Not merely parents, but all members of the Christian Church, should take a deeper interest in the education of the young. Howat). I. (1) The Spirit of God in a man readily betrays its presence. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there. II. The need of retreat, of private communion with God, of time to digest the lessons of the past, of reflection and meditation. Its apparent severity has made it a stumbling-block to many. Character is the best gift. Elijah used it on Carmel's brow, Job used it to his arrogant friends, and Paul to the conceited members of the Corinthian Church. To withhold salt from a prisoner used to be, in the dark ages, the most cruel way of bringing about a slow and gradual death, and that under its most loathsome form. YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. Nothing is more incongruous, nothing more distressing to the eye of earnest men, than the spirit of irreverence in theological halls. And the Spirit said to Philip, Go over and join this chariot., So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, Do you understand what you are reading?. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. The glimpse we get of his early home in 1 Kings 19:19-21 is indicative of comfort and wealth. Acts 23:23,33 Then having called two centurions, he said to them: Make ready two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea: and seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen, for the third hour of the night. It is noteworthy, also, that the immortality typified by these cases is an immortality in the body. The LXX. Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Latin: [nae.s pmpjjs mans]; 29 September 106 BC 28 September 48 BC), known in English as Pompey / p m p i / or Pompey the Great, was a leading Roman general and statesman. But the natural interpretation is that they thought the prophet had been "caught away" by a Divine influence, as Philip the evangelist was in later times (Acts 8:39), and would be found somewhere alive, as Philip "was found at Azotus." The present Hebrew text reads, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah, even he?" It is not certain, but it is the view of some, that in the words, "Go up, thou bald head!" Perhaps all science begins with an hypothesis, but the hypothesis is vain unless it have some foundation. Elijah felt the importance of these colleges, he realized that the young were the hope of the Church. There was no broad difference of rank between the two to hinder this. One might have thought, however, that one of Elisha's moral strength and stature would not have felt it at all, especially when directed by children. It was amongst the young his last hours were spent. Elisha's request has been variously explained. In casting the salt into the spring, Elisha spoke in the name of the Lord, and attributed, as was right, all the power to him. Accordingly, Ewald, rejecting the old explanation, suggests one of his ownthat Elisha asked for "two thirds of Elijah's spirit"; but this would be a very strange and unusual request, even if the Hebrew could be made to mean it. Proud member That is, a bitter fluid secreted by the liver; bile, Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.. He *preached it in every town until he reached Caesarea. HIS RESIGNATION. Christ himself was once its victim; ay, its chief victim. Article Images Copyright 2022 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. How Should We Read and Interpret Revelation? English Standard Version. The soil is extensively cultivated. (3) There are corrupt currents in our commercial life. We learn from this a twofold lesson. SO, too, will the Christian think of his departing friend. And the master once more yields. The institution of the "schools of the prophets," or theological colleges where young prophets were brought up, is usually assigned to Samuel, one of whose habitual residences for a part of the year was Bethel (1 Samuel 7:16). Elisha's determination to follow Elijah. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. We are not the creatures of chance. 28:19; 1 Cor. "When he had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over." Jesus lead the way in the example of water baptism! The best place to find licensed audio samples and lyrics along with vocal, chord and lead sheets from more than 100,000 songs of worship. 3. On this occasion they only got as far as rude words. So much is to be said. was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. In this case, the heavenly chariots appear, but the actual mode of Elijah's ascent is by the whirlwind. Retirement is not to degenerate into monkery.J.O. (1-4) Philip's success at Samaria. All which things may again be interpreted as a parable. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. Here is a SPIRIT OF INQUIRY. Probably he had established a "school" there which continued to this time. It has often been remarked that our Lord's miracles were predominantly of the second kind. Finally, he shows it by his deep grief when the hour of parting comes; the exclamation forced from him, "My father! He felt that it could not but teach him more of God, thrill and inspire him with more zeal for service, fix past impressions of Elijah on his soul, and altogether leave lasting results in his nature, to witness this "great sight." There are waters of sin. No community that was decidedly Christian would return an avowed atheist as its representative. To obtain this he used Elijah's mantle as he had seen Elijah use it. Those whom he knew in childhood have forgotten him. It is, perhaps, difficult for us, in all eases, to discern our own motives; but an honest wish to discern them will go a long way towards enabling us to arrive at the truth. they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. The jeering outburst of impiety of these young men of the city was only a symptom of the iniquity which abounded in it. 2. Acts 10:1 And there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion of that which is called the Italian band: Acts 21:8 And the next day departing, we came to Caesarea. There may have been many reasons why Elijah should visit it once more before he quitted the earth. If he was a man of contemplation, he was also a man of action. These verses lead us to consider ridicule in three aspects. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. Philip later appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (verse 40). But it is not at all apparent that the lads even knew who Elisha wasthey would probably have jeered at any aged person with whom they had fallen in; and by "Go up" they merely meant "Go on thy way; 'the force of their jeer was not in the word' aleh, but in the word kereach, "bald head." "And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho," etc. No doubt there are many whom God lays aside by age, or infirmity, or suffering for weeks, or months, or years before he calls them home. The other apostles were satisfied, but Thomas had to put his fingers in the print of the nails, etc. Politics, literature, art, science, material civilization, will dwindle and decay unless a pure stream can be made to flow from the people' s heart; for "out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). And though you may but cast in the salt into life's bitter waters, he will bless your efforts, and you will hear him say, "Thus saith the Lord, I have healed the waters."C.H.I. (2) There are corrupt currents in our social life. The situation of the city was pleasant, but the water was bad, and the laud "miscarried," i.e. 14:1-15:7). Elisha knew better, but, as they persisted, he allowed them, for the satisfaction of their minds, to send. It is plain from this passage that, while the prophets of Jericho knew from Divine intimations that Elijah was to be parted from them, they did not understand the full meaning of their own revelations. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. The others do not seem to have ventured to ask. How did Philip begin a conversation with him? They need to be more careful about the companions with whom they permit their children to associate. He was Heaven's messenger of mercy to his country. But in response to their urgent and repeated entreaties he gave them permission to send. We may thank God for a Christian queen, but who will say we have a Christian legislature? Who ever asks for two-thirds of a thing? Material fire is, of course, not to be thought of. It was so now. Read full chapter. 3. (5-13) The hypocrisy of Simon detected. His wanderings had now brought him to Gilgal (probably Jiljilieh, near Nablous), one of the most ancient sanctuaries of the land (1Sa 10:8; 1 Samuel 11:15, etc. They touch the earth. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with Such were his parting visits.C.H.I. When they had sought for three days, and found him not, they returned, and Elisha said, "Did I not say unto you, Go not?" The "spring" intended is supposed to be that now called Ain-es-Sultan, "the spring of the Sultan," which is the only copious source near the site of the ancient Jericho. We need a reformed parliament in the highest and best sense. Copyright 2022, Bible Study Tools. And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him; and smote the watersimitated, i.e; the action of Elijah (2 Kings 2:8), as Elijah had imitated the action of Moses at the passage of the Red Seaand said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? join both readings. Elisha had seen the prophet ascend, and he knew that his request was granted. Have they never been bitter waters? The boys, after the manner of boys, were following him, hanging upon him, not daring to draw too near, hooting him from behind, as ill-bred and ill-intentioned youths are apt to do. II. How happy those who by the eye of faith can see their departed ones entering through the gates into the city, to be forever with the Lord! 2. 18:12; 2 Kgs. 2. There were two schools of religion in Bethel, two rival sects; one was the religion of the true God, and the other that of idolatry. But although the spirit of inquiry is essential to a student, and its earnestness is to be commended, it is often, alas! As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into 2 Kings 13:10, where the same expression is used in reference to Elisha. 