Changed Attitude Toward the Prophet

Such was the terrible judgment that came upon the house of Ahab and Jezebel for their defiant, determined purpose to establish heathenism in the hearts of God’s chosen people.AGP 115.5

“It is not to be supposed that the relentless and savage Jehu was altogether moved by a zeal for Jehovah in these revolting slaughters. He was an ambitious and successful rebel; but like all notable forces, he may be regarded as an instrument of Providence, whose ways are ‘mysterious,’ because men are not large enough and wise enough to trace effects to their causes under His immutable laws. Jehu was a necessary consequence of Ahab and Jezebel.” “Beacon Lights of History,” John Lord, First Series, “Jewish Heroes and Prophets,” p. 314. New York: Fords, Howard, and Hulbert, 1888.AGP 115.6

When Jehu had carried through the regrettable part he was chosen to perform, the great task that had been committed to Elijah was finally and fully accomplished. The work he began when he first appeared before Ahab in the name of “the Lord God of Israel,” was finished during the ministry of Elisha.AGP 115.7

“Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept overAGP 115.8

his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.” 2 Kings 13:14.AGP 116.1

How great is the change that has taken place! Ahab, king of Israel, compassed land and sea to take the life and end the career of the prophet Elijah, the immediate predecessor of Elisha. As Joash looks into the face of the dying prophet and realizes what a loss his death will be to the nation, he weeps over the prophet, and calls him by that endearing name, “My father.”AGP 116.2

The king was in sore trouble. Ben-hadad, king of Syria, was warring against Israel. His father had already invaded the land and exacted heavy toll. King Joash needed, and sincerely desired, counsel from the prophet. This, Elisha, though near death, promptly and clearly gave him. “Thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.” The fulfillment of this prediction is stated as follows. “Three times did Joash beat him [Ben-hadad], and recovered the cities of Israel.” 2 Kings 13:19, 25.AGP 116.3

With the counsel given Joash, the ministry of that great man closed. “And Elisha died, and they buried him.” 2 Kings 13:20. “What a peaceful deathbed Elisha’s was! He had long since made his choice. He had lived not for time, but for eternity; not under the fear of man, but under the fear of God; not for the favor of kings or their rewards, but so as to win the approval of his conscience and his Creator.” “The Pulpit Commentary,” on 2 Kings, C. H. Irwin, p. 270.AGP 116.4