This passage tells of the translation of Elijah to heaven, but the real story is about Elisha. He is determined to follow his master to the end and he desires a double portion of Elijah’s blessing. We see that he gets the blessing and begins to perform some of the miracles for which he is known. O, that we might follow hard after God (Psalm 63:8) as Elisha followed hard after the spirit of Elijah!
Since the first man Adam fell, man has been trying to hide his evil actions from God. The lesson teaches us that this is not only impossible but a foolish thought.
The price for serving other gods will not be furnished by God. Taxation of the people must be accomplished. This lesson shows the folly of a compromising nation who has turned from serving The Lord God Jehovah.
This chapter and the next mark the height of Solomon’s reign. But there is a warning here too. We will see later how his wealth and his wives draw him away from the Lord.
Answer a fool according to his folly, and answer not a fool according to his folly. Is this a contradiction in the Bible?
