Lesson 19
Elijah on the Run (1 Kings 19: 1-22: 53)
After Elijah’s dramatic battle with the 450 prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel, Jezebel vows that “by this time tomorrow [Elijah will be a dead man]” (1 Kings 19: 2). Elijah runs as fast and as far away as he can. Totally exhausted and spent, God assigns Elijah three more tasks to accomplish to complete his job: 1) on the international stage, “anoint Hazael king over Aram [Syria]”; 2) on the domestic stage, “anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel”; and 3) on the personal front, “anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet” (1 Kings 19: 15-16).
Meanwhile, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah (869-848 B.C.), arranges a tentative peace between Israel and Judah. With the support of Jehoshaphat, Ahab goes to war against Aram [Syria] at Ramoth Gilead. Ahab is killed. In a fitting ending, “they [hosed out] his chariot at a pool in Samaria (where the prostitutes bathed), and the dogs licked up [Ahab’s] blood, as the word of the Lord foretold” (1 Kings 22: 38).
Elisha, a Quiet Man (2 Kings 1: 1-9: 37)
Although their names sound alike, few men in the Bible are more different than Elijah and Elisha. Elijah loves a show; Elisha is shy. Elijah loves a grand exit; Elisha dies quietly, alone. Yet, in many ways, Elisha is an even greater prophet than Elijah. This is his story.
Enrichment Material
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1 Kings 20:1-21:29 |