Chapter 21—Elisha’s Closing Ministry
Called to the prophetic office while Ahab was still reigning, Elisha
had lived to see many changes take place in the kingdom of Israel.
Judgment upon judgment had befallen the Israelites during the reign
of Hazael the Syrian, who had been anointed to be the scourge of the
apostate nation. The stern measures of reform instituted by Jehu had
resulted in the slaying of all the house of Ahab. In continued wars with
the Syrians, Jehoahaz, Jehu’s successor, had lost some of the cities
lying east of the Jordan. For a time it had seemed as if the Syrians
might gain control of the entire kingdom. But the reformation begun
by Elijah and carried forward by Elisha had led many to inquire after
God. The altars of Baal were being forsaken, and slowly yet surely
God’s purpose was being fulfilled in the lives of those who chose to
serve Him with all the heart.
It was because of His love for erring Israel that God permitted the
Syrians to scourge them. It was because of his compassion for those
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whose moral power was weak that He raised up Jehu to slay wicked
Jezebel and all the house of Ahab. Once more, through a merciful
providence, the priests of Baal and of Ashtoreth were set aside and
their heathen altars thrown down. God in His wisdom foresaw that if
temptation were removed, some would forsake heathenism and turn
their faces heavenward, and this is why He permitted calamity after
calamity to befall them. His judgments were tempered with mercy;
and when His purpose was accomplished, He turned the tide in favor
of those who had learned to inquire after Him.
While influences for good and for evil were striving for the ascen-
dancy, and Satan was doing all in his power to complete the ruin he
had wrought during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, Elisha continued
to bear his testimony. He met with opposition, yet none could gainsay
his words. Throughout the kingdom he was honored and venerated.
Many came to him for counsel. While Jezebel was still living, Joram,
the king of Israel, sought his advice; and once, when in Damascus, he
was visited by messengers from Benhadad, king of Syria, who desired
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