2 Kings 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Kings 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Elijah and Elisha begin their journey from Gilgal as Yahweh is about to take Elijah up to heaven (vv. 1-2). They visit Bethel and Jericho, where the sons of the prophets inform Elisha of Elijah's imminent departure (vv.

Key verse

“When Yahweh was about to take Elijah up by a whirlwind into heaven, Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.”
2 Kings 2:1 (WEB)

Outline

2 Kings 2:1–2 Elijah and Elisha's Journey Begins
2 Kings 2:3–5 Prophets Foretell Elijah's Departure
2 Kings 2:6–8 Miracle at the Jordan River
2 Kings 2:9–12 Elisha's Request and Elijah's Ascension
2 Kings 2:13–15 Elisha Receives the Mantle
2 Kings 2:16–18 Search for Elijah
2 Kings 2:19–25 Elisha Heals the Waters and Faces Mockery

Discussion questions

In v8, what does Elijah do to the waters of the Jordan?
What do the sons of the prophets say in v15 about Elisha?
Elisha's request for a 'double portion' in v9: what does this imply about his relationship with Elijah?
In v24, why does Elisha curse the youths who mock him?
When have you felt like Elisha in v12, mourning a loss while stepping into a new role?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Kings 2: 2 Kings 4, 1 Kings 19, 2 Kings 6.

Before next time: read 2 Kings 3.