When the LORD -- Elijah had a specially protected life;
he was wholly under divine control; true also of the
antitypical Elijah class. R3415:3
Would take up -- A parallel to the taking away of the last
members of Christ. R5845:2
Elijah -- Type of the true Church in the flesh. B256;
R557:3, R4757:2, R5771:3; Q305:2
John the Baptist, as the forerunner of Jesus in the flesh,
typified the greater Elijah. R4757:3; B250; R557:1
Into heaven -- Into the air; "No man hath ascended up to
heaven." (John 3:13) R3378:4, R558:5, R3417:4, R5772:3,
R4757:1; Q259:4
By a whirlwind -- Uniformly used in the Scriptures to
represent great confusion and strife. R4757:6
A symbol of trouble; fiery trials. B260; R5773:1, 4,
R2341:6
Severe persecutions, ecclesiastical commotions. R3417:2,3
Anarchy. R5845:6, R5867:4
Elijah went -- His closing experiences parallel the closing
experiences of the last members of the Christ Body in the
flesh. R5845:1; B255, B256; R557:2, 3
With Elisha -- Possibly a picture of the Great Company.
R5771:6, R4757:5, R3429:2, R3417:1, R1132:1, R558:2
He may typify two classes: those who now are associated
with the Elijah class, and those in whose charge will be the
dispensing of restitution blessings. R5780:1, R3429:2,3,
R3417:2; Q260:3, Q305:2
We may not be quite so sure that Elisha represented a
secondary class of God's people, a great company. R5771:6,
R4757:5, R4758:2; Q260:3, Q259:2
Gilgal -- Gilgal means "rolling away the reproach." (Josh.
5:9) HG70:1
Elijah's movements from leaving Gilgal to crossing Jordan
have their exact parallels under the midnight cry movement.
HG69:6
Site of a "school of the prophets." R3416:1
Would seem to represent the beginning of the harvest
time--October, 1874. R5772:4, R5845:2
Tarry here -- The stopping places foreshadowed various
points in the time proofs where it was thought that the
translation of the saints might be due. R558:1
Implying that Elisha was discouraged and had lost faith in the
journey; but they went on. R5772:4
Representing the trials and difficulties in the pathway of the
Church, a sifting or separating work. R4757:5, R558:1;
Q305:2; R1132:3
October 1874 (Gilgal) was looked forward to as the possible
time when the Church would be completed. Some measure of
disappointment was felt when expectations were not realized.
R5772:5
Beth-el -- Where Jacob's ladder stood, receiving its name
in consequence of that vision. HG70:2
The Spring of 1878 corresponded to Bethel, a parallel to the
Lord's assuming his kingly office in the end of the Jewish age.
R5772:5, R5845:2
I will not leave thee -- He understood that the degree of
his blessing would depend upon the closeness of his company
with Elijah. R2341:4
A blessing came to all those who received their
disappointment in the proper spirit and went on. R5772:5
If Elisha typifies the Great Company this would prove no
outward separation between the Church and the Great
Company. Q305:2
Those who are sifted out by the way will be neither of the
Elijah nor of the Elisha classes. R2431:4
Elisha represents a persevering and faithful company. R558:1
Sons of the prophets -- Schools of the prophets, gatherings
of young men desirous of studying the Law and appreciating
the divine will. R3415:1, R3416:1, R2341:1
Apparently these schools were started in the time of Samuel
as "summer schools," not a monastic order. R3430:3
If types, they would seem to represent a third class,
acquainted with Elijah and Elisha, yet not particularly
associated with them. R5772:1; Q666:2,4 The theologians of
that day. B266
Now, as then, some come together as schools for the study of
prophecy; and now, as then, these schools are on the increase.
R2341:2
That were at Beth-el -- Exercising a wholesome influence
for righteousness and the worship of God, the operation of the
"still small voice." (1 Kings 19:12) R2341:1
Said unto him -- In confidential whispers. R3416:2
Tarry here -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:2.
Although not promises, it was not unreasonable to think of the
Scripturally-marked date of Spring, 1878 as the time for the
Church's glorification. R5772:5
Came to Jericho -- Which means "his month," or "moon."
HG70:2
Corresponded to 1881, parallel to the door being opened to
the Gentiles. R5772:5, R5845:2
Tarry, I pray thee -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:2.
We assumed that 1881 might mean a change of dispensation
and the glorification of the Church; but we were mistaken and
went on. R5772:5
Sent me to Jordan -- Which is judgment. HG70:4
The word Jordan has the significance of "judged down"; thus
would seem to represent the peoples of earth, judged by the
truth. R5846:2
To the Royal Priesthood, Jordan represents consecration unto
death. R3087:1
Corresponding to October 1914, the close of the Times of the
Gentiles. R5772:5, R5845:2
Fifty ... sons of the prophets -- While refraining from
following, they were deeply interested, and witnessed what
transpired. R3416:3
They two stood by Jordan -- At very nearly the same
point the Lord wrought through Joshua the miraculous
crossing of the Israelites. The steep hillside beyond Jordan
was quite possibly Mt. Nebo, where Moses died. (Deut.
32:49, 50) R3416:3, R3429:2
So the Lord's people have been standing for some time since
1914. R5845:3; Q387:2
Elijah took his mantle -- An outward indication, or sign,
of God's power with Elijah; representing God's power and
blessing with the Church. R5846:4, R5950:2; Q387:2
Wrapped it together -- Concentration of forces for the
smiting. R5950:2
Evidently referring to some special power given to the Elijah
class. Q387:2
It may mean a great deal of money. Q387:2
And smote the waters -- In Bible symbolic language,
water represents both truth and peoples. R5846:2
Pictures a mighty work yet to be accomplished, and
apparently in the very near future. R5950:2
As Elijah did the smiting, so all those who belong to the
Elijah class will have a share in it. R5988:4
The Church will use what is in their hand, the power and
authority of the truth, the power of God, in smiting the
waters, peoples, who will be judged by the truth. R5846:2,4
The smiting will probably affect the whole civilized world.