4:1-11); but he nowhere told the Jews that it was wrong for them to practice their customs, so long as they did not trust in ceremony or make their customs a test of fellowship (Rom. The prophet's indignation was righteous, and, because it was righteous, the justice of God sanctioned it by causing "two she bears out of the wood to tear forty and two children of them." Probably their parents sent them out now to meet the prophet, and put the very words into their mouths, taught them by what notes, grimaces, and attitude they should ring them out. Those who are in the employment of others robbing them with one hand while they take their pay with the other. If miracles are impossible, cadit quaestio; exegesis of Scripture, and even reading of Scripture, may as well be put aside. He asked, like Solomon, not for any earthly good or glory, but for spiritual endowment for his great office (1 Kings 3:5-14). the best earthly defense of Israel. Acts 25:4 But Festus answered: That Paul was kept in Caesarea: and that he himself would very shortly depart thither. if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. The Bible talks about water immersion baptism in which a believer makes a public confession of their faith. Elisha was not slow to avail himself of the opportunity given. to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert place. (2) He works also through his people. In him, mockery was heaped on all God's servants, and on true religion in general. He was humiliated and received no justice. It was these schools of the prophets, with Elisha at the head of them, that were to retain and perpetuate his influence after he was gone. A study of the relations between the prophet and his destined successor, in view of the approaching departure of the former, is full of interest. Elisha stands a moment like one in a dream. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. What corrupting abominations in the shape of newspapers issue from the London press! (4) We must hold, however, that Elijah was really taken in the body to heaven. Don't do anything to embitter it. He came "eating and drinking" (Matthew 11:19). there is only One who can do it. We shall not accomplish much in the world if we stand gazing up into heaven. The blessing of a dying believer is ever to be valued (Genesis 48:1-22; Genesis 49:1-33.; Deuteronomy 33:1-29.). And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, See, here is water! Copyright 2022, Bible Study Tools. They asked Elisha's permission to send fifty strong men to seek for Elijah, "lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley." It is a word which only occurs here in the historical Scriptures. And mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head! This latter fact is quite undeniable. Sa'arach is not so much an actual "whirlwind" as a storm or atmospheric disturbance (, LXX.). There is a curse upon all ill-gotten gain, that all the excuses of the world, all the benedictions of the wicked, never can undo. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy. Acts 8:40 - New Century Version - But Philip appeared in a city called Azotus and preached the Good News in all the towns on the way from Azotus to Caesarea. If we had faith to undertake great things for God, then we might expect great things from God. But, though living "in the world," he is not "of the world." Of all this, his first deed of mercy is the image. The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. The spirit of Elijah was a spirit of fidelity to duty, a spirit of faithfulness in rebuking sin, a spirit of fearlessness and courage in the presence of opposition and danger, and at the same time also a spirit of tenderness and love. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. They are not to lose their savor by not exercising an influence upon the world. Mostly perhaps in silence, but latterly, at least, in converse (verse 11). (3) At most, Elisha's vision could only follow Elijah's ascent for some little way upwards, till, perhaps, as in the ease of the Savior, "a cloud received him out of his sight" (Acts 1:9). Elisha was a man of God, and everything concerning him shows manifestations of a godly character. And [with this he] smote the waters; consciously imitating the act of Moses when he "stretched out his hand over the Red Sea" (Exodus 14:21), and divided its waters asunder. Perhaps you had done but little for your Master, and he wanted you to do some more for him. 1 Kings 18:10-12). Acts 8:39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, (harpazo) and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. It was intended that Israel should regard Elijah and Elisha as a second Moses and Joshua, and should therefore yield them a ready obedience. Rather Elisha was, in original worldly position, the higher of the two. << < Previous Chapter. He was ranked with Enoch, as not having seen death (Josephus, 'Ant. 1. "Talking of trouble makes it double." Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. Under the Law God's ministers were required to curse the disobedient (Deuteronomy 27:14-26). All the world, except their two selves, was remotewas beyond their ken; the master and the servant, the prophet of the past and the prophet of the coming generation, were together, with none to disturb them, or interfere between them, or separate them. ch. (The word translated "barren" really means in the original that the ground cast its fruit or did not bring its fruit to perfection.) Hence it is that the ocean is, as it has been called, "the chemical bath of the world." The action cannot be defended from a Christian point of viewChristians have no right to curse any one. The spirit of genuine religion is not a narrow spirit, a spirit confined to a Church, a country; or a period, but a spirit that embraces in its loving sympathies the spiritual interests of the race.D.T. Now, just what the salt is to the sea, and what the salt was to the waters of Jericho, Christians are to be to the life of the world. "And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. There is a lesson here for us all. The Holy Spirit said to Philip, Go over and walk along beside the carriage., Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Clarke's Commentary. NIV. At each new center, as the travelers went on, bands of "the sons of the prophets" came forth to Elisha, and said, "Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head today?" The third explanation, to which most modern commentators incline (Keil, Thenius, Patrick, Clarke, Pool, Bottcher), is that Elisha merely requested that he might receive twice as much of Elijah's spirit as should be received by any other of the "sons of the prophets." He does not seek to "improve the occasion," as shallower spirits might have done. The means by which Elisha effected the cure of the unwholesome waters wore exceedingly simple. 2. Though, perhaps, they knew that Elisha was taken from the plough, the manifestation of the Divine in him inspired them with solemn awe. 38:7] eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. Elisha's parting request is a request which we might all appropriately make in prayer to God, that a double portion of Elijah's spirit may rest upon us.C.H.I. Ewald's judgment is here correct: "Elisha is great only so far as he continues and carries out with more force than any other man of his time the work which Elijah had begun with new and wonderful power he did not possess any such intensity of inward power as his master". Are there some known to you who are going down the broad way to destruction? What was the eunuch doing? The unhealed spring. 1:13; Phil. They need to take more interest in the kind of education they receive. Go to him and ask his help to overcome temptation, to conquer old habits, to get rid of old associates. III. How many escaped we are not told, nor whether all these forty-two were actually killed. It is recorded that he went up into heaven. Elisha shows his attachment by that continuous ministry which caused him to be designated as "Elisha, which poured water on the hands of Elijah" (2 Kings 3:11)that constant waiting upon the great prophet, and unceasing service, which lasted from the casting of the mantle at Abel-Meholah to the ascent in the chariot and horses of fire. The "wrath of the Lamb" is the most tremendous wrath in the universe. Elijah passed beyond Elisha's ken. Then they bowed to the ground before him, and acknowledged him master. Jesus is the great Healer. and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, For his life is taken away from the earth., And the eunuch said to Philip, About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?. And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Gulf-stream has a well-defined course. 1. One day a lady asked John Wesley how he would spend that day if he knew it was to be his last. There is no malevolence so inveterate and ruthless as that inspired by false religion and rival sects. But it is hard to know when this is the case. And is it "advanced criticism," or sound criticism at all, to take a professed history, and pick and cull from it certain portions as absolute facts, quite indubitable, while rejecting other portions, which have exactly the same external testimony, as pure fictions absolutely devoid of the slightest historical foundation? Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. No; but they are to carry with them into all the relationships of life the teachings of the gospel and the Spirit of Christ. (Acts 2:38), Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). If he did no more, he would leave with each, at least, a parting blessing. "And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? Their self-training and self-culture begin and end in self, and have nothing noble, or grand, or admirable about them; but, if they are insincere, are a cloak for ordinary vulgar self-seeking, and, if they are sincere, are the result of a delusion cast on them by Satan. A CIRCUITOUS WAY OF ATTAINING TO CERTAINTY IS BETTER THAN NO WAY AT ALL. It is only when dear friends are either actually taken away or on the point of being taken from us, that we realize how invaluable is the boon of their presence. And Elijah said unto him, Tarry here, I pray thee. I. It is the salt that is in it which is its chief preservative against corruption, and not only so, but which renders it such a source of life and health. As if his conscious nearness to eternity had already raised him above natural conditionshad given him the faith and power before which natural obstacles are