Horeb (the northern dialect name for Sinai), listening to the Lord speak in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), the Lord instructed him to choose Elisha as his successor. As the end of Elijah’s ministry approaches, the two prophets cross the Jordan.
Stop here and read 2 Kings 2:9-18 in your own Bible.
While the term “Spirit of the Lord” is not used, Elisha does make a request to “inherit a double share of your spirit” (2 Kings 2:9). This refers to being a “man of God,” a term used for Moses, Elijah, and Elisha because they were prophets who not only spoke God’s word but also were used to perform miracles. This was distinct from prophets who primarily spoke God’s words without miracles. On the assumption that the “spirit of Elijah” (2 Kings 2:15) is God’s Spirit, making it possible to speak God’s word and do miracles, Elisha picks up Elijah’s mantle, strikes the Jordan River with it, and says, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14). At that moment, the water parts, and Elisha crosses the river without getting wet.
Speaking the word and seeing the miracle was proof that God had given Elisha “the spirit of Elijah,” making Elisha a man of God like Elijah. He would continue to prophesy and do miracles until his death, and even afterward.
Bones of Saints
2 Kings 13:20-21 is the text lying behind the use of the bones of saints as relics to bring healing:
So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was cast into the grave of Elisha; and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood on his feet. (RSV-SCE)
Consider
The Chronicler
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