Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church

Have you ever noticed that the death of Elisha seems to be hanging in the middle of nowhere? We haven't heard from Elisha in the last four chapters. Indeed, after the anointing of Hazael and Jehu, Elisha disappears. Elisha had been anointed during the reign of Ahab. He took Elijah's place just after the death of Ahaziah. The bulk of his ministry was focused on the 12 years of Jehoram, the son of Ahab, and his last act was to send a son of the prophets to anoint Jehu. Jehu reigned for 28 years, but we hear nothing of Elisha for those 28 years. Jehoahaz reigned for 17 years, but we hear nothing of Elisha for those 17 years. For 45 years, Elisha is silent. Only now on his deathbed does Elisha break his silence. Elisha's ministry was very focused. In life he fulfilled the ministry of Elijah – reminding Israel that they were going to die, but pointing them to a hope beyond the grave. And in death Elisha points them to that same hope: in the face of their enemies, Israel's only hope is that the Word of the LORD wil