2 Kings The Fall of Judah and Israel (MacArthur Bible Studies)

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Inspired by the book of 2 Kings.

And so often in our lives when we look at problems that are so much bigger than us, we see them through human eyes.

But we do not realize that our God is fighting an unseen battle for us, that there are angels all around us and that God protects his own.

The Bible says in the New Testament, greater is He that is in you, that He that is in the world.

The Bible also says, if God be for us, who can be against us.

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The prophet Alisha traveled the land of Israel and search of God's will. He would walk into towns, care for those in need, and then depart to the next place. He walked with integrity and wisdom. He was alert and attuned to the will of God. He was sensitive to the still and quiet voice of God just as Alisha was.

Every day, Alisha experienced a small miracle, as he gave his life to the service of others, inspired by the book of second kings.

In this passage, we read of four miracles that God performed through Alisha. The first was for a woman. The widow of a prophet who came to Alisha and said she had a debt she could not repay and fears she would have to give her sons as slaves to the creditor.

Alisha's heart went out to the woman and we read in second kings chapter 4 verse 2 these words, what shall I do for you? Tell me. What have you in the house and she said your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil?

It was a fool on miracle. What started is not enough even for her was increased by God until she had more and more than enough to sell and repay her debt and live off the rest? What a miracle.

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It is an incredible display of God's supernatural power that will profoundly impact Elisha as he takes on the mantle of the prophet of God to be the man of God to God's people.

So let's listen to today's reading.

The sun was high in the sky. A few clouds danced around it to the late summer breeze, creating brief moments of shade for the two travelers below. The earth and sky seemed to be in perfect harmony, both dancing and swaying to the wind. On the trails surrounded by lilies coming from Gilgile walked Elijah and Elisha.

The old and grizzled prophet had traveled everywhere with his young apprentice. The two of them had experienced many miracles together.

Elijah had taught Elisha the ways of God. He spoke of the Lord's truth, justice, goodness and mercy. Elisha was able to observe the way Elijah cared for the people of Israel.

He gave his entire life to them, ministering and healing when necessary. He had also watched Elijah speak truth to power.

He confronted kings and queens despite his fears. Elijah admired his old teacher.

He prayed to God He would become just as good a man as he. No, he prayed he would be better. He prayed for faithfulness like his, in a strong sense of justice and truth.

Elijah turned his face towards the sun and breathed in the sweet summer air.

He turned to his young student and said, "The Lord has told me to go to Bethel. You should remain here."

As the Lord lives, I will not leave your side.

On their way to Bethel a group of prophets passed them on the road.

They had anticipated Elijah's arrival. For the Lord had spoken to them as well. They walked beside the two men in silence. However, one turned to Elijah and whispered, "Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master away today?"

Elijah looked at the prophet intently and put his hand on his shoulder. He gave a quick smile and said, "Yes," he then turned to look at his master walking ahead of him, "but he will not speak of it today."

Elijah stood at a distance. He was always curious as to how the Lord spoke to Elijah.

Was it how he spoke to him? Was it through whispers or feelings? Did he see an angel before him? These were things Elijah would never know.

Elijah turned to Elisha and said, "You should stay here, my boy. For the Lord has told me to go to Jericho."

There was a weirdness in Elijah's voice. It was almost as if he had run away from his age for years and it was finally gaining on him.

No, I think I will go with you.

As the Lord lives, I shall not leave your side.

When they arrived, Elijah departed again to pray. A group of prophets from the area walked up to Elisha who was standing at a distance from his master.

They brought him in and whispered, "Did you know that the Lord is going to take Elijah away today?"

This time there was a slight heaviness in Elisha's chest as he replied.

Of course I know," he said, somberly, "but do not speak of it.

Elijah finished praying and came back to Elisha.

It is time for me to go to the Jordan River. You should stay here.

For Elijah knew that his young student would not leave his side.

The river flowed heavily. Tumbling rocks could be heard from beneath the waters.

Elijah removed his cloak and folded it into a whip. He swung his hips and struck the water with his cloak.

Elijah watched as his master's cloak caused the flowing river to slip before them.

The river divided and the two of them were able to cross on dry ground.

Hundreds of memories flowed in Elisha's head as they crossed.

Memories of stories told for generations, stories of gods splitting the red sea for Moses and the Jordan River for Joshua.

Was his master as faithful as they were? Did he hold the same favor of God?

The two of them walked along the path and Elijah could sense Elisha's mind racing.

He smiled and said, "Tell me my son, what can I do for you before I am taken away?"

I want a double share of what the Lord has given you. I want to be your successor and see greater things done for God.

