Hi Pastor John,
I was reading in 2Kings about Elijah and Elisha. In 2Kings 2:2, did Elijah know he was about to be taken up to heaven?
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Yes. I feel sure he did.
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Was there a reason he was sent to Bethel, Jericho and to the Jordan?
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I have always assumed those towns were on the way from where Elijah was to the Jordan, which he knew he had to cross to meet with God. No other reason is given to us for him doing that.
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The sons of the prophets knew, and apparently Elisha also. Is that why Elisha said he would not leave his sight because he knew he was about to be taken up?
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I think so, yes.
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- Now, it came to pass when Jehovah was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a storm-wind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
- And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, if you will, because Jehovah has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “I swear by the life of Jehovah, and by your life, I will not leave you!” And so, they went down to Bethel.
- And the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel went out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that Jehovah is going to take your lord away from your head today?” And he said, “I know it, too. Hush.”
- And Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, if you will, for Jehovah has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “I swear by the life of Jehovah, and by your life, I will not leave you!” And so, they went to Jericho.
- And the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that Jehovah is going to take your lord away from your head today?” And he said, “I know it, too. Hush.”
- Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, if you will, because Jehovah has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “I swear by the life of Jehovah, and by your life, I will not leave you!” And so, the two of them went.
Michelle