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2 Kings 2:15

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2 Kings 2:15 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When the sons of the prophets who were facing him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.

King James Version KJV

And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

American Standard Version ASV

And when the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho over against him saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when the sons of the prophets who were facing him at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha. And they came out to him, and went down on the earth before him.

Free Bible Version FBV

The sons of the prophets who lived in Jericho saw him from the opposite side and shouted out, “Elijah's spirit now rests upon Elisha!” They went over to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when the children of the Prophets, which were at Iericho, saw him on the other side, they sayde, The Spirite of Eliiah doeth rest on Elisha: and they came to meete him, and fell to the grounde before him,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they see him — the sons of the prophets who [are] in Jericho — over-against, and they say, 'Rested hath the spirit of Elijah on Elisha;' and they come to meet him, and bow themselves to him to the earth,

World English Bible WEB

When the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho facing him saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” They came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when the sons of the prophets who were to view at Jericho, saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the sons of the prophets at Jericho, who were over against him, seeing it said: The spirit of Elias hath rested upon Eliseus. And coming to meet him, they worshipped him, falling to the ground,

Translation for Translators T4T

When the group of prophets from Jericho saw what happened, they exclaimed, “Elisha now has the power that Elijah had!” [MTY] They walked over to him and bowed down in front of him.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 2:15

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 2:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּרְאֻ֨/הוּ בְנֵֽי הַ/נְּבִיאִ֤ים אֲשֶׁר בִּֽ/ירִיחוֹ֙ מִ/נֶּ֔גֶד וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ נָ֛חָה ר֥וּחַ אֵלִיָּ֖הוּ עַל אֱלִישָׁ֑ע וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ וַ/יִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ ל֖/וֹ אָֽרְצָ/ה
וַ/יִּרְאֻ֨/הוּ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
בְנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֤ים nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
בִּֽ/ירִיחוֹ֙ Yᵉrîychôw H3405 Jericho Prep | N-proper
מִ/נֶּ֔גֶד neged H5048 before Prep | Prep
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
נָ֛חָה nûwach H5117 to rest V-Qal-Perf-3fs
ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs
אֵלִיָּ֖הוּ ʼÊlîyâh H452 Elijah N-proper
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
אֱלִישָׁ֑ע ʼĔlîyshâʻ H477 Elisha N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ qirʼâh H7125 befall Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ shâchâh H7812 to bow Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff
אָֽרְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 2:15

וַ/יִּרְאֻ֨/הוּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בְנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֤ים nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Art | N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בִּֽ/ירִיחוֹ֙ Yᵉrîychôw H3405 "Jericho" Prep | N-proper
Jericho was a city in Palestine, the first conquered by the Israelites in Canaan. Its name means 'its moon' and it was located near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.
Definition: Jericho = "its moon" a city 5 miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and 7 miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan Also named: Hierichō (Ἱεριχώ "Jericho" G2410)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Jericho. See also: Numbers 22:1; Joshua 9:3; Jeremiah 39:5.
מִ/נֶּ֔גֶד neged H5048 "before" Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נָ֛חָה nûwach H5117 "to rest" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To rest means to settle down and remain in one place, and can be used literally or figuratively. This verb appears in many parts of the Bible, including Exodus 20:11 and Matthew 11:28.
Definition: 1) to rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rest, settle down and remain 1a2) to repose, have rest, be quiet 1b) (Hiph) 1b1) to cause to rest, give rest to, make quiet 1b2) to cause to rest, cause to alight, set down 1b3) to lay or set down, deposit, let lie, place 1b4) to let remain, leave 1b5) to leave, depart from 1b6) to abandon 1b7) to permit 1c) (Hoph) 1c1) to obtain rest, be granted rest 1c2) to be left, be placed 1c3) open space (subst) Also means: ya.nach (יָנַח "to rest" H3240)
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: cease, be confederate, lay, let down, (be) quiet, remain, (cause to, be at, give, have, make to) rest, set down. Compare H3241 (יָנִים). See also: Genesis 8:4; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 125:3.
ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אֵלִיָּ֖הוּ ʼÊlîyâh H452 "Elijah" N-proper
Elijah means my God is Jehovah, referring to the famous prophet who lived during King Ahab's reign. He is also the name of two other Israelites mentioned in the Bible. Elijah is known for his bravery and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.26 § Elijah or Eliah = "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" 1) the great prophet of the reign of Ahab 2) Benjamite son of Jeroham 3) a son of Elam with foreign wife during exile 4) a son of Harim, and priest, with foreign wife during exile
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: Elijah, Eliah. See also: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 19:19; Malachi 3:23.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֱלִישָׁ֑ע ʼĔlîyshâʻ H477 "Elisha" N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ qirʼâh H7125 "befall" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ shâchâh H7812 "to bow" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
אָֽרְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 2:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
2 Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
3 Joshua 3:7 Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.
4 Isaiah 59:21 “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD.
5 2 Kings 6:1–7 Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Please let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a log so we can build ourselves a place to live there.” “Go,” said Elisha. Then one of them said, “Please come with your servants.” “I will come,” he replied. So Elisha went with them, and when they came to the Jordan, they began to cut down some trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axe head fell into the water. “Oh, my master,” he cried out, “it was borrowed!” “Where did it fall?” asked the man of God. And when he showed him the place, the man of God cut a stick, threw it there, and made the iron float. “Lift it out,” he said, and the man reached out his hand and took it.
6 John 15:26–27 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
7 2 Kings 4:1–4 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow jars, even empty ones, from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. Then go inside, shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour oil into all these jars, setting the full ones aside.”
8 Numbers 27:20 Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him.
9 2 Kings 2:7 Then a company of fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing Elijah and Elisha as the two of them stood by the Jordan.
10 2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

2 Kings 2:15 Summary

This verse shows that the sons of the prophets recognized Elisha as the new leader after Elijah's departure, and they submitted to his authority by bowing down to him. This is similar to how Jesus' disciples recognized His authority and submitted to Him, as seen in Matthew 8:5-13. The spirit of Elijah resting on Elisha means that Elisha has the same power and authority as Elijah, and he will continue the work that Elijah started. This is a reminder that God is always in control and He appoints leaders to guide His people, as seen in Numbers 27:18-23 and Deuteronomy 34:9.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the spirit of Elijah to rest on Elisha?

