Elisha - Part 6

 2Ki 4:22-23

22 And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the servants, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. 23 And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to-day? it is neither new moon nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well (H7965). 

1. Vs22 Run to the man of God and come again?

1. How come dad isn't asking mom how son is doing? 

2. Why is wife not telling him??

2. Vs23 Why are you going to him today?

Her husband did not connect the illness with his wife’s demand, but thought she wished to attend one of the prophet’s devotional services?

3. Vs23 it is neither new moon nor sabbath?

I guess the first day of the month, nor the seventh day of the week, are times which were religiously observed??

2Ch 2:4 

Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Jehovah my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual showbread, and for the burnt-offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts of Jehovah our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.

4. Vs23 And she said, It shall be well

The word is SHALOM…

According to Strong's Concordance (H7965), shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, and the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full.

2 Kings 4:24-26

24 Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slacken me not the riding, except I bid thee. 25 So she went, and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is the Shunammite: 26 run, I pray thee, now to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well. 

Summary

1. V24 

2Ki 4:24 Paraphrased

So she saddled a donkey and told her servant, “Forward, driver! Don’t slow down on my account, unless I tell you!”

2. Vs25 Elisha sees her coming from far off and says to his servant Gehazi:

"Look! There’s the woman from Shunem! Please run out quickly and greet her. Ask her, ‘Are things going well (Shalom) with you? Are things going well (Shalom) with your husband? Are things going well (Shalom) with your child?’”

Also, remember what Elisha said to this woman in: 

2Ki 4:13 

And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king (God), or to the captain of the host (Jesus)? …

In the spiritual picture of this passage, Elisha the double portion - overcomer is asking the woman, what can I ask of the king (God) of captain of the host (Jesus)...because Elisha stands in the presence of God per 2 Kings 3:14

Uses of Child - h3206

1. Here is one example:

Isa 9:6 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Who is this child/son? Jesus

2. Here is another use of the same word, "child" (youth)…

Ecc 9:15-16 

15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. 16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

Who is this? Jesus

3. Another example:

Ecc 4:13-14

13 Better is a poor and wise youth (child) than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more. 14 For out of prison he came forth to be king; yea, even in his kingdom he was born poor. 

Who is this? Jesus

4. Look at another use of the word "child":

Ecc 4:15 

I saw all the living that walk under the sun, that they were with the youth (child), the second, that stood up in his stead.

The second? Who is the first? The child in v13...Jesus

1. the firstborn of all creation

2. the firstborn among many brethren

Who is the second?

Elisha-the double portion-overcomer ministry

5. Rom 8:29 

For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: Jesus is the firstborn of many brethren.

1. Jesus is first and is the "child" in His first coming.

2. Jesus comes a second time as we mentioned in Ecc 4:15. 

3. Jesus' second coming is also typified in 2 Kings 4 as the Elisha-double portion-overcomer ministry. But he comes as Jesus in His people.

6. Back to Rom 8:29:

For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren:

So, who would the child of promise by Elisha be? I think it must be "the many brethren" of which Jesus is the firstborn. Remember the promise of 2 Kings 4:16:

"At this season, when the time cometh round, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thy handmaid."

7. Remember this promise was to the great woman from Shuman (the double resting place).

8. Elisha has the double portion from Elijah. And the double portion is associated with the day of vengeance in Isaiah 61:7. 

Isa 61:7 

Instead of your shame ye shall have double; and instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be unto them.

9. Which day is the day of vengeance? 

The Day of The Lord or Day 7.

10. So the double portion Elisha-overcomers ministry sees fit to prophesy a pregnancy in the great woman from Shuman.

In essence, Elisha is fulfilling another prophecy from Isaiah 61:3

Isa 61:3 

to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.

***Don't think that the Elisha-double portion ministry isn't aware of these promises. They would be***

So think of "trees of righteousness" as the "many sons"

3. Back to 2 Kings 4:26

Gehazi asks her how she, her husband and her child are doing, she said "Shalom". Odd?

2 Kings 4:27-30

27 And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came near to thrust her away; but the man of God said, Let her alone: for her soul is vexed within her; and Jehovah hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. 28 Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me? 29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thy hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child. 30 And the mother of the child said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her. 