non-existenthe roiled his mantle together, and "smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground." he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Simon the sorcerer baptized. Their sin was disrespect towards old age, combined, perhaps, with disrespect for the prophetical order, to which they may have known from his dress that Elisha belonged. Like the mountaineer of Switzerland, or the Highlander of Scotland, he was brought up amid the mountains of Gilead. THE FALLEN MANTLE. But where there is no such established Church system, the commission has to be given directly by God, and can only be attested to man by the accompaniment of miraculous powers. We shall not be concerned about other persons' estimates of us; we shall not want their admiration, or their praise, or even their good opinion; but we shall want to see some fruit of our ministerial labors, some increase of earnestness and spiritual-mindedness amongst those who are committed to our charge, some improvement in their habits, some greater zeal, some warmer devotion, some higher spirit of self-sacrifice. Have we not his own assurance, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world"? But Peter replied, May your money be destroyed with you for thinking Gods gift can be bought! And entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we abode with him. Acknowledgment of the new power. And when the sons of the prophets, which were to view at Jericho (see 2 Kings 2:7), saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah cloth rest on Elisha. Elisha did not overestimate the value of Elijah to Israelmore than chariots and horsemenand we cannot overestimate the worth to a nation of the presence and labors of the servants of God in it. Butthere was one drawbackthe water is naught, and the ground barren. A severe example may have been needed under the circumstances of the time, when a new generation was growing up in contempt of God and of religion; and the sin of the lads was not a small one, but indicated that determined bent of the will against good, and preference of evil, which is often developed early, and generally goes on from bad to worse. They had a wrong apprehension; they imagined that the body of Elijah had been borne up to "some mountain," or "cast into some valley." III. What anxious questioning! T.H. on 07/21/2021, If Jesus Was a Guest at Your Thanksgiving Table, Why We All Need More Phileo Love This Year. It is a solemn time, too, for those who are left behind. He wishes to end his earthly life where it had first begun. . That was the method God appointed for him. The most marvelous influence is exerted by Christianity on the spring, not only of private, but of public and social life; and State as well as Church is blessed. the last two words being emphatic; but the emphasis scarcely appears to be needed. HIS CONSIDERATION, DESPITE HIS ABSORPTION, FOR HIS ATTACHED FOLLOWER. Salem Media Group. "I take this story as teaching us what I think we very much need to be taught, namely, that the faults of our youth, and those which are most natural to us at that age, are not considered by God as trifling. His miracles, like those of Christ, were, with two exceptions only (in this like Christ also), miracles of mercy, not of judgment. So far as we can gather from the expressions employed, no cloud received him (Acts 1:9), but he gradually vanished from sight. The other springs of the neighborhood are mostly brackish. Those who are engaged in business know well that it is so. [4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; He was known and eminent as the successor of Elijah, and probably it was on this account that he was singled out for these hostile manifestations. Speech would jar on the solemnity of the occasion. Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff He visited the schools of the prophets, the colleges or institutions where young men were trained for their future work of teaching others the truths of religion. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. It is wholly against the text to explain this, as Bahr does, by mere figure of speech, even though Elisha afterwards uses this metaphor of Elijah (Deuteronomy 21:12). He moves and talks with a majestic calmness. But the disease of sin is found in every land. From Gilgal Elijah was sent first to Bethel, then to Jericho, then to Jordan, at two of which places were seminaries or communities of "the sons of the prophets." Now it was Beth-avert, "the house of the idol" (Hosea 10:5). What scripture was the eunuch reading? Selfishness can intrude everywhere; and no doubt there may be a selfish desire for high spiritual gifts and powers, merely to promote our individual glorification. "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Impurity must be cleansed by means that are wholly clean and pure. Let your influence in business and in social relationship be on the side of Christ and purity and truth. "Sleep on, beloved, sleep, and take thy rest,Lay down thy head upon thy Savior's breastWe love thee well, but Jesus loves thee best: When friends are parted by death, perhaps the one who remains wonders why one was take, and the other left.
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