Elisha was pleased at his request.

Elisha did not just want to be as faithful as Elijah, he wanted to be more faithful. He wanted a double portion of God's spirit upon him.

You have asked for a great and difficult thing," Elijah replied frankly. "However, if you see how I am taken away, then your request will definitely be granted. For God will show his glory to those he wishes to use. If you do not witness my departure, then you will not receive any of his spirit.

The two walked in talked for a few moments. Elijah watched his old master walk purposefully forward. Then suddenly, the clouds opened up like fortified gates.

Blinding light emanated from the sky, only it was not light from the sun.

Elijah could hear trumpets sounding like thunder and he watched as a chariot of fire descended violently from the clouds.

The chariot was consumed with fire and drawn by horses of flames.

Elijah could not see who was riding the chariot but he could see it descending as if the air was thick enough to ride on.

The chariot blew in between the two men, flinging Elisha back onto the ground.

He watched as his master was wrapped up in a whirlwind.

The right light swirled around the old prophet and the chariot of fire like a tornado.

As the winds blew violently and the light burned brightly, Elijah could see a smile on the face of his master Elijah.

"I can see it!" Elijah yelled to his beloved master.

Tears filled his eyes as he watched the beauty of God unfolding before him.

My father, I can see you, I can see the chariots of Israel.

Then just as quickly as it came, the whirlwind left with Elijah wrapped up in it. All was calm and still.

Elisha remained on the floor in awe of what had just happened.

Elisha's face was covered in tears and dust.

Elisha looked down at his clothes to realize he had torn his shirt in a basement.

He stumbled to his feet and walked towards the cloak. Elijah had left when taken up.

Silently, Elisha picked up the cloak, folded it and headed down to the river.

Had God given him his spirit?

Elisha lifted up the cloak, swung his hips and struck the water as as Master did just moments before.

Elisha watched his rivers opened up before him. The contents smiles live across his face.

A group of prophets saw this from a distance and exclaimed "Elijah's spirit is upon Elisha," so they ran to him and bowed before him.

The reverence made Elijah uncomfortable for he knew it was the spirit of God.

The men were frantic in saying, "Do you want us to look for your Master? Perhaps the Lord brought him to another place."

Elisha shook his head and said, "No."

He knew his Master was gone with God. However, the prophets insisted and still looked. For days they searched and found nothing.

A few days later, the town of Jericho sent leaders to visit Elisha.

Our town is beautiful but our water is toxic and causing disease they said. Our crops are poisoned and our children are sick.

Elisha considered their problem carefully and prayed to the Lord for wisdom. He had them bring him a bowl of salt.

Then, he went out to the spring that supplied the town with water. He bent down and threw the salt into the water.

He whispered slightly to the Lord and then turned to the leaders and said, "The Lord has purified your water. Now the death or infertility will plague this city."

As Elisha was leaving a group of boys began marking him. If you insults and stones his way.

"Go home, Baldi!" They shouted, marking his bald head.

42 boys bombard at Elijah with evil laughter and prideful spitting.

Elijah did not speak. He only looked at them intensely. Then, in a terrifying turn of events, two bears ran towards them from the woods.

Their growls drowned out the screaming of all 42 boys. Their claws tore them limb from limb and they feasted on the marking teenagers.

Elijah walked away from the thrashing and went back to Mount Comh.

It had been more than six years since the Lord had let Elijah to the young Manalaisia. And since that day the two had walked side by side closely together.

Elijah knew that God had plans for Elisha and the job that Elisha was going to take on was no small task.

So the seasoned prophet poured his life into his apprentice, mentoring him and how to walk with God, how to listen to God's voice, how to be a man of God.

Surely as they walked along the road he continued to train him and teach him, especially now as Elijah knew that his time was ending.

Because that day was different, it was time for a changing of the guard. Elijah first tells Elijah that God had called him to Bethel.

But Elisha knows this day is different also and he insists he won't leave his master's side.

Elisha wanted to make the most of the time he had left with his mentor to learn all that he could and to enjoy his presence while he was still able.

I think many of us can relate to this kind of sentiment, the desire to make the most of what time we have with a very special person in our life, whether it is a spouse or a child or a friend.

So both men went to Bethel together.

The prophets in Bethel asked Elijah if he knew God was going to take Elijah away that day.

He said he did but he did not want to speak of it.

God then let Elijah to Jericho. Again, he asked Elisha to stay behind but Elisha refused to part with his master.

So they went together and once again, the prophets asked Elijah if he knew God was about to take Elijah.

He said yes but to keep quiet.

