THE TRANSLATION OF ELIJAH TO HEAVEN CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 2 Kings 2:1. ELIJAH WENT WITH ELISHA FROM GILGAL—Not the Gilgal in Judah, but the Gilgal (now Jilgil) in Ephraim, near Ebal and Gerizim (Deuteronomy 11:30). Both Amos (2 Kings 4:4) and Hosea (2 Kings 4:15) mention it as, together... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 2 Kings 2:16. LEST PERADVENTURE, &c.—They had seen Elijah pass miraculously over Jordan, but did not witness his ascension. Even if he had been taken up to heaven, they imagined that his body would be remaining somewhere on earth. _HOMILETICS OF 2 Kings 2:16_ THE... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 2 Kings 2:20. A NEW CRUSE—“A symbol of the renewing power of the Word of God” (_Keil_). 2 Kings 2:21. DEATH OR BARREN _LAND;_ death or _abortion_. _HOMILETICS OF 2 Kings 2:19_ THE HEALED WATERS A SYMBOL OF THE EFFICACY OF THE GOSPEL It is a proof of the confidenc... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES.— 2 Kings 2:23. LITTLE CHILDREN—see note on נַעַר in 1 Kings 3:7; same word as in 1 Kings 12:8; 1 Kings 12:10; 1 Kings 12:14, _young men_. נְעָרִים describes ages from children to young men inclusive. Possibly these youthful revilers in sceptical Bethel, scoffing at El... [ Continue Reading ]