Summary

1. Vs27 The great woman comes to Elisha and grabs hold of his feet. Why? Doesn't she trust Gehazi?

2. V27 Gehazi comes near to push her away. Why? 

Something about Gehazi is being exposed. Any ideas?

3. Vs27 Elisha tells Gehazi to leave her alone. "Her soul is bitter/grieved and I haven't been told why by God."

1. The woman is obviously mourning and has a spirit of heaviness. 

Isa 61:3 

to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.

But according Isaiah 61:3, the day of Vengeance won't remain a day of mourning and grieving for those in Zion: 

1. Garland is given for ashes

2. Oil of joy for mourning

3. Garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness

4. Vs28 The woman rightfully yells and screams at Elisha. "Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?"

1. Is this fair? Sure

Remember vs16…"Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thy handmaid."

2. Look closely at vs28…."she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? 

Hmmm…why? Was it really Elisha's baby? No but it hints at the story within the story.

5. Vs29 Elisha gives Gehazi his staff, tells him to rush to the boy, without speaking to anyone or any delay, and lay the staff upon the face of the child. 

Remember Elisha knows the will of the Father and knows that the day of vengeance should comes with restoration for those that mourn in Zion.

6. Vs30 The woman says, "As God liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her."

What does this presuppose (assume)?

1. Elisha wasn't intending on going.

2. Elisha believed Gehazi and the staff was enough to do the job. 

3. She doesn't have confidence in Gehazi to do the job.

2 Kings 4:31-33

31 And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he returned to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked. 32 And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. 33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto Jehovah. 

Summary

1. Vs31 Gehazi gets there first, lays the staff on the boy's face. No response. (Neither voice nor hearing)

2. Vs31 He returns to meet them, telling them "the boy didn't awake". Maybe it's the wrong staff???

3. Vs32 Elisha arrives and sees the boy upon his bed in the upper room.

4. Vs33 Elisha goes into the room, shuts the door and prays. 

I think Elisha know God's will and plan beforehand. 

1. Restoration

2. oil for mourning

3. praise for heaviness. 

4. And of course trees of righteousness. 

2 Kings 4:34-37

34 And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon him; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. 35 Then he returned, and walked in the house once to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 36 And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. 37 Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground; and she took up her son, and went out. 

Summary

1. Vs34 We can assume that this was God's answer to his prayer:

1. lay upon the child

2. put your mouth upon his mouth

3. Put your eyes upon his eyes

4. Put your hands upon his hands

5. stretched yourself upon him

6. And flesh of the child waxed warm (life will return to him)

Hand, eyes, mouth

Exo 13:9 

And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thy hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the law of Jehovah may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath Jehovah brought thee out of Egypt.??

2. Vs35 After this:

1. Elisha returns downstairs

2. walks back and forth (does he walk back and forth nervously?)

3. goes back upstairs

4. Stretches or how's himself upon the child

5. The boy sneezes seven times

6. Then opens his eyes

3. Vs36 Elisha tells Gehazi to get the woman. So he calls for her. Elisha tells her to take up her son.

4. Vs37 she goes into the room, falls at Elisha's feet, takes up her son and goes out.

Deeper meaning

1. Elisha is a metaphor for the double portion which God raises up on day seven OR the day of vengeance OR the day of the Lord.

2. Elisha is cognizant of the day and realizes God raises up sons on this day. Trees of righteousness even. So he prophesies a son to the woman. The man-child from Rev 12.

3. The son is born to the woman, grows and is sent out to his Father, who is working the harvest field (which is a metaphor for day seven).

4. The overcoming manchild (who sits in the presence of God) metaphorically realizes that he has to lose his own head because the true head is Jesus.

5. He metaphorically loses his own head and dies. Jesus assumes the headship.

6. Frantic, the woman who only trusts the Elisha ministry, departs to seek out Elisha at Mt Carmel. She knows that this is the only way to seek life again in her son.

