The Bible In A Year 
1 Samuel – 2 Kings
Week 5 of 8
Readings for the Week
October 15-20, 2018
Theme of the week: The Northern kingdom creates a pattern of unfaithfulness to God
- Monday-I Kings chapter 22, 2 Kings chapters 1 & 2
- Tuesday- 2 Kings chapters 3, 4 & 5
- Wednesday- 2 Kings chapters 6, 7 & 8
- Thursday- 2 Kings chapters 9, 10 & 11
- Friday- 2 Kings chapters 12, 13 & 14, The entire book of Obadiah
- Saturday- Hosea chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4
The Bible In A Year
1 Samuel – 2 Kings
Week 5 of 8
A Framework for Understanding
Elisha
Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-Meholah, became the attendant and primary disciple of Elijah. When Elijah was “taken up in a whirlwind,” Elisha became the “prophet of Israel” for 60 years.
The Bible records that prior to Elijah’s “departure” Elisha had requested to receive a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit. This request follows the custom of the day for the eldest son to inherit a double portion of the father’s property. In the request, then, Elisha is asking to Elijah to designate him as the successor.
According to the biblical account, as Elijah was taken up his mantel fell to the earth and was taken up by Elisha, giving legitimacy to Elisha’s assumption of the role of prophet.
Elisha’s work with Elijah began before the death of Ahab. In the sixty years in which he was Israel’s prophet his work was characterized by working wonders and delivering divine predictions.
At his death, he remains a man of power! According to 2 Kings 13:20-21, just to touch his dead remains still can revive the dead! His dead body was venerated, the remains becoming “holy relics.” Still today, the relics of the prophet Elisha are claimed to be among the possessions of the Coptic Orthodox Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great in Scetes, Egypt.
Elisha is recognized as a prophet in Judaism and in Islam. In some Christian denominations he is also honored as a saint.