Day 66 Reading Schedule: 2 Kings 3-7

2 Kings 3: Elisha Prophesies Israel’s Victory

[Overview]

This chapter strongly shows the historical background of Jehoram’s ascension to the throne and the subsequent incidents, as well as the retaliatory military expeditions against the Moabite rebellion, and Elisha’s prophetic abilities. The content includes Jehoram’s ascension to the throne (verses 1-3), the betrayal of Moabite King Mesha (verses 4-5), Jehoram’s allies (verses 6-12), the prediction of Jehoram’s allies’ victory (verses 13-20), and the great victory of Jehoram’s allies (verses 21-27). The fact that Elisha worked under a king who did evil in the eyes of the Lord hints well at the mission that God’s servants must fulfill at a time when evil was rampant and it was difficult to find even a shadow of God.

[Explanation]

The great ministry of Elisha, who succeeded Elijah’s prophetic office, is continuously recorded in the text. After performing miracles in Jericho and Bethel and returning to Samaria, King Jehoram comes to see Elisha. The king came to know God's will before the conquest of Moab. Elisha prophesied Israel's complete victory. Elisha now began his first public ministry for the nation. 

2 Kings 4: Elisha Helps the People through Miracles

[Summary]

From this chapter, Elisha's full-fledged ministry unfolds as his prophetic authority is recognized through the incident of defeating Moab. Depending on the nature of his ministry, this chapter can be divided into miracles targeting individuals and miracles targeting the public. If we divide this chapter by content, it records Elisha saving a widow (verses 1-7), the Shunemite woman who welcomes Elisha (verses 8-10), the Shunemite woman’s blessing on her child (verses 11-17), the death of the Shunemite woman’s son (verses 18-20), the Shunemite woman seeking Elisha (verses 21-31), the Shunemite woman’s son coming back to life (verses 32-37), the miracle of the cure (verses 38-41), and the miracle of the barley bread and vegetables (verses 42-44). The characteristic of this chapter is that the exact introduction of the characters in this chapter is omitted. This is because the characters in this chapter are not specific people with certain positions or powers, but ordinary people who are in difficulties or hardships. 

[Explanation]

This chapter describes four incidents in which Elisha solves the difficulties of the people who faithfully serve God through miracles. Elisha revived the dead and solved the basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter by the power of God who created humans and governs this world. In these miracles, God’s supreme love for His people is breathed. 

2 Kings 5: Naaman healed of leprosy

[Summary]

This chapter records the story of Naaman’s healing of leprosy. In contrast to his previous ministry targeting his own people, this chapter deals with foreigners. The contents of this chapter include the personal letter of Naaman the leper and the king of Aram (verses 1-7), Naaman being healed (verses 8-14), Naaman expressing gratitude (verses 15-19), Gehazi’s humiliation (verses 20-24), and Gehazi being stricken with leprosy (verses 25-27). This incident shows that Jehovah punished Israel’s rebellion and disobedience and was pleased with the obedience and humility of foreigners. Soon, we can see that God leads Israel to salvation even through foreigners, and that He reveals His own work by passing judgment on those who have sinned. 

[Explanation]

Up until now, Elisha's ministry has not gone beyond the regional limitations of Israel. However, by curing Naaman, the commander of the Aram army, Elisha shows that his ministry has expanded to foreign regions and even to foreigners. Meanwhile, we can see God's miraculous providence of salvation through the two contrasting characters of Naaman and Gehazi. 

2 Kings 6: Elisha Repels the Invasion of Aram

[Summary]

This chapter contains three stories with different themes, listed in a list format. The first is an aspect of Elisha's ministry with the disciples of the prophets, the second is Elisha's ministry of placing Israel under God's protection, and the third shows how severe God's judgment was upon the city of Samaria. This chapter records the axe miracle (verses 1-7), Elisha's foresight (verses 8-13), Jehovah's horses and chariots of fire (verses 14-17), the Aram army that became blind (verses 18-19), Elisha's treatment of the Aram army (verses 20-23), the severe food shortage in Samaria (verses 24-29), and Jehoram's attempt to kill Elisha (verses 30-33). Ultimately, this chapter shows that God's purpose in disciplining His people is not to completely destroy Israel, but to make them repent and seek Jehovah. 

[Explanation] 

The miracle of Elisha curing Naaman's leprosy continues in this chapter. Elisha saves the Israelites from the threat of Aram by performing the miracle of resurfacing pottery that fell into the water. This event showed God's love, who, although the people had fallen into sin due to spiritual corruption, endured and endured until the end and desired to embrace them. 

2 Kings 7: Elisha's Prophecy and Its Fulfillment

[Summary]

This chapter records the incident in which the Israelites, who were suffering from hunger due to the invasion of King Ben-hadad of Aram and the famine that struck Samaria, were saved by God's word and power. In particular, the core of this chapter is the fulfillment of the prophesied word of Jehovah, with phrases such as "Hear the word of Jehovah" in verse 1 and "It happened as Jehovah said" in verse 16 highlighting the core theme of this chapter. It records the prediction of a solution to the food shortage (verses 1-2), the leper discovering the empty camp of Aram (verses 3-8), the leper's report (verses 9-11), Jehoram sending out spies (verses 12-15), and the fulfilled prophecy (verses 16-20). Through this text, we can see that the promise of salvation that God made with the Israelites will be fulfilled regardless of the situation. [King Joram of Israel blamed Jehovah for the siege and famine in Samaria that was caused by his disobedience, and instead blamed Elisha. At this time, Elisha prophesied God’s will in order to strike a chord with King Joram’s disbelief. And this prophecy was completely fulfilled through the four lepers. God used them, who were abandoned by the people, as tools to accomplish His will. On the other hand, the judgment that came upon the officials who did not believe Elisha’s prophecy was also a clear example of the consequences of sin.