7. She sees Gehazi first, but only trusting the Elisha- double portion ministry she blows past him.

8. She falls and grabs the "feet" of Elisha. Why does she fall at the feet of Elisha? 

Because Elisha is a metaphor for the end time feet which are referenced in multiple places in the bible.

Eph 1:20-23 

20 which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Jesus is the head of the body and the double portioned overcoming Elisha represents the feet which Jesus uses to put all things in subjection to.

9. Gehazi on the other hand seems somewhat insensitive, unsympathetic, and harsh. He seems a responsive and obedient servant to the Elisha ministry. But towards the woman, he seems to have no discernment at all.

10. Gehazi means "valley of vision" (H1522). What might this mean? This is very symbolic and is a reference to Isaiah 22.

For some reason, God uses the situation to expose Gehazi. So let's look at Isaiah 22!

So Gehazi means "valley of vision".

11. Isa 22:1-2

1 The burden of the valley of vision. What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone up to the housetops? 2 O thou that art full of shoutings, a tumultuous city, a joyous town; thy slain are not slain with the sword, neither are they dead in battle. 

Valley of Vision (Gehazi)

1. Vs1 What do you mean that you have gone up, all of you, to the housetops. 

1. Housetops? A higher place?

2. What housetop did Gehazi go up to?

2. Vs2 you are full of shoutings, tumultuous city, exultant town? 

1. You are full of shoutings

2. You are tumultuous (be in great commotion, to rage, war, moan)

3. You are joyous (triumphantly happy)

3. Odd mixture? Certainly. You are joyous, yet full of tumult??

4. Vs2 Your slain are not slain with the sword or dead in battle. What does this mean??

1. The sword of the word DID NOT have it's way with them. (Reference is to the Gehazi's)

2. And if they did do battle against the sword, it isn't what killed you.

(Reference is to the Gehazi's)

12. Is 22:4-5

4 Therefore said I, Look away from me, I will weep bitterly; labor not to comfort me for the destruction of the daughter of my people. 5 For it is a day of discomfiture, and of treading down, and of perplexity, from the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, in the valley of vision; a breaking down of the walls, and a crying to the mountains. 

1. Vs4…labor not to comfort me for the destruction of the daughter of my people?

2. Vs5 …day of discomfiture

3. Vs5…day of treading down and perplexity in the valley of vision?

13. Isa 22:11 

11 ye made also a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But ye looked not unto him that had done this, neither had ye respect unto him that purposed it long ago.

1. Vs11…they made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the OLD POOL!

Kind of like they didn't desire the new wine. Instead sticking to the old,comfortable wine.

2. Vs11 …didn't realize that God ordained it.

14. Is 22:12-14

12 And in that day did the Lord, Jehovah of hosts, call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: 13 and behold, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine: let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we shall die. 14 And Jehovah of hosts revealed himself in mine ears, Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you till ye die, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts. 

1. Vs12…in that day, you were called to  weep, and mourn in sackcloth

2. Vs13…instead you had joy and gladness, eating and drinking for tomorrow we die…

Unready for day 7…

3. Vs14…you won't be forgiven until you die.

The Gehazi's

15. Is 22:17-18

17 Behold, Jehovah, like a strong man, will hurl thee away violently; yea, he will wrap thee up closely. 18 He will surely wind thee round and round, and toss thee like a ball into a large country; there shalt thou die, and there shall be the chariots of thy glory, thou shame of thy lord's house. 

The fate of the unprepared Gehazi's.

16. Back to 2 Kings 4:31 

So God seems to use the death and rebirth of the man-child to expose the powerless and unfaithful "Gehazi ministry". Altho the Gehazi's aren't punished yet, they will be as we read further into 2 Kings.

One thing is plain, the Gehazi ministry is unable to impart life to the man-child.

17. 2 Kings 4:32-37 

The Elisha ministry raises up the man-child offspring. And gives him back to his mother.

1. So whether the point of the story is to mention the natural death and the natural restoration of the man-child by the Elisha ministry, I am uncertain.

2. Or maybe the point is to make reference to the birth of the spiritual manchild as a result of the Elisha ministry. The man-child loses his head and gains the true nature of Christ and the double-portion too. And Gehazi group are exposed in the process??