Emphasis Preaching Journal
Elijah and Elisha mirror the...
Illustration
Elijah and Elisha mirror the work of Moses and the escape of the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. At the beginning and end of this text, waters are parted so that the prophets can cross. When Elijah is taken into heaven, it is done with a chariot and horses. Elisha's cry --"The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" --is a cry of the free people of Israel who escaped the chariots of Egypt and its horsemen. The strong words of both Elijah and Elisha to the people of their day are reminders of the work God had already done for Israel.