under Jehu, through which the house of Ahab
was destroyed.
- 8:1-15. How does the first of these two incidents illustrate God's watchful care over His own? Cf. Ps. 33:18-22; Rom. 8:28. In the second incident why did Elisha weep? Cf. Je. 8:16-9:1; Lk. 19:41-44.
- Ponder the vivid story of the revolution, as given in chapter 9, noticing especially how it began, and the references to the world of God and its fulfillment. Cf. Heb. 10:31; 12:29; 2 Ki. 10:30.
- Consider throughout the history of the kings of Israel and Judah the results of marriage alliances with those who are the enemies of God.
Notes
- 8:10. The sickness itself was not fatal, but Elisha was given a vision of other things that would happen, which filled him with horror. Moffat translates verse 11 thus. 'The man of God's face became rigid with horror, absolute horror.'
- Verse 13. Hazel was elated at the prospect of doing such deeds.
- Verse 16. It is important to distinguish between Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and Jehoram (or Joran), son of Ahab, king of Israel. Their reigns were in great measure contemporaneous.
- Verse 26. Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and therefore granddaughter of Omri. See 1 Ki. 16:29-31. She married Jehoram, king of Judah (verse 18).
