Shabbat shalom, Nazarene family.
- The successors of King Rehoboam and Jeroboam: Melachim Aleph (1 Kings) 14-16; Divre Hayamim Bet (2 Chronicles) 13-17
- King Ahab and Queen Jezebel: Melachim Aleph (1 Kings) 16:29-34
- The prophet Eliyahu and the widow of Zarephath: Melachim Aleph (1 Kings) 17:8-24
- The prophet Eliyahu and the 450 prophets of Baal: Melachim Aleph (1 Kings) 18:20-40
- Prophet Eliyahu is taken up to heaven: Melachim Bet (2 Kings) 2:1-14
-
During a time of drought and scarcity, Yahweh sends the prophet Eliyahu to announce a judgment on the land, halting the rain and causing a drought. Yahweh instructs Eliyahu to hide by the Brook Cherith, where ravens bring him food and water to sustain him during this period. Later, the brook dries up due to the drought, and Yahweh tells Eliyahu to go to Zarephath, where he meets a widow who is about to prepare her last meal for herself and her son. The prophet asks her for food, and despite her dire situation, the woman obeys. Miraculously, the flour and oil she has do not run out until the drought ends.
-
Eliyahu confronts King Ahab and challenges the prophets of Baal and Asherah, who worship false elohim. He arranges a showdown on Mount Carmel to demonstrate who the true Elohim is. The prophets of Baal invoke their elohim for hours without receiving any response. Then, Eliyahu rebuilds the altar of Yahweh, prays to Elohim, and fire from heaven consumes the sacrifice, demonstrating the power and existence of the Elohim of Israel. Following this, Eliyahu orders the execution of the prophets of Baal. He then prays for rain to end the drought, and after persistent prayer, finally, a torrential rain falls upon the land.
- In 2 Kings 2:1-14, the prophet Eliyahu prepares to depart. His disciple, Elisha, refuses to leave his side. As they journey, Eliyahu parts the Jordan River with his mantle. Eliyahu asks Elisha’s desire before ascending to heaven. Elisha requests a double portion of Eliyahu’s spirit. Witnessing Eliyahu’s ascent, Elisha receives Eliyahu’s mantle and inherits his prophetic power. Striking the river with the mantle, Elisha parts the waters, returning. This passage signifies the passing of prophetic authority from Eliyahu to Elisha, highlighting Elisha’s determination and the continuation of Yahweh’s work through a new prophet.
In summary, these chapters showcase Yahweh’s faithfulness to Eliyahu and how the prophet acts as an instrument of Yahweh to demonstrate His power over false elohim, calling for repentance and faith in the true Elohim. It also illustrates the importance of obedience and trust in Yahweh, even in times of hardship and challenges.
Melachim Bet (2 Kings) 2:11-13
11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Eliyahu went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.
13 He also took up the mantle of Eliyahu that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.
Remember, obedience to Yahweh’s commandments will bring blessing but disobedience will lead to the perdition of our souls eternally. Decide what you will do today.
We hope that you, and especially your sons and daughters, will enjoy this activity. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.
