Don’t Limit God// 2 Kings 2:1-12

March 30, 2025

1. Have you been well trained, mentored and supervised at work? Why would this be important to you? Do you feel this is important for you working in your ministry as well?

2. Why do you think Elisha was seeking a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit? What role did Elijah play in Elisha’s life? How did Elisha see his relationship with Elijah? (See also Deut 21:17.) Was the double portion Elijah’s to give? In this passage, what are the many ways Elisha was acknowledged and affirmed by God?

3. See Josh 6:26 and 1 Kings 16:34. What did the healing of the waters at Jericho show about God and His word through the ministry of Elisha?

4. In contrast, verses 2 Kings 2:23-25 are acknowledged has a “hard reading” and a “hard teaching.” The English translations often do not clearly convey that this was likely a mob of male youths, who may also have been apprenticed pagan priests, coming out from Bethel to confront Elisha. What is the significance of Bethel at this time? (See 1 Kings 12:25-31.)

5. Why would threatening and mocking Elisha by this mob bring such horrific judgement? (See Lev 26:21-22; Deut 18:15-19.) What was God showing about His justice, holiness and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel in this tragic incident?

6. When we read the Bible, we may think “that was then, but this is now - the world has evolved.” Or, we look for ways to tie God to our own felt needs or agendas. How do these attitudes limit our perception of God’s: (1) power, (2) wisdom, (3)grace and (4) judgement?

7. Elisha and the prophets seemed anxious that Elijah would soon be taken from them. What is the danger for us if we tie our hope and trust in our leaders or the people around us? How do we often think and react when we feel God hasn’t come through for us in the way and time that we want?

8. God keeps His promises and is always working. What are the promises being kept and the work being done that you can see in this passage?