Why did he want them to keep quiet? Not because it was some big secret as it seemed God had made known to many of the prophets to whom he spoke.

But Elijah said this because he didn't want to get caught up in talking about what was going to happen that he missed what actually did happen.

His mind was focused on watching and waiting for what God would do.

How often do we get our attention pulled away by concerns or anticipation of things to come even worry and we miss what God is doing right in front of us?

Always focus on today and maximizing every day of your life.

And so when Elijah tells Elijah to stay there while he goes to the Jordan River, his answer is obvious. No, he will walk with him.

The events that the Jordan take us back to so many moments when God's glory and power were on display throughout Jewish history supernatural power.

When Elijah strikes the water with his cloak in the river parts it was a reminder that God is the same God who parted the sea for Moses and the very same river for Joshua.

After they cross on dry land Elijah asked his apprentice something we read his question and Elijah's response in 2 Kings 29.

When they had crossed Elijah said to Elijah "ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you."

Please let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me.

What a wonderful request.

Elisha knew that he had impossible task in front of him and big shoes to fill.

And his question shows his humility and his maturity and his selflessness. He wasn't just asking this for himself, for his own glory or power. He wanted to be fully prepared to be a man of God to speak God's word, to minister to the people just as Elijah had.

So he asked for more, more of God's power, more of God's blessing, a double portion of the spirit of God.

Elijah told him this is a heavy request.

He knew what the life of a prophet meant and it often meant fierce opposition from wicked people. Notice he did not give him a yes or no because he knew this was not his to grant, but God gives spiritual power.

So he told Elisha to watch what was about to happen. And if he could see him being taken up, translated up into heaven, he would know God would grant his request.

Elisha then saw an amazing site. It was spectacular. It was supernatural. Chariots of fire and a whirlwind descending from heaven.

Fire which in Mark so much of Elijah's ministry was now being used to usher him into the presence of the Lord, the one he had faithfully served. This was a rapture. This was a translation into heaven. Elijah did not die a physical death.

Elisha saw it all and knew God had granted his request.

It was a moment filled with wonder and amazement, but also sorrow and grief for now, the man of God, his mentor, a man who has been like a father to him is gone.

We close the passage with Elisha immediately seeing God's power working in him. First in the parting of the Jordan once again and then is he brought about healing to Jericho's poison waters.

Yes, God's hand was on Elisha and he would do great things in the name of the Lord, pointing the Lord's people towards hope and righteousness and faith and God would bless him abundantly.

Dear Lord, the God of Elijah and Elisha, we thank you for this extreme example of faith and perseverance.

We thank you for your power to take us to heaven when our time comes and Lord, that we are trusting in you not only throughout life but at the end of our lives.

We thank you for Elijah's relationship with Elisha.

And we pray that you would give us influence on those around us, our family, our friends, members of our churches, that we would mentor and coach and guide and give spiritual leadership to those around us, help us to be men and women of God, always seeking your truth and proclaiming your name.

Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a year podcast.

I'm Pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas.

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And we witness the return of Elijah to once again bring difficult truths to a corrupt king inspired by the book of second kings.

We begin today's passage in the aftermath of King A. Habs Death. With the King Dead, Moab, Rebelld against Israel, it was a time of great turmoil in the Northern Kingdom, which is no big surprise given the corruption and the wicked rule of A. Habs and the wicked queen, Jezebel. It is also no great surprise that A. Heziah, the new king, son of A. Habs and Jezebel, would follow in his parents' footsteps and seek out idols, pagan gods and deities.

This sign would deter any reasonable and wise king, but A. Heziah was far from reasonable or wise. So he sent a second captain with 50 men, the same order, the same response from Elijah and the same outcome, fire from heaven that consumed the man.

God told Elijah to go with the man and deliver his message personally to A. Heziah. So Elijah went to the king and again told him that because he turned to the Philistine God, his very life would be taken from him in that bed.

And just as the Lord said, A. Heziah died then and there. A short reign marked by idolatry and foolishness and death.

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As people are caught in a way like cattle to the slaughter, naked, afflicted and alone, Israel still clings to its idolatry, inspired by the book of 2 Kings.

God sent a pride of lions from the wilderness to drive out the Isirians.

We opened today's passage to find a bloody coup as Hoshiah overthrew Israel's king Peca.

Yet the Lord warned Israel in Judah by every prophet and every seeer saying, turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes in accordance with my law that I commanded your fathers and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

The very idols that people turn to today can ultimately enslave and torturous.

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Inspired by the books of second Chronicles, second kings and Jeremiah.