Q387:2
Apparently the consuming of the tares will correspond very
closely with the division of Jordan. The smiting will reveal
the truth in respect to what is the real Church of Christ and
what are imitations. R5951:4
They were divided -- People are to be separated from
people, the truth being received by some and rejected by
others. R5846:2, R5950:2
The division of the waters may require either years or months.
R5888:4
Elisha -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:1.
I pray thee -- Elisha's special desire, above all things, was
to have a large measure of the spirit of the Lord. R2431:5
A double portion -- Not twice as much as Elijah
possessed, but twice as much as given to any other. R3416:4,
R3428:6
The portion of the first-born. R4771:1
Of thy spirit -- Energy, force, power to teach. R558:2
An extra share of his spirit of consecration and power.
R1132:4
A hard thing -- It will be a very difficult matter, even for
those expecting the event, to recognize the change of the
Elijah class. R558:2
If thou see me -- If you continue steadfast and follow on,
and are not separated by the trials by the way. Q305:2;
R5772:6, R3417:2, R2341:5
Only in proportion as they discern the completion of the
Elijah class will they become recipients of a large measure of
Elijah's spirit and zeal. R3416:5
Only such as recognize the change of the Elijah class can fill
the teaching position. R558:3
When I am taken -- To some the thought of being taken
away from the present life suddenly, violently, in fiery
troubles, would be a terrible prospect; not so for the Elijah
class. R5773:4
It shall be so -- After the Elijah class has been glorified,
the Elisha class will be energized by the change of
dispensation and evidences of the fulfilling of the divine plan,
to be practically as devoted and zealous as the Elijah class.
R3416:6
They still went on -- Not that they are necessarily
personally acquainted in the antitype, but they walk the same
road. R1132:2
Not disconcerted, Bible Students, since 1914, are going on,
not headed for any particular date, even as Elijah was not
directed to go to any other place. R5772:6
And talked -- In sympathy and interest, friendship
profitable and encouraging to both. R1132:3
A chariot -- The Elijah class caught up in power and great
glory; the spiritual exaltation of the Church. B254; R968:5,
R2341:5, R5845:5, R2341:5; B260
A figure of victory and glorious escape from the whirlwind of
trouble. B260
Ours is the real deliverance by chariots of victory and divine
power from death. R3429:1
Of fire -- May signify that the last members of the Church
will be separated under very trying circumstances, fiery trials,
persecutions, violence. R2341:5, R3417:2, R5569:5,
R5772:6, R5845:5, R5950:2; Q259:4
Horses of fire -- Spiritual doctrines. R1132:6
And parted them both -- Separating the Elijah and the
Elisha classes, the Little Flock and the Great Company.
R5845:3, R5950:2, R4757:6, R5773:1
Already (1889) the fiery chariot begins to separate the classes.
R1132:2
Elijah went up -- The close of the Church's career in the
flesh will come suddenly, abruptly. R4757:6
We expect that the Church, the antitypical Elijah, will all
have passed beyond the veil before the anarchy predicted in
the Bible. R5794:5
The transfiguration of Elijah was a picture, or vision, of the
change of the Church at the end of this age. Q259:4
By a whirlwind -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:1.
Many of the Lord's people will be taken from the present life
in some anarchistic movement. R5845:6, R5773:1,
R5950:3, R5867:4, R2341:6; Q259:4
Fierce trouble, agitating the heavens or ecclesiastical powers.
R3417:3
And not by the chariots. R3417:2, R1132:4
Further trouble to the chariot experience. R5773:1
Into heaven -- No doubt buried somewhere by the Lord, as
Moses was buried secretly. R2342:4
Possibly to some other world, to return in due time to impress
certain lessons on mankind. R3417:4
If still alive, still under the death sentence, not escaped from
the bondage of corruption. R3417:5
See comments on 2 Kings 2:1.
Elisha -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:1.
Saw it -- Holding back from the persecution, but not
drawing back to sin, or to a repudiation of the Lord. R5950:3
Rent them in two pieces -- An act, in that day, symbolic
of grief, sorrow and mourning. R3429:2
He took up also -- Representing that Elisha had become
Elijah's successor, to receive a special blessing of the Elijah
spirit. R5771:6; B265
Continuing for a while the work that Elijah had been doing.
R3416:6, R5771:6
The mantle -- The power and spirit of fuller consecration.
R1132:5
Elijah's mantle of power and authority as the Lord's
representative (See 2 Kings 2:8). R5780:1; Q260:3,
Q305:2
The receiving by Elisha of power seems to correspond to the
"foolish virgins" getting their oil. (Matt. 25) R3416:6
Elijah -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:1.
Smote the waters -- The Elisha class passes through death
in much the same way as the Elijah class does. Q260:3,
Q305:2; R3417:1
Where is the LORD God of Elijah? -- That is to say, Is
not the Lord God of Elijah with me? Showing faith that the
same power of God exercised through Elijah would be
exercised through him. R2341:6
Elisha -- Our thought is that he typified two classes: first
that he typified those associated with the Elijah class (the
Great Company); and that after the taking of Elijah and
re-crossing the Jordan (picturing the death of the Great
Company) he became a type of those associated with the
dispensing of restitution blessings (the Ancient Worthies).
R5780:1, R4758:2; Q305:2; R3429:3, R3417:1; Q260:3
Sons of the prophets -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:3.
Doth rest on Elisha -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:1.
The meaning of the name Elisha is "mighty deliverer," and the
career of Elisha was one of restitution work. B266
Seek thy master -- Illustrating how the world will be as
ignorant of the glorification of the true Church as they were
of the glorification of its head at the commencement of the
age. R558:3
And they sought -- Certain classes of Christian people
may doubt that the Church has really gone to glory, but
afterwards they are thoroughly convinced. R5772:1,
R3429:4
Three days -- May be symbolic, representing three years.
R5772:1, R3429:4
Tarried at Jericho -- The word "Jericho" signifies "His
moon" or "month." There is a hint in this that Jericho typifies
fleshly Israel, which will be the first to recognize the Elisha
class, the Ancient Worthies. R3429:5
The water is naught -- Brackish, representing impure
doctrines. R5780:2; B266; R4758:4
A new cruse -- Representing the new institutions, new
conditions, new views of the Jews respecting Christ and the
glorified spiritual Israel. R3429:6
Put salt therein -- "Ye are the salt of the earth." (Matt.