This phrase indicates that Elisha has become the successor to Elijah's prophetic ministry, and he will continue the work that Elijah started, as seen in 2 Kings 2:15, and also in Deuteronomy 34:9 where a similar transfer of authority occurred from Moses to Joshua.

Why did the sons of the prophets bow down to Elisha after realizing the spirit of Elijah rested on him?

The sons of the prophets bowed down to Elisha because they recognized that God had appointed Elisha as the new leader, and they were showing respect and submission to his authority, similar to how the Israelites submitted to Joshua after Moses' death, as seen in Joshua 1:16-18.

How did the sons of the prophets know that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha?

The sons of the prophets knew that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha because they witnessed the miraculous parting of the Jordan River when Elisha struck the waters with Elijah's cloak, demonstrating Elisha's newfound authority and power from God, as seen in 2 Kings 2:14.

What is the significance of the location of Jericho in this verse?

The location of Jericho is significant because it was a city that held spiritual importance for the Israelites, and the fact that the sons of the prophets were facing Elisha from Jericho may indicate that they were a group of prophets who were associated with that city, and were watching Elisha from a distance, as seen in 2 Kings 2:15.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can recognize and submit to the authority that God has placed in my life, just like the sons of the prophets submitted to Elisha?
  2. How can I, like Elisha, trust in God's power and provision when I am faced with challenges and uncertainties, as seen in 2 Kings 2:14?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and authority, and how can I, like the sons of the prophets, recognize and submit to His will?
  4. In what ways can I, like Elisha, be a vessel for God's power and authority to flow through, and how can I use my gifts and talents to serve others and bring glory to God?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:15

And when the sons of the prophets, which were to view at Jericho, saw him,.... Who went out from thence towards Jordan, to have a sight if they could of the assumption of Elijah; these, when they saw

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:15

And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:15

Or, as it is in the Hebrew, And the sons of the prophets who lived in Jericho saw him over against them, from some hill where they stood at a convenient distance to observe the event, . They said, Heb. and they said, either by revelation; or rather, by the visible effects of it which they saw. They bowed themselves to the ground; thereby testifying their reverence and subjection to him as Elijah’ s successor, and their master and teacher.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:15

2 Kings 2:15 And when the sons of the prophets which [were] to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.Ver. 15. Which were to view at Jericho,] i.e., At a convenient distance betwixt Jericho and Jordan. Bowed themselves to the ground before him.] As acknowledging him now to be their chief instructor.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:15

(15) To view.—Opposite, over against. LXX., ἐξἐναντίας; Vulg., “e contra” (Deuteronomy 32:52). It is not clear whether these sons of the prophets are the fifty who “went and stood opposite afar off” (2 Kings 2:7), or not. On the whole, it seems likely that all the guild residing at Jericho is meant. Awaiting Elisha’s return, they had assembled at the river side and witnessed the miracle, which was evidence to them that Elisha was to be their future head. The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha.—Hath alighted, i.e., settled, rested. The proof was that Elisha had just repeated his master’s miracle.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:15

Verse 15. The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha.] This was a natural conclusion, from seeing him with the mantle, and working the same miracle. This disposed them to yield the same obedience to him they had done to his master: and in token of this, they went out to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:15

15. which were to view at Jericho] R.V. which were at Jericho over against him. See above on verse 7. They were in a position from which they could see him, and he might see them. bowed themselves to the ground] Thus expressing their acknowledgement of him as their head, and the divinely appointed successor of Elijah. ‘It was not the outside of Elijah which they had wont to stoop unto with so much veneration; it was his spirit, which since they now find in another subject, they entertain with equal reverence. No envy, no emulation raiseth up their stomachs against Elijah’s servant; but where they see eminent graces, they are willingly prostrate’ (Bp Hall).

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:15

15. Saw him — The prophets saw all that was done at Jordan, and were thereby confirmed in the belief that Elisha was the divinely ordained successor of Elijah.

Sermons on 2 Kings 2:15

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon Living a Life of Double Portion Pt. 1 by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life in Christ and understanding the ways of God. He highlights the dichotomy between those who walk in faith and
T. Austin-Sparks Spiritual Enlargement Unto the Maintaining of the Testimony of Jesus by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the theme of spiritual enlargement through the biblical account of Elisha succeeding Elijah, highlighting the importance of being filled with the Holy S
Joshua Daniel Young People Who Walk in the Will of God Make History by Joshua Daniel Joshua Daniel preaches about the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His plans through individuals who obediently follow His Word, like Mary, Elisabeth, Joseph, and Zacharias. These
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 30): Suffering in God's Will and Out by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of identifying and understanding adversities in order to better bear them. He emphasizes that humans are naturally afraid of
David Wilkerson Holy Ground by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it
Corrie Ten Boom Corrie Ten Boom, on Tribulation and Persecution by Corrie Ten Boom This sermon by Corrie ten Boom emphasizes the role of Christians as overcomers and ambassadors for Christ in a world filled with tribulation and persecution. It highlights the impo
T. Austin-Sparks The Cross and Eternal Glory - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of glory in the foundation of the Christian faith. The New Testament reveals that glory is a central and governing factor in t
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