Overview of 1 Kings 17:1–2

The long section from 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 12 is dominated by the figures of Elijah and Elisha, who bring the word of the Lord to the kings and people of Israel during the downward spiral of their national history. Both prophets are enigmatic, appearing as if from nowhere, and deliver their messages with minimal introduction or elaboration through a ministry in which the word comes with dramatic power (e.g., both are involved in resuscitation miracles: 1 Kings 17:17–24; 2 Kings 4:18–37). The Elijah narratives are interwoven with the extended treatment of King Ahab of Israel (1 Kings 17–19), who, despite his repentance in 1 Kings 21, is the archetype of an idolatrous, rebellious Israelite king who has little interest in hearing or obeying the word of Yahweh (cf. 1 Kings 22). After denouncing Ahab’s son Ahaziah in 2 Kings 1, Elijah is taken up to heaven, but his ministry is carried on by Elisha.

Like that of his mentor, Elisha’s word ministry is backed up by miraculous acts of God. His unexpected encounter with Naaman in 2 Kings 5 is a powerful reminder that God’s plans are not limited by or to his people (not even by the dishonesty of Elisha’s servant, Gehazi), nor by the ambitions of surrounding nations (see the twists and turns of the Syrian crises of 2 Kings 6:8–8:15). After the summary of the reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah of Judah (2 Kings 8:16–29), the spotlight falls on the bloody rule of Jehu, as God’s promised judgment on the house of Ahab is brought to reality (2 Kings 9:1–10:36). Despite the best efforts of Queen Athaliah to eradicate David’s line (2 Kings 11:1–3), the survival and subsequent rule of the reasonably godly Joash holds out some hope for Judah (2 Kings 11:4–12:21). In Israel, however, things continue to go downhill. The end of Elisha’s life and ministry is narrated in the context of impending judgment in the days of Jehoahaz and Jehoash of Israel.