5:13) R3429:6
Unto the spring -- Representing the Word of God. B266
Representing the Law. R3429:5
Of the waters -- Representing the waters of truth, now
brackish with error. B266, R4758:4, R5780:2, R2345:3
And cast the salt -- The purifying property of salt is here
referred to. R2099:2
"Ye are the salt of the earth." (Matt. 5:13) It will be in and
through the glorified salt of the earth that the blessing will
come, the streams of truth for human refreshment. R5780:2,
R4758:4
The Law was in itself just, perfect, good, yet it lacked
something necessary to make it a blessing to Israel--the work
of Christ fulfilling the Law and removing its condemnation.
R3429:5
Healed these waters -- Cleansing from untruth and error,
by the glorified Church, through the Ancient Worthies, to the
world, through the Jews. This is also what St. Paul calls to
our attention in Rom. 11:25-33. R4758:4, R5780:2
Little children -- Not babies, but young hoodlums, from
10 to 20 years of age. R4758:2, R5780:2, R3429:6
Out of the city -- Indicating that amongst natural Israel
will be some who will not appreciate the healing work done
by the Elisha class. R3429:6
These will disregard the instructions of the earthly
representatives of the Kingdom. R3429:6
Go up -- Your master, Elijah, went up to heaven in a
whirlwind. Why do not you go also? R4758:1
Thou bald head -- You are a bald head, or one who has
lost his master. R4758:1
A particularly opprobrious epithet in those days. R3429:6
Failing to render a proper appreciation of the dignity of the
office of the Ancient Worthies as chosen agents of the
heavenly Kingdom. R3430:1
Cursed -- Declared them "evil in the name of Jehovah"
(Young's translation). R3429:6
He did not swear at them, but denounced their conduct as
wrong and declared that it would have a punishment.
R5780:2, R4758:1
And tare -- Tore them, wounded them; there is no
suggestion that the bears ate them or killed them. R5780:2,
R4758:2
"When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the
world will learn righteousness." (Isa. 26:9) R5780:3,
R3430:1
So there will be judgments in the world during the
Millennium; punishments for every wrong course, rewards for
every right deed. R5780:3, R3429:6, R4758:5
A certain woman -- Josephus claims that this woman was
the widow of Obadiah. R3430:6
Of the wives -- Indicating that the school of the prophets
was not a monastic order. R3430:3
Sons of the prophets -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:3.
Unto Elisha -- Her cry to the prophet of the Lord was a cry
to the Lord himself. R3431:3
Fear the LORD -- That is, he reverenced, worshipped and
sought to serve the Lord. R3430:6
To be bondmen -- According to the terms of the law her
sons must serve the creditor until the debt was paid or until
the Jubilee year. R2345:3
Represents how the whole world of Adam's family was sold
under sin and obligated to pay the wages of sin, death.
R3430:3
Elisha -- Elisha may also typify the Ancient Worthies
(See 2 Kings 2:14). R5780:1, R4758:2; B265; R3417:2
What shall I do -- Showing the Lord's willingness to help
us to pay our honest debts; and our responsibility to pay them.
R2345:5
What hast thou -- During the Millennium the Lord will
bless what people may have according to their faith. R5780:4
We should look to see what we have in our possession.
R5419:3, R5780:4
God can use our humblest talent to his praise. R5419:2
Hath not any thing -- The woman did not appeal for
divine aid until she was in extremities, and neither should we.
R3431:3
A pot of oil -- God is pleased to bless the use of things
which we have rather than to send us other things. R2345:5
Olive oil was used for light, cooking, and as butter in those
days; a household necessity and an article of ready sale.
R3431:2
The Lord used what she had on hand. R5419:4
Olive oil is used in the Scriptures as a symbol of the holy
Spirit. R3431:4
Even empty vessels -- It is for us to see that we are
emptied vessels; empty that he may fill us with his Spirit.
R3431:5
Borrow not a few -- Her faith was tested and developed by
the prophet's requirement that she and her sons should
cooperate in the borrowing of vessels. R3431:4, R2345:5
The fact that she was able to borrow from her neighbors
implies a good reputation. R3431:2
She poured out -- Reminding us that during the Millennial
age his Spirit shall be poured upon all flesh. (Joel 2:28)
R3431:4, R558:4
A beautiful picture of restitution blessings. R4758:5,
R2345:5
Thus, as we acknowledge divine mercies and render thanks,
the blessing is only increased. F687
The vessels were full -- Illustrating the blessed rewards of
faith that the Lord will grant during the Millennium. R5780:4
Representing how the antitypical Elisha will help the poor to
secure the oil of joy for the spirit of heaviness in the
Millennium. B266
Every vessel fitted for its reception shall be filled with the
Spirit to its full. R3431:4, R558:4
Pay thy debt -- Justice was not to be violated. R5780:4,
R2345:5
A great woman -- Evidently widely known as a good and
wise woman, and probably possessed of a large estate.
R3431:3, R2345:6
The kind of greatness, too, which recognizes goodness and
reverences the Lord and those who are his. R2345:6
Unto her husband -- Manifesting a commendable wifely
deference to his wishes. R2346:1
A little chamber -- Every home, if possible, should have
such a guest chamber for the Lord's servants. R2346:1,
R3432:1
Present day arrangements for public hotels are calculated to
hinder the development of the spirit of hospitality. R3432:1
What is to be done -- Those who accept the favors of
others and lack the desire to do as much in return are lacking
the Lord's spirit. R2346:2
The woman conceived -- The miraculous interposition of
divine power quickening the dormant and inoperative forces.
R560:6*
To the man of God -- Her faith in the prophet corresponds
very well to our faith in the Lord Jesus. R3432:4
It is well -- Avoiding the questions of Elisha's servant.
R3432:3
An answer of faith having full confidence in the power of
God, through the prophet, to awaken her son from the dead.
R2346:2
Hid it from me -- It was not by any power that the prophet
himself possessed that he had any special knowledge, but by
revelations from the Lord. R2349:6
Take my staff -- Much after the same style that the
Apostle Paul sent napkins and handkerchiefs to the sick.
