The National tribune., 1891-02-12
SUNDAY MEDITATION.

Il
Feb. 10, 1891. H., s:l-1I.
Zone reading these notes shouId first carefully
study the paragraph from the Holy Scriptures As
Indicated aboyel
SUBJECTS: l. ELIJAH's LAST VISIT TO THE
Schools OF THE PROPHETS. II. ELIJAHs
TRANSLATION.
/. Preliminary.
There was an interval Of about three years
between the occurrences Of our last lesson and
those Of the ono now TO be considered Ahab
secured NabOth's vineyard, bat 10 was at fear
fnl cost. He paid the owner nothing, but he
suffered worse than did the owner No one
can sin without paying the penalty. On
Ahab's first visit to the vineyard, Elijah met
him and foretold the terrible fate awaiting
King and Queen. Il XII, 81: Il 29) Ahab
having rrigned % years (I6 /: %, was slain in
battle with the Syrians l22: 35l and was sue
ceeded by his son Ahaziah. (22: 4O.J After
two years (22: 81 he died from an accidental
fall. e XII, /: 2-l7.) His brother JehOram
became King. 0:1z)
We are 10 study the account Of the transla-
tiOn Of Elijah. 1t is supposed his prophetic
office covered about II years. For 10 years
Elisha was his assstant-from the ploW (l9:
49, 10 the chariot.
/. ELIJAH's LAST JOURNEY.
l. Data.
Xxi, 2:1-s.
2. Time
We date B. c. sos.
3. The Facts Stated
Elijah had prosgGtiment Of his ascension.
and made preparation for the event. Ho had
not been inactive during life. Among other
works no revived the schools Of the Prophets
which Samuel had established, and probably
originated new schools. Before bis departure
he would visit these seminaries farther in
o H. FL 4 4
find Elijah aud Elisha 40 Gilgal near the Jor-
dan River. For some reason Elijah suggested
Elisha tarry at Gilgal. If he should ask him
to 20 10 would seem OstentatiOus Elijah did
not wish his ascension 10 be an exhibition: or
Elijah perhaps would test the disposition Of
Elisha. lie would not have him 90 perfume
tOrily, so he gave him a chance to decline
Elisha persisted in accompanying his master
So the two went TO Bethel. In some way the
pupils OF the prophetic school there had an
impression Elijah was making his last visit
The two passed on 20 Jericho The pupils
there had the same fOrebOding as To Elijah's
end. 10 pains Elisha TO hear intimatiOns that
Elijah is about 10 close his life and so he begs
the students not to refer to the matter Feel
ing that something extraordinary was going to
happen, 30 pupils select a conspicuous point
from which to watch the sequel Elijah and
Elisha proceed to the Jordan River. Elijah
wraps his mantle as into a wand and strikes
the waters. which at once divide, making dry
pathway across 20 Perea. (Cf, JOS 3:7) The
last hour has come. Elijah gives Elisha per-
mission to make a final parting request. "What
Is the last thing Elisha, which l can do for
your" Says Elisha, " Let double portion of
thy spirit be upon me-"
4. Critical Notes
l. Take mp" ". ~ Compare went up"
in verse IL. The method Was by a whirlwind
Hn mt fa aff al -. -T.eFg ".
reminded Of the ascension of Christ.
2. Lord would" ". H. IL seems an i'm
preston had been made on the minds Of Elisha
and the sons Of the prophets that Elijah was
soon 10 go from their midst and that the man
ner Of his departure was to be peculiar mirac-
ulous, by the power Of God. This pre-intima-
ton was probably effected by the Holy Spirit
3. "Tarry here" (Y. q Did Elijah really
wish Elisha not to accompany him? Did he
want TO be alone? Or was he putting to the
test the determination Of Elisha; sounding
his devotion 10 his Master; finding out his fit
ness 90 become successor 10 Elijah2
4. "As the Lord Iiyeth." (V 81 A form Of
oath or asssvera;ion. (Jud., 8 : 10; Ru., 3: 10 /;
l Sam, / 90; 20: 81
8. - will not" ". p Compare MASTER"
v. 3. II Elijah wcr0 master why not Elisha
obey? IL is clear Elijah did not take unkindly
the persistence OF Elisha in following him. If
we knew the tone in which "taTry" was Ut
tered We might the better realize the spirit Of
Z" / will not"
6. From thy head" ~ 81 The master
of a school or the teacher Of pupil sat on an
elevated seat and scholars were said 10 be at
Lis feet. (Acts, %: 81 The principal was at
the head.
Z. Hold your peace" Speak not aloud. The
subject is so solemn that silence is becoming.
Certainly glibness is painful. Elisha did not
want to hear anything about Eljah's de-
parture.
s. Mantle" CY. 81 4 paIlium. The Pc
cuiiar garb of the prophetic Office Zee, 1894 J
The skin Of an animal dressed with the hair
on. T. X, LIS; st. ut, 3:4; Heb. IL 81
Sheepskin, the evidence Of his official position
and authority sort Of diploma.
9. Wrapped it together" (Y. 5.) He rolled
1t up, forming il into a sort Of rod, thus having
an implement similar to the rod with which
Moses divided the Red Sea. Eek, Ii: l6.) We
are reminded OF the crossing OF the Jordan at
about that same spot by the children Of Israel
Josh, 3 f: I5-I7.l
10. We have miracle. Joshua gave the prece-
dent. Moses suggested the method. Just be-
fore death is the River JordOn. The act of
dividing the water has become fguratiVe Of
our passage from earth TO Heaven. The mantle
which opens up safe highway across the river
Death is faith in Christ.
5. Suggestions
]. Be perseyerng. Do not be easily put Off
Do not become discouraged at an apparent re-
buff. Our faith is even now often put to the
test.
2. Afirmations as to the truth of what you