Reading for June 30th

Read 2 Kings 2
In verses 1-12 the translation of Elijah
The stories in this chapter fall outside the standard wording that marks the beginning and ending of the reigns of the kings, called regnal formulas (1.17-18; 3.1), which may indicate that they along with other stories about the prophets are later additions tot he Deuteronomistic History.
In verse 1 the only other person in the Bible who was taken up to heaven without dying was Enoch 9gen 5.24).
In verse 3 the company of prophets, literally the sons of the prophets, were followers of prophets, perhaps even a guild or school of prophets.
They were also aware, perhaps through prophetic agency that the Lord would take Elijah away.
In verse 8 Elijah's mantle is a symbol of his power as a prophet which Elisha will inherit (2.130.
His division of the Jordan here is reminiscent of Moses' division of the red Sea (Ex 14.21-22) and Joshua's division of the Jordan (Jos 3.13-17).
In verse 9 double share does not mean twice as much as Elijah but the portion of the first born son (Deut 21,17) or two thirds.
In verse 12 Elisha calls Elijah his father out of respect for his teacher, not because there is a blood relationship between them.
The chariots of Israel and its horsemen allude to the image of the Lord as the commander of the heavenly armies (Yahweh sebaoth, the Lord of Hosts).
In verses 13-25 Elisha as Elijah's successor.
The stories here show Elisha has inherited Elijah's power as a man of God.
In verse 13-14 Elisha picked up the mantle of Elijah which was the symbol of his prophetic power (1.8; Zech 13.4).
He then struck the water of the Jordan with it and parted it just as Elijah had done (2.8) and much as Joshua did when he succeeded Moses (Ex 14.21-22; Josh 3.13-17).
In verse 15 the company of prophets recognize Elisha as Elijah's successor.
In verse 16-18 Elisha knows that Elijah has been taken up and will not be found, but he acquiesces to a search at the insistence of the other prophets.
In verses 19-22 Elisha's miraculous purification of the spring also shows that he has the power of Elijah.
This story offers an etiological explanation for the renowned spring at Jericho that is still active today.
In verses 23-25 this legend was preserved not for its high ethical quality but to show the power now vested in Elisha and to teach that one should have respect for prophets.
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