R3432:3
I will not leave thee -- Possibly realizing that the servant
was not such a man as his master. R3432:3
Then he returned -- The Lord is pleased to exercise his
power, either slowly or quickly, according to circumstances
and conditions. R2346:5
Walked ... to and fro -- Apparently the prophet was
perplexed by this case. R2346:4
Child opened his eyes -- This restoration of life was a
foreshadowing of the great Times of Restitution. HG336:1
Picturing coming restitution work of the Millennium, when all
the sleeping dead will be awakened. R5781:2; B266;
R4758:5
Was merely awakened, not "resurrected," not "raised to life
again." F703, F704; R2346:5
There was a dearth -- Representing a lack of spiritual
food. B266
Sons of the prophets -- Representing theologians. B266;
R558:4.
See comments on 2 Kings 2:3.
Death in the pot -- Deadly doctrines, error and
superstition, combined with Satan's great falsehood.
R4758:4, R558:4
This will be effectually offset by the blessings of the Lord
through his glorified Kingdom. R4758:4
That they may eat -- May represent a healing of the food
of theologians by the putting of an antidote into their
poisonous mess. R558:4
And they did eat -- Representing that spiritual food shall
be made wholesome and plentiful. B266; R558:4
The LORD had given -- Naaman's victory is credited to
Jehovah, who did interfere with the affairs of outside nations
to some extent. R3438:2
Deliverance unto Syria -- To Syria and Israel, in
combination against Shalmaneser II. R3438:2
He was a leper -- Leprosy corresponds to sin: it is
incurable, loathsome, contagious, destructive, painless.
R4769:1, R3439:3, R2347:2
A figure of sin, incurable, except by divine miracle. R5780:4
She said unto her mistress -- So all those who know of a
divine power and arrangement for the healing of sinners may
tell the good tidings, even to their enemies. R4769:1
Leprosy -- See comments on 2 Kings 5:1.
Rent his clothes -- In indication of his great distress.
R5780:5, R3438:6, R2347:1
Am I God -- The king of Israel was an idolater. He
probably had no dealings with, and scarcely any knowledge
of, Elisha. R3438:6
Leprosy -- See comments on 2 Kings 5:1.
And Elisha -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:14.
Sent a messenger -- We feel sure that it would not be the
Lord's will that we as his followers should duplicate or copy
Elisha's manner, but should render honor to those to whom
honor is due. R3439:1
Elisha's course declared, "I am greater than you, because
while you are the servant of the king of Syria, I am a servant
of the King of kings." R3439:2
Wash in Jordan -- See comments on 2 Kings 2:6.
The antitypical Jordan, "the fountain filled with blood, drawn
from Immanuel's veins." R2347:6, R4769:1
Seven times -- A complete cleansing, washing. R4769:1,
R3439:4, R2347:6
Our belief, obedience and baptism unto death must be perfect
or complete, otherwise there is no remission of sins. R3439:4
Signifying that half-hearted consecration and obedience are
not what the Lord is pleased to honor and bless. R3439:5
But Naaman was wroth -- He expected great
consideration for his rank. R4768:6, R2347:1, R3439:1,
R5780:5
Are not Abana -- No doubt the modern river Barrada; it
has the clearest waters possible. R3439:2
May I not wash in them -- There are various theories,
philosophies and many suggestions as to how sin can be
gotten rid of. R3439:4
His servants came near -- In a moderate and wise manner,
and offered him some good advice. R2347:2, R4768:6
When someone comes to the place of being ready to obey the
Lord's voice, to be rid of his load of sin, it not infrequently is
the result of good counsel on the part of his Christian friends.
R2347:6
Then went he down -- Although fearful that no good
would come from the washing and that he would be the
laughing stock of all. R4768:6
Others may help to impress the lesson; yet no recovery from
sin can be made except as the individual himself follows the
divine prescription. R4769:1
Seven times -- See comments on 2 Kings 5:10.
And he was clean -- As only divine power could heal the
leper, only the same can heal the sinner. R4769:1
Foreshadows the restitution work. B266
And he returned -- Retraced his journey nearly forty
miles to thank the prophet and to bestow gifts. R4769:2
Gratitude is one of the most worthy sentiments of the human
mind. R4769:2
Demonstrating that the Lord's blessing of healing was
conferred upon a man of naturally noble traits. R3439:5,
R2348:2
Take a blessing -- A present. R2348:2
The truly great take pleasure in being just and generous.
R3439:6
His gifts were consecrated beforehand and so, after receiving
the blessing, to have withheld any part
would have proven him unworthy; so with our consecration.
R3440:1
I will receive none -- Thus showing that Naaman's healing
was a favor, and not in exchange for the expensive presents
he brought. R3439:2, R2348:4
The gifts of God's grace are not to be bartered for earthly
good things. R4769:4, R5780:6
While it is not wrong for servants of the Lord to receive
compensation, yet the Lord is more glorified if they do not.
R3440:2
How much to the Lord's glory if all of God's people would
emulate Elisha in this respect. R4769:4, R3440:2, R2348:4
Burden of earth -- Enough of the consecrated soil of
Palestine for the building of an altar to the Lord. R3440:2,
R2348:5
Pardon thy servant -- Since Naaman was not an Israelite
but a stranger to the covenant and promises of Israel, less
would be required of him. R3440:3, R2348:6
My master -- The king of Syria. R3440:2
Go In peace -- Elisha's answer was, in substance, that if
the General made full profession of faith in the true God it
would not be improper for him to accompany his master to
the house of the false god, for his adherence to Jehovah God
would be recognized. R5781:1
But Gehazi -- Elisha's servant had a different spirit and
determined to get something by a process of graft." R4769:4,
R5781:3, R3440:5, R2349:2
Covetousness leads to various other sins. Nearly every crime
is more or less traceable to it. R2349:2,4
There are some today in daily contact with the truth who do
not partake of its spirit and in whom selfishness is the ruling
passion. R3440:5
Leprosy . . . of Naaman -- With knowledge came
responsibility; hence, the severe punishment inflicted upon
him for hypocrisy and deception. R5781:2
But Elisha, the prophet -- Apparently the knowledge of
Jehovah and Elisha had spread from General Naaman to some
of the household of the king. R5781:4
Telleth the king -- Probably angels were the divine
instrumentality in informing Elisha of the things proper to be
told the king of Israel for his protection. R2349:3
Go and spy where he is -- The king was not wise in his
determination, not realizing that the prophet would be
informed by the wisdom of God. R3440:6
The servant -- Not Gehazi, but another more worthy.