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Let us pray... 2 Kings 8.13

of justice for all those who had suffered under King Ahab and Jezebel, inspired by the book of 2 Kings.

And in 2 Kings 9-6, we read, So he arose and went into the house, and the young man poured the oil on his head, saying to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, I anoint you king over the people of the Lord over Israel.

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2 Kings 8.10 As I meditate on 2 Kings 8.1-15, I will lean on you, Lord, for comfort and provision

as inspired by the book of 2 Kings.

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2 Kings 6.14 As I stand in full confidence, I will not waver, nor be afraid, when Satan tries to bring enemies to the doorstep of my life, to snuff out the flame of my calling.

God, inspired by the book of 2 Kings.

recorded in 2 Kings 6, verse 16.

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And so the very first exile is the 10 northern tribes. They're going to be taken out by the Assyrians. And the Assyrians are really a tough group of people.

And that's what we typically think of, Father, when we talk about the exile. We typically think about the Babylonian exile.

And so the Babylonian exile happens in three phases. And the first phase is going to take place, and that is going to be in 605 BC.

And so when you're reading during this period, be aware of Daniel, of course, and we have a lot of other books that take place. We have Daniel, we have Ezekiel, Obadiah, Habakkuk, Judith, Zephaniah, Nahum, Jeremiah, Joel. We have all kinds of books that should be read in this particular context.

But as you mentioned, it really covers a lot of years here. And so the very first exile is the 10 northern tribes. They're going to be taken out by the Assyrians.

And as you are reading 2 Kings 17 through 25, is that the Babylonian exile happens in three phases.

And it's a relatively short period of Scripture, and that's 2 Kings 17-25.

But when we talk about the Babylonian exile, we're dealing with the south, Judah, with really the headquarters being Jerusalem, right? And the temple was built in Jerusalem. So there's a lot at stake here.

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And all of a sudden you realize the last place we see Elijah was way back in 2 Kings 2, and it was right here.

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But as you mentioned, it really covers a lot of years here. And so the very first exile is the 10 northern tribes. They're going to be taken out by the Assyrians.

And that's what we typically think of, Father, when we talk about the exile. We typically think about the Babylonian exile.

In what we see, and this is important to remember as you are reading 2 Kings 17 through 25, is that the Babylonian exile happens in three phases.

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So all of that, I'll say it again, 1 Kings 12 all the way to 2 Kings 16, that is the narrative of this period.

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We're reading 2 Kings chapter 22, 2 Chronicles chapter 33, and we are reading now not from Psalms but from the Book of Proverbs, one of the wisdom books.

We're also reading 2 Chronicles 33, and we are praying, kinda, more getting some wisdom from Proverbs chapter 7.

The second book of Kings chapter 22.

Well, a couple of quick notes about 2 Kings and about 2 Chronicles.

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Manasseh was 12 years old when he began to reign and he reigned 55 years in Jerusalem.

he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord

he's literally one of the worst kings we had

hezekiah's dad was ahaz and ahaz was awful one of the worst hezekiah's son is manasseh and he's awful one of the worst

Manasseh rebuilt all of those idols he rebuilt those temples and he not only did that he brought really horrible things into the temple of the Lord

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In 2 Kings for today, 2 Kings chapter 15, we have the king Azariah.

We ended at chapter 15 with King Ahaz and Ahaz is not a good king.

In second Kings chapter 14, Jonah is a prophet and he's a prophet to Jeroboam II.

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The Second Book of Kings, Chapter 13. Jehoahaz reigns over Israel.

Now, the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz and all that he did and his might, are they not written in the book of Chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Now, the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did and the might with which he fought against Amaziah, king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash, which he did and his might and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

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I don't know if the average Latter-day Saint goes, you know what? What I was reading the other day was the book of 2 Kings, but yet it's got some fantastic stories, really faith promoting and beautiful.

The second book of Kings commonly called the fourth book of Kings.

It's interesting because Elijah and Elisha are meant to remind us of Moses and Joshua, even more than everything that comes in between Joshua and Elijah.

They kind of follow in these footsteps and some of the miracles that they do as well. We're meant to kind of think back, way back to the Exodus and the conquest and connect them with that time when things were good right at the beginning.

It's easy to tie that in and say, this is what we're doing. This is our job right now. And depending on what tribe you're from, you have different responsibilities in the gathering.

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Let me tell you how mysterious potential is. We don't hear Elisha's name again until 2 Kings, chapter 2, which many tell us was 13 years after his potential was first suggested.

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deep track from the book of second Kings

How am I going to get back to 2 Kings 13