Kingdom Miracles
“Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me” (2 Kings 2:9).
Some of the Old Testament types are clear and strong. The picture of the Prophet Elijah is among these. His persecutor, Jezebel, was the idolatrous queen of Ahab, king of Israel. The symbolism is described in Revelation, were Jezebel represents Papacy, persecuting the true church. (See Volume 2, The Time is at Hand, page 256, for a table of highlights.) ● Elijah = Gospel Age church.
ELISHA
In the ministry of Elijah we have a second picture, just as grand. God commanded Elijah to anoint “Elisha as a prophet in his place” (1 Kings 19:16 NAS). In this is a clue that Elisha’s ministry represents the work of those who succeed the church as God’s spokespeople on earth. As successor to the Gospel Age church, the Ancient Worthies will be God’s representatives during the kingdom.
The connection between Elisha and the Ancient Worthies seems clear; however, our interpretation of his miracles can be subjective. We leave it to the reader to weigh the following applications.
Elisha was very different than Elijah. Elijah feared that there were no other true worshippers in Israel (1 Kings 19:10), a picture of the Gospel Age, when true worshippers were few and far between. Elisha, on the other hand, made major strides in building up the school of the prophets. He never had the isolated feeling of Elijah. Elijah performed only a few miracles, Elisha performed many. Elisha was widely accepted as a true prophet of God.
Also, Elisha received a double portion of God’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9), showing the perfection and power of the work the Ancient Worthies will perform. On Reprint 3428, Bro. Russell suggested that as the companion and assistant to Elijah, Elisha pictures the Great Company, and later, after crossing over the Jordan River, he represents the Ancient Worthies and their work during the earthly kingdom. So crossing to the west side of the Jordan represents a transition in the work of God’s plan.
- Elisha east of Jordan = Great Company
- Crossing Jordan = a transition in God’s plan
- Elisha after crossing Jordan = Ancient Worthies
With these applications we now examine the specific miracles performed by Elisha with the mantle of Elijah, west of the Jordan. Interestingly, the 13 miracles follow a chronological sequence of events as they will occur in the kingdom. These are noted at the end of each miracle.
1. Polluted water made pure (2 Kings 2:19-22). Elisha made his way to Jericho after crossing the Jordan River. The men of the city met him and complained that their water supply was bad and could not be used to water their land. Elisha asked for a jar of salt, threw salt into the water, and the water was purified.
The waters of Jericho were “bad” (or “evil,” Strong’s H745), and could not support crops. Pure water is a sustainer of life; a symbol of pure doctrine or pure truth. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that he could give her living water that would spring up into lasting life, so that she would never thirst again. When she asked for such water, Jesus told her true worshippers worship God “in spirit and in truth.” Jesus then stayed in Samaria for two days and taught them, giving them this water of truth (John 4:4-24).
As pure water represents truth, polluted water pictures polluted doctrine. Healing the waters of Jericho thus depict correcting false doctrines. But to whose doctrines does this refer? The fact that it was Jericho’s water supply gives us the antitypical meaning.
The name Jericho means either, “the Place of Fragrance,” or “City of the Moon.”1 In Scripture, the moon represents the Law Covenant (Revelation 12:1, 21:23), whose fragrances from the Tabernacle and Temple sacrifices ascended to God. Jericho, then, is a picture of Israel.
When Elisha cast salt into the polluted water he did something that would not normally cleanse it. Thus this was clearly a miracle. Antitypically, what the Ancient Worthies will do in Israel will be miraculous.
Elisha’s action illustrated the effect the church will have on Israel. Jesus said his disciples were the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). The church’s influence through the Ancient Worthies will cleanse the doctrines of Israel. Judaism will become Christianity in its pure form.
Elisha, healing the waters
Bro. Russell comments, “Natural Israel, for over 1800 years, has been striving to bring forth fruitage, but has been unable to do so … The Law, represented … by the brackish water, was in itself just, perfect, good, yet it lacked something necessary to make it a blessing to that people. That something was the work of Christ in fulfilling the law and thus removing its curse or condemnation from those who were dependent upon it” (Reprint 3429).
Since the polluted waters picture the Law’s inability to produce real fruitage, sprinkling salt into those waters pictures something added to the Law that will make it finally able to bring forth life and character fruitage.