R2349:6
Was risen early -- Elisha doubtless understood in
advance, but did not flee. R3441:1
Open his eyes -- The spiritual body, though shining
"above the brightness of the firmament," cannot be seen by
mortals without a special revelation. HG28:6
That he may see -- Angels can be, and frequently are,
present, yet invisible. A182
Giving to his eyes of understanding a proper conception of
the divine power present with the prophet. R3441:2,
R5781:5
A prayer doubtless intended of the Lord as a lesson for his
people down through the ages. R3441:1
And he saw -- A vision, an active parable, a picture similar
to the symbolic pictures of Revelation. R3441:2, R5781:5
Horses and chariots -- Illustrative of the divine power and
protection. R3441:2
Of fire -- Like fire, as all spirit beings are described in
Scripture. R2350:1
Round about Elisha -- The Father has numberless
messengers to care for the interests of his cause on earth,
ministering especially unto the very elect. (Psa. 34:7; Matt.
18:10) R3441:3, R5781:5, R4769:3, R2350:1
God's omnipotent power, like a mighty army, completely
surrounds those who are his. R5781:5, R4769:3
The Christian is enabled, through faith, to see the armies of
the Lord encamped about him without a miracle being
performed on his natural sight. R2350:1
With blindness -- Not total blindness, but bewilderment or
hallucination similar to that produced by hypnotism; the eyes
of their understanding being closed. R5781:6, R4769:6,
R3441:5, R2350:4
Neither Is this the city -- True, for Dothan was not
Elisha's city; his house was in Samaria, where he took them
and brought them to the man they sought--himself. R2350:5
Shall I smite them? -- Israel's kings were learning
gradually that the will of the Lord was to be considered.
R2350:5
Set bread and water -- "If thine enemy hunger, feed him;
if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap
coals of fire on his head." (Rom. 12:20) R3441:6
How many enemies could be won by kind treatment, who
would be made bitter by even just treatment. R4770:1
Came no more -- The best victories are the bloodless ones;
where the spirit of righteousness, mercy and benevolence are
victorious over the spirit of rivalry, ambition and selfishness.
R2350:6
King appointed unto her -- A secondary reward for her
hospitality and faith. R3432:5
He reigned eight years -- Usher's chronology incorrectly
makes this period only four years. B52
A confirmation rather than a source of doubt. R4601:4*
Way of the kings of Israel -- Baalism extended from the
court of Israel to the court of Judah. R3446:3
Two and twenty years old -- 42 years, according to
2 Chron. 22:2. HG105:2
The house of Ahab -- Representing civil power, the
Roman empire. B256; R4741:1; Dii; OV268:3
Jezebel -- Symbolizing corrupt church system, the great
harlot, Babylon. (Rev. 2:20) R4741:1, R2341:2; B256;
Dii; OV268:3
Went to Jezreel -- In the plain of Esdraelon, near the hill
of Megiddo (Armageddon). Di
Whoredoms of thy mother -- Jezebel is the type of the
Papal church, the mother of abominations. R389:2*
Jehu -- He served as the sword of the Lord to execute
retribution upon Ahab and Jezebel. R3446:6; B266
Jezebel -- See comments on 2 Kings 9:10.
Throw her down -- Foreshadowing the final overthrow of
the system represented by her. B266
Ahab -- See comments on 2 Kings 9:9.
Jehu destroyed Baal -- When the systems typified by
Ahab and Jezebel, and all who unite with them against God,
shall be fully and finally overthrown. B266
Athaliah -- Daughter of Jezebel. R3446:6, R4776:3
Seed royal -- She caused all her grandsons to be put to
death. R3446:6, R4777:1
Jehosheba -- Daughter of Athaliah, but wife of the High
Priest and under his influence. R3446:6
In the bed chamber -- A room used for the storage of
sleeping mats. R4777:1
Because of Baal worship the rooms of the priests, in
connection with the temple of Jehovah, were generally
neglected and were a safe place to rear the young king.
R2366:3
Athaliah did reign -- As Queen Dowager, she was the
highest authority in the kingdom. R4776:3
Jehoida sent -- With great wisdom he called together the
chiefs of the nation at a festival time, when their coming
would not be thought strange. R4777:4
The testimony -- On top of the crown was laid the
testimony, the parchment scroll of the Ten Commandments,
indicating that the divine law was superior to the crown.
R4777:5
Treason, Treason -- Injustice sometimes becomes
entrenched and fortified in human minds, so that an attempt to
establish righteousness is considered treason. R4777:5
And forty years -- Which Usher incorrectly reckons as
thirty-nine. B52
High places were not taken -- The influence of the
idolatry of surrounding nations was still upon them. R4777:3
Passeth the account -- A poll tax. R3447:6
Is set at -- Possibly the tithes, one-tenth of all the profits of
the year. R3447:6
Heart to bring -- Voluntary donations above those
required under the Law. R3447:6
Repair the breaches -- The Temple had long been in
disuse, and stones from it may have been used for the temple
of Baal. R3448:1
The spiritual Temple has become seriously deranged during
the long period of the Dark Ages. R3448:2, R4778:2,
R2367:4
As Christians we are individually the temples of God (1 Cor.
3:16, 17), and must not only keep as undefiled as possible in
thought, word and act, but also take reasonable care of our
physical bodies. R2367:2
Priests had not -- The Reformation promised great things
in the way of repairs needed in the spiritual Temple, but the
Protestant clergy have used the means and opportunities for
personal advantage. R3448:2, R2367:4
The other priests -- Representing the Protestant clergy
(See 2 Kings 12:6). R3448:2
Said unto them -- The king passed over the matter of the
lack of repairs as lightly as possible, without charging the
priests with embezzlement or neglect. R4777:3
Breaches of the house -- See comments on 2 Kings 12:5
Receive no more money -- Voluntary offerings are
approved rather than those that are importuned, coaxed
begged, wheedled from saints and sinners. R4777:6
Repair the breaches -- See comments on 2 Kings 12:5.
