Reading for September 3rd

Read 2 Kings 2.13-25 In 2.13-25: Elisha as Elijah's successor. The stories here show Elisha has in herited Elijah's power as a man of God. In verses 13-14: Elisha picked up the matle 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 as much as Joshua did when he succeecec Moses (Ex 14.21-22; Josh 3.13-17). In verse 15: The company of prophets (see 2.3) recognize Elisha as Elijah's successor. In verses 16-18: Elisha knows that Elijah has been taken up and will notbe found, but he acquiesces to a search at the inistence of the other prophets. In verses 19-22: Elisha's miraculos 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. Comments or Questions..