Author: Administrador

Our short reading has a number of essential elements to it. First, we hear about a “man of God” receiving an offering. The servant of the “man of God” is doubtful whether this offering is enough. The “man of God” does not appear to have any doubts. The narrative ends with the reality that this … Continue reading “2 Kings 4:42-44 Commentary by Garrett Galvin”

The opening verse of this pericope hints at the focus of the following narrative, reminding the reader that everything that follows must be read in light of the end of the story. This story ends by suggesting that Israel is at a moment of great transition. The great prophet Elijah will be taken up into … Continue reading “2 Kings 2:1-12 Commentary by W. Dennis Tucker, Jr.”

The book of Kings almost teases readers about the succession from Elijah to Elisha. The issue of succession first appears in 1 Kings 19:16, and while 1 Kings 19:19-21 purports the start of an apprenticeship to Elijah, the text indicates that Elisha functions as Elijah’s “servant.” For much of the chapters following, Elijah appears alone … Continue reading “2 Kings 2:1-12 Commentary by Steed Davidson”

The story of Elijah’s ascension to heaven in a whirlwind is paired in the lectionary with the Transfiguration of Jesus. In the larger context of the New Testament passages, one can see the efforts of both the disciples and the Gospel writers to understand Jesus in light of the Old Testament (OT). Jesus asks the … Continue reading “2 Kings 2:1-12 Commentary by Christopher B. Hays”

The story of Elijah’s ascent into heaven by way of fiery horses and chariot on a heavenly whirlwind is a text with many boundary-crossings: the geographic crossing of the River Jordan, the passage of the prophetic mantle from one generation to the next, and the seeming rip in the fabric between earth and heaven. Textual … Continue reading “2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Commentary by Samuel Giere”

Transition is never easy. Whether it’s from one generation to the next, from one president to the next, or from one pastor to the next, the transfer of leadership can produce tension and anxiety in any community. This was certainly the case with Elijah and Elisha and their prophetic community in 2 Kings 2. Today’s … Continue reading “2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Commentary by Karla Suomala”

Prophecy is all about relationships and the expressions of loyalty. Verse one set the context for the statement of relationships and obligations as the impending transitions. The language of whirlwind (se’ara) can be associated with theophany (Job 38:1; 40:6) but also divine punishment (Jeremiah 23:19, Zechariah 9:14; Psalm 83:16). Here we see both God’s powerful … Continue reading “2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Commentary by Stephen Reid”

The story of Naboth’s vineyard, a tale of a wealthy and powerful person (Ahab) who oppresses (to the point of death) a less wealthy and powerful person (Naboth) who is simply seeking to do the right, is rich in lessons for our world today. First, some historical background. Ahab’s father Omri was perhaps the most … Continue reading “1 Kings 21:1-10[11-14]15-21a Commentary by Nancy deClaissé-Walford”

“I don’t preach a social gospel; I preach the Gospel, period. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned for the whole person. When people were hungry, Jesus didn’t say, ‘Now is that political or social?’ He said, ‘I feed you.’ Because the good news to a hungry person is bread.” – Bishop Desmond … Continue reading “1 Kings 21:1-10[11-14]15-21a Commentary by Roger Nam”

At first glance this passage appears as a story of how Elisha becomes a prophet and succeeds in Elijah’s position. To some readers this marks the end of Elijah’s career and a stunning replacement announcement to the prophet hiding in a cave in fear of reprisals after his victories on Mount Carmel. Read within the … Continue reading “1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 Commentary by Steed Davidson”