But Jehoida -- Representing our High Priest, the Lord
Jesus. R3448:2
A hole In the lid -- A money chest with slotted top for
voluntary contributions, convenient to worshippers passing in
and out. R4777:3,6, R3448:1
Now Elisha -- Elisha's remarkable history as a prophet and
representative of God in Israel continued for nearly 65 years.
R2354:2
And Joash -- Otherwise called Jehoash. R2354:2
Was evidently very humble and had come to realize that
Israel's trouble lay in neglecting Jehovah. R2354:3
Wept over his face -- Sorrowful that he now would no
longer have heavenly counsel; perhaps remorseful that he had
not sooner appreciated the privileges which he did enjoy.
R2354:3
Chariot ... horsemen -- May signify that he regarded
Elisha as a host in himself, as the chief defense of the nation.
R2354:3
The same words Elisha used of Elijah's taking (2 Kings 2:12).
Seems to intimate that the Elisha c1ass belongs to the
spiritually-begotten family. R558:5
Shalt smite the Syrians -- Jehoash having come to a right
attitude of mind, the Lord was pleased to release him and the
kings of Israel from Syrian subjection. R2354:3
And he smote thrice -- Whether through little faith or lack
of patriotism, he struck the arrows in a feeble way, and three
times only; not even asking how many times he should strike.
R2354:3
And stayed -- A lesson that whatever we do should be
done with our might. We should keep on smiting until our
enemy is vanquished. R2354:5
Was wroth with him -- Reasoning that if Jehoash had
been full of zeal and faith for delivering Israel he would have
been more energetic to strike the floor, representing Syria.
R2354:5
Till thou hadst consumed -- We have a spiritual conflict
against a wily foe, and we must smite energetically until
victory. R2354:5
The Moabites invaded -- As a further chastisement,
possibly because the faintheartedness of Jehoash became all
the more manifest after Elisha's death, and because he and
Israel did not serve the Lord with a whole heart. R2354:6
He revived -- God would remind Israel of his power and
his word, by reminding them of Elisha and his words.
R2354:6
Jonah ... of Gath-hepher -- In Galilee, thus contradicting
the Pharisees who said, "Out of Galilee ariseth no prophet."
(John 7:52) R3568:2*
Reigned sixteen years -- Which Usher incorrectly gives as
fifteen. B52
The king's entry -- A remarkable passageway leading
from the palace to the Temple. R2067:5
That were before him -- A rather doubtful compliment, of
being less evil than some of his predecessors. R4819:3
And carried Israel -- The ten tribes. R4819:3
The fall of the ten tribes of Israel pictures the fall of Papacy.
R2360:5
Statutes of the heathen -- Israel was quite willing to be
God's special people, but seemingly they did not wish to be
his peculiar people. R2359:1
Spiritual Israel must be "peculiar people" and not attempt to
please and copy the world. R2360:4
Did secretly -- Hypocritically, under the pretense that they
were doing this in the service of the true God. R2359:3
Corresponds with the tendency of many in Christendom today
of publicly showing an outward display in forms and
ceremonies, thinking they are increasing in godliness.
R2359:4
Images and groves -- As natural Israel had its groves and
totem-posts, so many spiritual Israelites have their various
creeds. R3464:6
They served idols -- Idols today are popularity, wealth,
fame, self, denomination. R2359:5, R3464:6
Keep my commandments -- Israel's prosperity or defeat
indicated the Lord's favor or disfavor, in a manner not
applicable to other nations. R4820:1
Hardened their necks -- A figure of speech drawn from
the stiffness of neck of a yoke of unruly bullocks. R3464:1
Symbolizing a self-willed and rebellious attitude of heart.
R4820:2, R3464:1
Rejected his statutes -- Israel rejected God's Law, God's
word; lost faith in God's promises; lost sight of the result of
forsaking his counsel; followed foolishness, desiring to be not
peculiar but popular. R2360:2
This applies to antitypical nominal Israel of today. R2360:4
Went after the heathen -- The disposition to do like the
world is the seductive point at which the great Adversary
would switch us off from being the Lord's peculiar people.
Let us remember John 15:19. R2360:4
To pass through the fire -- The fire of Moloch, as
sacrifices. The modern Moloch is a god of everlasting
torture. R2360:1
We have today a Moloch on a much larger scale, the God-dishonoring
imaginations of a god red hot with the flames of
hell or purgatory. R3464:6
Divination and enchantments -- God's Word warns us
against having anything to do with occult powers. R5800:2
They held intercourse with the fallen angels. R2359:6
This same spirit of wilfulness and dissatisfaction with divine
arrangements is not lacking today. R2359:6
Sold themselves to do evil -- They became the slaves of
their passions and self-deceptions, misled of the evil spirits.
R3464:1, R2359:6
With Israel -- These other nations were not specially
chastised for idolatry as was Israel. R3463:6
Removed them -- Israel's overthrow was a judgment from
the Lord. R4820:1
It was God's abandonment of the ten-tribe kingdom, his
permission for them to have their way and henceforth to be
treated of him as the heathen. R3463:6
An entire alienation from God. R3464:1
The greater religious faith and zeal was always to be found in
Judah, and gradually many of the more religious in Ephraim
(the ten-tribe kingdom) removed to Judah. R3464:2,
R4819:3
Tribe of Judah only -- There are analogies in spiritual
Israel: the great "falling away" from the faith; the captivity to
Papacy and the world (Babylon); the "Reformation," and the
separation of "Israelites indeed." R3464:5
The fall of the ten tribes of Israel reminds us of the fall of
Papacy for similar reasons. R2360:5
All the seed of Israel -- The Israelites were destroyed as a
nation; but God's favor will return to the twelve tribes, and
their regathering will be the first blessing to humanity under
Messiah's reign. R4820:4
Removed Israel -- See comments on 2 Kings 17:18.