Paul’s words are relevant here, “The Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we are drawn nigh unto God … If … perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priesthood should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron” (Hebrews 7:19, 11). The Law will be able to give life when the new and better Melchizedek priesthood is added. It will inaugurate a better covenant based on better sacrifices. Because of the real value of those sacrifices, the “New” Law Covenant will be able to give eternal life (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
Sprinkling salt into the waters of Jericho pictures the inauguration of the New Covenant with the nation of Israel. It will be a significant turning point for Israel as Moses, Abraham, David, and others teach them the truth – especially Jesus as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10). The conversion of Israel will be the first work of the resurrected Ancient Worthies. ● Step 1 — Water Made Pure = Fleshly Israel’s doctrines corrected.
2 Youths Mauled (2 Kings 2:23-24). As Elisha journeyed on to Bethel, he was met by 42 young boys who mocked his bald head. As a result, Elisha cursed them and two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled the boys. The fact that these young boys mocked Elisha’s baldness shows they did not respect his headship, his authority.
On Reprint 5780 the thought is presented that mauling these young boys may picture disciplinary punishments for those who oppose the kingdom arrangement and particularly question the authority of the Ancient Worthies.
A more specific antitype may be indicated based on how early this event was in the ministry of Elisha. This may put the antitype as one of the earlier works of the Ancient Worthies. Elisha was going to Bethel (“House of God”) when the 42 youths met him. This may point to the time the Ancient Worthies first take leadership of the House of God — the earthly kingdom — beginning in Israel.
During Jacob’s Trouble, God will raise for Israel “seven shepherds and eight princes” (Micah 5:5). The seven shepherds represent the church class developed during the seven stages of the Gospel Age. The eight princes are the Ancient Worthies, “princes in all the earth” (Psalm 45:16).
Scripture indicates Armageddon will be in two parts: (1) war in Israel with Gog’s coalition, (2) the fall of nominal Christendom. “He gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon … and there was a great earthquake … the great city was divided into three parts … and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath” (Revelation 16:16, 18, 19).
These 42 boys coming out of the city may represent the spiritually immature representatives of Christianity. The number 42 indicates who they represent, reminding us of Papacy that ruled for 42 prophetic “months” (Revelation 13:5), from 539 to 1799. Mauling the 42 youths pictures retribution for Papacy’s former persecution of the Church.
When the Ancient Worthies are raised, they will take their rightful place of authority, correct the doctrines of Israel, help inaugurate the New Covenant, and assist Israel against her invaders. The leaders of Christianity will question their authority, “mocking” their claim as prophets of God. Then will follow the fall of Babylon. ● Step 2 — 42 Youths Mauled = Destruction of Babylon in Armageddon.
3 God Fights for Israel (2 Kings 3:1-12). In this miracle God fought for Israel against the Moabites, who at the time were a tribute people to Israel. After Ahab died, they rebelled against Joram, who asked Jehoshaphat of Judah and the king of Edom to join in punishing Moab.
To surprise the Moabites, they decided on a southern route, through Edom, around the lower end of the Dead Sea. After several days’ journey, they were short of water. Jehoshaphat advised them to seek a prophet of God. Elisha was summoned and told them God would provide water and fight for them against the Moabites.
Elisha said to dig many ditches in the valley. God would miraculously fill them with water, providing water for the Israelites and a predicate for their victory. As the morning sun rose, it shined a red glow on the water in the ditches. Thinking it was blood, the Moabites concluded that the three armies had fought amongst themselves. As they came for the spoil, they were ambushed and defeated.
The statement of the Moabites “Now Moab to the spoil,” reminds us of Gog’s expression precipitating Jacob’s Trouble. “I will go up to the land of un-walled villages … to them that are at rest, that dwell safely … without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, to take a spoil, and to take a prey” (Ezekiel 38:11,12).
Later in Ezekiel 38, the purpose of God fighting for Israel is so “the heathen may know Me” (verse 16). Through the victories of the Ancient Worthies the world will realize there is more occurring than simply another war in the Middle East. God’s hand lifted against Israel’s enemies will eventually result in the world coming to know God.
God will “fight against those nations as when he fought in the days of battle” (Zechariah 14:3). Jacob’s Trouble may be won by a similar deception as used against the Moabites, playing on the greed and hatred of Israel’s enemies. ● Step 3 — God Fights for Israel = Jacob’s Trouble
4 Multiplied Oil Pays Debt (2 Kings 4:1-7). A widow owed a great deal of money. The Law allowed for her two sons to be sold as slaves to pay the debt. After appealing to Elisha, she was asked what she had that could be used for payment, but she had only one pot of oil.
Elisha told her to borrow as many pots as she could. Miraculously, she filled them all from the one pot of oil. Elisha directed her to sell the oil and pay her debt. The remaining oil provided further support for her family.
The widow’s cruse of oil did not fail.
