_And it came to pass when the Lord would take up Elijah._ ELIJAH TRANSLATED I. In the glorious end of Elijah’s earthly life we see not simply the reward of one faithful man, but the Divine grace manifested to every believer at the end of his earthly career. One of the purposes, doubtless, of this t... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee._ TESTED The call that came to Elisha as he was ploughing at Abel-meholah was readily and gladly obeyed. There was no ten days’ tarrying between his master’s ascension and his own wonderful enduement, as in the case of the apostles, and this wa... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee._ A FINAL INTERVIEW BETWEEN GOOD MEN The two names here mentioned represent two of the most remarkable men in the history of the world. Both stood faithful in a faithless age. Through both, heavenly wisdom announced its truths, and Al... [ Continue Reading ]
_And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked._ THE ASCENSION OF ELIJAH 1. Observe, first, how he was employed at the time of his removal: they were “going on, and talking.” Without this information, many would have concluded that after he had received the intimation of his speedy depart... [ Continue Reading ]
_He took also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him._ THE MANTLE OF ELIJAH when Elijah swept away from the side of Elisha in his chariot of fire, guarded by angelic horsemen, Elisha was for a moment overwhelmed. Ere long his eye fell upon the mantle of Elijah. That was all that was left to him th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Where is the Lord God of Elijah?_ THE PROPHET AS INCARNATING THE DIVINE I. The God of Elijah calls His servants to tasks impossible to unaided human strength. God’s servants in all ages are called to dare and do the impossible. In the common duties of our life we move constantly in that region. T... [ Continue Reading ]
_They said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha._ THE RECOGNITION OF SPIRITUAL SUPERIORITY This is clearly an instance, not of the flunkey spirit, but of justifiable deference, a commendable acknowledgment of spiritual superiority. In the religious world, as in other spheres, some men are mean... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the men of the city said unto Elisha._ THE BITTER WATERS SWEETENED-ELISHA THE HEALER Jericho, a city of high antiquity, was one of the most important in the land of Palestine. Its walls were so broad, that at least one person--Rahab--had her house upon them. Silver and gold were so abundant th... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he went up from thence unto Beth-el._ ELISHA AND THE NAUGHTY CHILDREN ;-- I. The event as regards the transgressors. They were the children of a small town among the hills, in one of the extremities of the land of Canaan, called Beth-el; the inhabitants depended chiefly for their living upon... [ Continue Reading ]