College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
2 Kings 3 - Introduction
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
THE TRANSFER OF THE PROPHETIC MANTLE
The opening Chapter s of 2Kings relate how the mantle of prophetic authority literally and figuratively fell on the shoulders of Elisha who for some time had been the personal servant of the great prophet Elijah. The material contained in these Chapter s may conveniently be discussed under the following heads: (1) Elijah's translation and Elisha's commission (2 Kings 2:1-15); (2) Elisha and the sons of the prophets (2 Kings 2:16-25); and Elisha and King Jehoram (2 Kings 3:1-27).
SPECIAL NOTE
CHRONOLOGICAL PROBLEM IN THE REIGN OF JEHORAM
According to 1 Kings 22:41, Jehoshaphat of Judah began to reign in the fourth year of Ahab. Ahab ruled twenty-two years (1 Kings 16:29), and hence, it would seem, must have died in the nineteenth year of Jehoshaphat. Ahaziah reigned two years (1 Kings 22:51) and therefore must have died at the earliest in the twentieth year of Jehoshaphat. But Jehoram is said to have begun ruling in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat. If the reasoning above be correct, it would mean that Jehoram began to rule before his father Ahab died or his brother Ahaziah reigned (2KINGS 31).
The solution to this chronological difficulty lies in the recognition of the following points:
1. During this period Judah and Israel used different systems of reckoning the regnal years of their kings. Israel used the nonaccession year system where the few months of reign prior to the first New Year of a king's reign were counted as year one. In Judah those same months were called the accession year and not counted.
2. During this period the Israelite new year began in the spring; the Judaean new year in the fall.
3. All difficulties are erased if one recognizes that 1 Kings 22:41 is based on the Judaean system, and 1 Kings 16:29; 1 Kings 22:51 and 2 Kings 3:1 on the Israelite system of reckoning.
The following chart illustrates how all the relevant verses can be harmonized.
THE SYNCHRONISM OF ISRAELITE KINGS WITH THE REIGN OF JEHOSHAPHAT OF JUDAH
Reference
Judah
Israel
Notes
Jehoshaphat 1
Ahab 4
This synchronism is based on the Judaean system of counting where the accession year is ignored. Jehoshaphac's absolute rule began in the fall of 870, Ahab's fourth year ended in spring of 869 B.C.
Jehoshaphat 17
Ahab 22
Here the Israelite system of count is used. The accession year is counted as year 1. The twenty-second year of Ahab began in the spring of 853. The seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat ended in the fall of the same year. Ahab must have died late in 853 B.C.
Jehoshaphat 17
Ahaziah 1
By the Israelite system of counting, the few months from the death of Ahab to the spring New Year (852) would be counted as year 1 of Ahaziah. The few months he reigned after that New Year would be counted as year 2.
Jehoshaphat 18
Jehoram 1
The eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat began in the fall of 853. It must have been in the summer of 852 that Jehoram began to reign.
REVIEW OF CHAPTER SIXTEEN
I. FACTS TO MASTER
A. Important names to identify in relation to this chapter:
1. Elijah
4. Jehoshaphat
2. Elisha
5. Mesha
3. Jehoram
B. Important places to be identified in relation to this chapter:
1. Gilgal
4. Jordan
7. Moab
2. Bethel
5. Mt. Carmel
8. Edom
3. Jericho
6. Samaria
9. Kir-hareseth
C. Important numbers:
1.
Number of the sons of the prophets who observed the miraculous crossing of the Jordan
2.
Amount of wool Mesha was forced to render to Israel annually
3.
Number of juvenile delinquents who confronted Elisha at Bethel
4.
Number of kings who invaded Moab
5.
Number of days it took the allied forces to make the trip around the Dead Sea
6.
Number of swordsmen with whom Mesha tried to break through the allied lines
D. Words and phrases which should bring to remembrance key events in this chapter:
1. whirlwind
5. chariot of fire
9. bears
2. sons of prophets
6. My father, My father
10. pillar of Baal
3. mantle
7. jar of salt
11. trenches
4. double portion
8. baldhead
12. slingers
II. QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.
For what purpose did Elijah make his trip to Gilgal, Bethel and Jericho before his translation? Why did Elisha insist on accompanying him? How did the sons of the prophets know that Elijah would be translated that day?
2.
Why did Elisha ask Elijah for a double portion of his spirit?
3.
Did the sons of the prophets actually see the chariot of fire sweep Elijah away to heaven? Why did they wish to search for him?
4.
Why did the Lord part the waters of Jordan first for Elijah and then for Elisha?
5.
What was the purpose of the salt which Elisha poured into the noxious waters at Jericho?
6.
Why did Elisha curse the forty-two young men at Bethel?
7.
How would you evaluate the religious policy of Jehoram?
8.
Why was Jehoshaphat so eager to accompany Jehoram on his campaign to resubjugate Moab? In what way did his presence prove to be a blessing to the Northern king?
9.
How was it that God provided water to the allied kings in the wilderness of Edom?
10.
Why did the Moabites so recklessly attack the camp of Israel?
11.
Why did Mesha try to break out to reach the king of Edom?
12.
Why did Mesha sacrifice his eldest son when his capital was under siege?
13.
Did the Moabite campaign end in victory or defeat for the allies? Whose anger against Israel caused the termination of the battle?
Drawings by Horace Knowles from the British and Foreign Bible Society