So was Israel carried away -- Whoever of them
maintained faith in God and observed circumcision
maintained his membership as an Israelite. Others ceased
entirely to be Israelites. R4819:6, R3464:4
To Assyria -- They gradually assimilated with the
population surrounding them and lost identity as Israelites.
R3463:6
Place them in ... Samaria -- Thus the Samaritans of Jesus'
day were Gentiles who had been transported to Samaria.
R2574:1
Let him teach them -- Thus the Samaritan Gentiles
obtained a smattering of knowledge of Jewish hopes,
combining them with false ideas of their own. R2574:1
Feared the LORD -- Comprehended through the light of
nature; but not justified thereby. R1030:2*
Did that which was right -- The fact that so good a son
could come from so evil a father is an evidence that under
divine providence it is not necessary that we should inherit all
the evil traits of our ancestors. R2379:2
The secret of the difference between the father and the son
was a godly mother. R3462:3
His faithfulness formed the basis for his later prayer for an
extension of life. R3588:4
Removed the high places -- He began in the first month of
his reign to inaugurate reforms; the restoration of the worship
of Jehovah as divinely appointed. (2 Chron 29:3) R2379:3,5
The antitypical cleansing of the Lord's Temple, his
Church, is still in progress. R3463:4
None like him -- Hezekiah was reckoned in the Lord's
sight as one of the three most acceptable kings--David and
Josiah being the other two. R3462:3
He rebelled against -- By joining the confederacy of
Egyptians, Philistines and Sidonians, contrary to the Lord's
admonition through (Isa 8:12), this error was allowed to work
out a serious penalty. R4832:3
Not hear . . . nor do them -- If reproofs do not have a
corrective influence they will have the opposite effect--the
sinner will be the more obstinate and opposed to God.
R4820:2
To Lachish -- The siege and capture of Lachish is amply
illustrated on the walls of the palaces in Nineveh, with full
particulars given. R2382:5, R520:3*
That which thou puttest -- Hezekiah's first move was to
placate his adversary by becoming his vassal and paying
annual tribute, wherein he greatly erred. R2381:3
All the silver -- Spiritual Israelites may be disposed to do
as Hezekiah, purchase peace with things consecrated to the
Lord--to compromise the truth, to subtract from the time,
influence, means, etc., consecrated to the Lord. R2381:6
If the Lord's consecrated people do this, he will permit to
come upon them the very difficulties they dread and seek to
avert by unholy compromise. R2381:6
Against Jerusalem -- Sennacherib rued his agreement and
violated it. R4832:6
This attack was permitted as a consequence of Hezekiah's
failure to recognize Jehovah at once as the almighty ruler and
preserver of his people. R2381:3
To Isaiah -- Hezekiah's friend, advisor and supposed tutor
in earlier years. R2381:3
I will send a blast -- Smiting of the angel of the Lord.
(See 2 Kings 19:35) R2382:2
Some have supposed a simoon, or sandstorm, not uncommon
in the Arabian desert. R2382:1
Fall by the sword -- Sennacherib was assassinated by his
own sons. R2382:4
Between the cherubims -- Representing love and power,
above a foundation of justice represented by the Mercy Seat.
T125
Hook in thy nose ... bridle -- Representing the manner in
which bullocks and horses are controlled. R2381:5
This shall be a sign -- That the deliverance was not
temporary but permanent. R2382:4
Shall not come into -- Confirmed by the inscriptions on
the monuments unearthed in Sennacherib's palace in Nineveh.
R520:5*
Angel of the LORD -- Does not necessarily refer to an
angelic being, but signifies "messenger." God is able to use
winds or waves, lightnings or sandstorms, or pestilence, or
any other agency. R2382:2, R3582:5; PD41/52
Smote In the camp -- Would have been most horrible if
those smitten had gone to eternal torment instead of awaiting
a resurrection, secured by Christ's death. PD41/52
Jewish tradition ascribes the destruction to a pestilence.
R2382:2
Egyptian history ascribes Sennacherib's retreat to an invasion
of field mice which gnawed the quivers, bowstrings and
thongs of their shields. But mice, to the Egyptians, are a
figurative way of speaking of the plagues. R2382:2
Other incidents of divine providence similarly intervening to
protect those whom divine will did not want further injured
include the destruction of the Spanish Armada and the retreat
of Napoleon's army from Moscow. R2382:2
In those days -- Somewhere in the period of Hezekiah's
prosperity and consequent pride. R2382:6
731 BC, 125 years before the removal of the crown from
Zedekiah (606 BC); corresponding to the date of the French
Revolution, 1789 AD, from which Christendom recovered,
though it must have seemed to be a "sickness unto death";
which was 125 years before 1914, when Gentile crowns are
removed. R3574:1,2*
Was Hezeklah sick -- Penalty for his failure to render unto
the Lord according to his blessings. R2382:6
And prayed -- Isa. 38:9-22 records in poetic form
Hezekiah's resolves and is evidently the embodiment of his
previous prayer. R2382:6
And Isaiah said -- Isaiah did not pray with Hezekiah, nor
suggest prayer, but was surprised when sent back to inform
Hezekiah that he would recover. R2028:6
A lump of figs -- A poultice. Many who believe in faith
healing today would object to a fig poultice or any other
human instrumentality being used. R2029:1
Shall be the sign -- The Lord's people of the New Creation
should avoid putting the Lord to tests and signs. He desires
his people to walk by faith and not by sight. R3589:1
Brought the shadow -- Probably by means of conditions in the upper
atmosphere causing two parhelia or mock suns. R2383:1*, R3589:2; Q770:4
Ten degrees backward -- Professor Garbet declares that
he knew of an afternoon when, on sundials in Southern
England, there occurred exactly the same wonder. R2383:1,
R3589:4; Q770:4
Perhaps symbolically representing the ten years from the
French Revolution to the beginning of the Time of the End.
R3574:3*
Brought water -- This seems to shadow forth the founding
of the various Bible Societies at the beginning of the last
century. R3574:3*
Manasseh -- Isaiah, his supposed grandfather, having died
previously. R2386:3
Was twelve years old -- If properly reared, he should have
been considerably established in the ways of righteousness.
