Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | 2 Kings 2:9 ¶ When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Kings 2:9 ¶ And when they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." |
Bible Question: In 2 Kings 2:9-15, Elisha asks Elijah for his...spirit? Like, is he asking for his SOUL here? Kinda creepy!!! Ok joke aside, what is it that Elisha is really asking for here? |
Bible Answer: Here is another perspective of the same verses. 7. On reaching the other side of the Jordan and finding a comfortable spot, Elijah's heart reached out in love and compassion to his young disciple. This young man had been appointed by God to be his replacement, and Elisha had faithfully walked with him and served him for years. In love and compassion, sensing deeply the awesome weight of the mission that was to be placed upon Elisha's shoulders, the aged prophet wanted to know what final need he might meet for his young disciple. No doubt taking a few moments to think through what he needed most, the young disciple ultimately asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit (2 Kings 2:9-10). By making this request, he showed that he knew the importance of God's Spirit working both in and through the heart of a prophet. Above all else, Elisha wanted spiritual power, a power far beyond his own abilities. He was undoubtedly gripped by the awesome task that lay before him, and he knew that he could never fulfill the shoes of Elijah nor the call of God without the fullness of God's Spirit. God's Spirit had forcefully dwelt and worked through his famed teacher and prophet Elijah. He desperately needed the very same Spirit and power working within and through him. Knowing that he was far less capable than Elijah and being gripped by a sense of inadequacy, he knew that he needed far more help than Elijah ever needed. Thus, he asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, a spirit that was controlled by God's Spirit. Note Elijah's response: his disciple's request was a difficult thing for him to grant. In fact, he did not personally have the power to grant such a request. Only God could give His Spirit to people. But Elijah did give him a sign that would indicate whether or not the Lord was going to grant his request. If Elisha actually witnessed Elijah's departure from this earth, then he would be receiving a double portion of Elijah's spirit. But if he was not a personal witness of the departure, then his request would not be granted. , The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible – 2 Kings, (Chattanooga: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 1996), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "B. The Ascension of Elijah and the Transfer of His Ministry to Elisha: A Picture of Total Commitment to God and of God's Power, 2:1-25". |
Up | Down View Branch | ID# 236477 | ||
Questions and/or Subjects for 2 Kin 2:9 | Author | ||
|
wingsofhopeministry | ||
|
lightzabor77 | ||
|
EdB | ||
|
EdB | ||
|
EdB |