Elisha demonstrates steadfast faith as he awaits God’s plan.
The sons of the prophets stationed in the ancient city of Jericho, located near the Jordan River in the Jordan Valley, play a key role in this passage. In 2 Kings 2:5, we read: “The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, ‘Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?’ And he answered, ‘Yes, I know; be still.’” (2 Kings 2:5). Jericho was long considered a strategic and spiritually significant location, dating back many centuries, even to the days when its walls famously fell under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 6:1-27). Here, it becomes the setting for a group of “sons of the prophets,” individuals who studied under and followed prophets like Elijah and Elisha. Their question to Elisha implies an awareness of Elijah’s imminent departure.
Elisha, a prophet active in the 9th century BC, stands in the line of God’s chosen messengers during the time of the divided kingdom of Israel. When the sons of the prophets address him, they display a respectful concern for Elijah and for the transition of prophetic authority. Their words—“Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” (2 Kings 2:5)—underscore the extraordinary situation unfolding, where the LORD is about to take Elijah away. Rather than reacting with anxiety, Elisha confirms he is already aware, saying “Yes, I know; be still” (2 Kings 2:5), which suggests calm acceptance of God’s plan. This moment foreshadows Elisha’s mantle being fully passed down to him, fulfilling a divine sequence of mentorship much like Jesus’ commissioning of His disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
Elisha’s brief but confident response—“be still” (2 Kings 2:5)—points to faith in God’s timing. It conveys that while significant change is at hand, there is no need to stir up further discussion or panic. This same trust in the sovereign direction of God resonates throughout Scripture, illustrating how spiritual leadership transitions by divine appointment, culminating ultimately in Jesus Christ, who calls and equips His followers to share His message (Acts 1:8).
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2 Kings 2:5 meaning
The sons of the prophets stationed in the ancient city of Jericho, located near the Jordan River in the Jordan Valley, play a key role in this passage. In 2 Kings 2:5, we read: “The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, ‘Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?’ And he answered, ‘Yes, I know; be still.’” (2 Kings 2:5). Jericho was long considered a strategic and spiritually significant location, dating back many centuries, even to the days when its walls famously fell under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 6:1-27). Here, it becomes the setting for a group of “sons of the prophets,” individuals who studied under and followed prophets like Elijah and Elisha. Their question to Elisha implies an awareness of Elijah’s imminent departure.
Elisha, a prophet active in the 9th century BC, stands in the line of God’s chosen messengers during the time of the divided kingdom of Israel. When the sons of the prophets address him, they display a respectful concern for Elijah and for the transition of prophetic authority. Their words—“Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” (2 Kings 2:5)—underscore the extraordinary situation unfolding, where the LORD is about to take Elijah away. Rather than reacting with anxiety, Elisha confirms he is already aware, saying “Yes, I know; be still” (2 Kings 2:5), which suggests calm acceptance of God’s plan. This moment foreshadows Elisha’s mantle being fully passed down to him, fulfilling a divine sequence of mentorship much like Jesus’ commissioning of His disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
Elisha’s brief but confident response—“be still” (2 Kings 2:5)—points to faith in God’s timing. It conveys that while significant change is at hand, there is no need to stir up further discussion or panic. This same trust in the sovereign direction of God resonates throughout Scripture, illustrating how spiritual leadership transitions by divine appointment, culminating ultimately in Jesus Christ, who calls and equips His followers to share His message (Acts 1:8).