R3598:3
That which was evil -- Good men and loyal to the Lord
may be poor fathers as was Hezekiah in this case. R3598:2
The Lord's people have a serious responsibility to impress the
plastic minds of their children with the principles of
righteousness: "Train up a child in the way he should go."
(Prov. 22:6) R3598:2
With familiar spirits -- The fallen angels. R5800:1,
R1643:1, R2171:3, R2172:1; Q804:3
Shed innocent blood -- Probably in ignorance,
under the frenzied zeal of false religion. R2387:2
Josiah -- Meaning "Jehovah will support." R2390:2
Jedidah -- Meaning "the beloved of Jehovah." R2390:2
Adaiah -- Meaning "the honored of Jehovah." R2390:2
Repair the house -- After cleansing the land of idols, he
determined next to repair the Temple. R2390:5
So with the consecrated; after destroying the fleshly idols of
the heart comes usefulness and service to the Lord, in
building up the true temple. R2390:5
The book of the law -- Presumably the original copy of the
book of Deuteronomy, written by Moses' own hand. R2390:6
Corresponding to the Reformation movement of the 16th
century, leading to the finding and understanding of God's
law, the Bible. R2391:5
The reading of it awakened one of the greatest revivals in the
history of that nation. R4051:1
Rent his clothes -- An expression of dismay. The book's
delineations of the Law were so different from what had been
taught by the priests that the king was astonished. R2390:6
Realizing how far short Israel had come and noting the
punishments prescribed, he was greatly troubled. R2391:1
In olden times, this was a symbol of distress, perplexity or
fear. R3608:3
Unto Huldah -- For several reasons: (1) perhaps a woman,
especially one connected with the court, would give a softer
message; (2) Jeremiah and Zephaniah may have been away
from Jerusalem; (3) the king may have considered the above
two prophets too extreme; or (4) to obtain an outside
testimony since Jeremiah was the son of the High Priest and
Zephaniah his own cousin. R2391:2
The prophetess -- God, who is no respecter of persons,
requires faithfulness on the part of female as well as male
stewards in the use of all their talents. R1549:4
Evil upon this place -- It was too late for any national
reformation. So far as Christendom is concerned there is no
balm in Gilead that will help and recover her. R2391:4
Thine heart was tender -- An honest, believing heart,
realizing that the nation of Israel had committed the very sins
recorded in Deut. 28. R3608:3
Behold therefore -- Because of the splendid work of
reformation which the king had inaugurated. Q765:2
Thy grave in peace -- Conditioned on Josiah's faith and
obedience to the Lord. Q765:2
Made for Baal -- Or Bel, type of the god of Babylon, the
Pope. D40
Molech -- The valley of Hinnom (Greek, Gehenna) had
erected in it a brass figure of the god Moloch which, being
hollow, was heated intensely and then into its outstretched
arms were placed children offered in sacrifice. R3069:1
Today in Christendom we have a Moloch on a much larger
scale, a much worse representation of God--a god red hot
with the flames of hell or purgatory, with millions in his
embrace. R3464:6, R2360:1; PD41/52
And burned them -- Prophesied in 1 Kings 13:1-3.
R3607:3
Slew all the priests -- Violent opposition to idolatry was a
responsibility of every king in Israel; but spiritual Israelites
are not to war with carnal weapons. R3607:3
Keep the passover -- 641 BC. The 2520-year parallel in
the Gospel age of the great passover, the resurrection of "the
dead in Christ" in 1878 AD, and the passing over of the feet
members since that date at the moment of death. R3574:4*
Familiar spirits -- The fallen angels. R5800:1, R1643:1,
R2171:3, R2172:1
With all his heart -- It is not sufficient that we be well-disposed
and moral; it is necessary that we devote ourselves
wholly to do his will, and then seek after him to know his
will, and do it. R2390:3
And he slew him -- The reason why Josiah suffered a
violent death is outlined in 2 Chron. 35:20-22. What a lesson
for all, not to meddle in the affairs of others. Q765:2
At the commandment -- The Lord gave Judah every
opportunity to learn the needed lessons: (1) in the object
lessons of the works of idolatry in the ten-tribe kingdom; and
(2) when they witnessed the captivity and dispersion of the
ten-tribe kingdom for disloyalty to Jehovah. R2401:2
Eighteen years old -- Not eight, as in 2 Chron. 36:9 by a
copyist's error. B53
Carried away all Jerusalem -- This partial captivity
occurred eleven, not eighteen, years before the dethronement
of King Zedekiah, as Usher incorrectly puts it. B52
Daniel and his companions were included in this captivity.
R2401:6
Save the poorest -- Shortly even these, "all people, both
small and great," fled to Egypt for fear of the Chaldees (2Kings 25:26) and the seventy years of desolation of the land
"without an inhabitant" began to be fulfilled. B52; R3437:3,
R1372:5
Made Mattaniah . . . king -- Compelling him to take an
oath of allegiance to the kingdom of Babylon. R2401:6
They took the king -- As nearly as we can tell, it was the
year 606 BC. R5564:2
Carried him to Babylon -- Fulfilling two very remarkable
prophecies: That Zedekiah would be taken captive to Babylon
and die there, yet never see the city (Ezek. 12:13); and,
contrary to this, that he would speak with Nebuchadnezzar
mouth to mouth and see his eyes. (Jer. 32:4, Jer. 34:3)
R2402:1; PD47/59
The seventh day -- The 10th day, according to Jer. 52:12.
HG105:2
Burnt the house -- Nebuchadnezzar utterly destroyed
Jerusalem and its Temple with fire. PD48/59
To Babylon -- Symbol of Babylon the Great. C120
As were of gold -- Symbolic of precious truths. C120
And all the people -- Thus beginning the seventy years
desolation. B52; R2402:1, R1372:5
Came to Egypt -- Therefore, in reckoning the time to the
desolation of the land, all periods up to the close of
Zedekiah's reign should be counted in. B52; R3437:3,
R1372:5
Spake kindly to him -- In spiritual Israel the unfaithful,
like Jehoiachim, might be chastened and afterwards treated
with leniency. R3623:3