Reprint 3430 offers a lovely explanation: “Such an indebtedness represents how … the whole world of Adam’s family was sold under sin and obliged to pay the wages of sin; death, as the offspring of Adam. This permission of an attachment of persons and possessions for debt gave ground also for the arrangement of the Jubilee year of emancipation, freedom of all debt and release of all property — illustrating the glorious times of restitution.”
The widow and her two sons represent the human family under Adamic condemnation. Elisha could not remit the debt, it had to be paid to free her sons. Likewise, the Ancient Worthies cannot remit the debt owed by mankind.
Olive oil represents the holy Spirit (Matthew 25:4, Hebrews 1:9). Multiplying the oil pictures pouring out the holy Spirit upon the world (Joel 2:29), when people respond to the miracles of the kingdom and become vessels prepared to receive God’s Spirit. The kingdom arrangement will be a miracle of grace when mankind is released from an unpayable debt, filled with the Spirit of God, and receive eternal life. ● Step 4 — Multiplied Oil Pays Debt = Ransom Applied, Holy Spirit Poured Out.
5 Son Raised from the Dead (2 Kings 4:8-37). The next miracle saw a Shunammite woman extending great hospitality to Elisha. The prophet wanted to do something to repay her. Elisha’s servant revealed that she had no children and her husband was old. For her kindness, Elisha promised her a son. But when her son was a young boy, he died.
Upon finding Elisha the woman fell at his feet and wondered why he had given her a son only to have him die in her arms. She urged him to return with her. Upon arriving, Elisha found the boy lying on his bed. After praying, he “went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands … he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm” (2 Kings 4:34).
This woman experienced the range of emotions mankind will experience: the joy of birth, the piercing sorrow of death, and the thrill of the resurrection. “She went in, and fell at Elisha’s feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out” (2 Kings 4:37). How many mothers and fathers will have the same appreciation when they receive their own children back from death? In this woman we have a picture of true heart appreciation for the wonderful blessings of the resurrection. ● Step 5 – Raised from the Dead = General Resurrection
6 Poisoned Pottage Healed (2 Kings 4:38-44). This miracle was about a pot of food, poisoned when wild gourds were mistakenly added. To heal the pottage Elisha simply added some meal.
In the earlier miracle at Jericho, the town’s water was purified by adding salt, picturing cleansing the doctrines of Israel. Cleansing the pottage is another picture of correcting errors, but the poisonous gourd pictures the corrupting errors of the nominal systems. “This gourd grows on a vine and grows with extraordinary rapidity … It forms a shade absolutely impenetrable to the sun’s rays, even at noonday. It has a nauseous odor and is very bitter. It has very tiny seeds with about 200-300 seeds per gourd” (McClintock and Strong, volume 3, page 953).
The tiny seeds of the gourd remind us of Jesus’ description of the tiny mustard seed that grows into a giant tree so birds can lodge in its branches (Matthew 13:31). This tree is often connected to Revelation 18:2 where Babylon became a habitation of every unclean and hateful bird. Planting the seeds of error at the beginning of the Gospel Age allowed a church system to grow into prominence quickly, but the food provided was poisonous. Of Elisha’s pottage it was said, “there is death in the pot” (2 Kings 4:40). It was inedible.
Elisha cleanses the poisonous pottage
The ability of the gourd vine to block the sun illustrates how Babylon has blocked the Gospel light from penetrating its branches. Babylon is “the vine of the earth” (Revelation 14:18, 19). It is a vine bearing poisonous doctrines, but those will be healed by the teachings of the Ancient Worthies. Trinity, immortality of the soul, hell fire, the mass, and all other false doctrines will be cast aside and “the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9). ● Step 6 — Poisoned Pottage Healed = False Doctrines Removed.
7 Loaves Multiplied to Feed 100 Men / Firstfruits Offered (2 Kings 4:42-44). As Elisha dwelt in Gilgal, a man from a nearby town came with 20 loaves of barley bread and some ears of corn, the firstfruits of his land. This was a generous offering because it was a time of great famine. When he suggested it be offered to the 100 men gathered there, one of the men commented that it was not enough to feed everyone. But Elisha promised it would be enough, even with food left over.
That this was barley bread provides a clue to the meaning of the miracle. Barley was the first harvest of the year. The Israelites were commanded to offer the firstfruits of their barley harvest on the 16th of Nisan (Leviticus 23:11), a very significant date. Jesus was raised on the 16th of Nisan. The firstfruit offering of barley represents the resurrection of Jesus as the “firstfruit” from the dead.
The man’s offering of barley loaves to Elisha may well represent mankind’s heartfelt recognition of Jesus as their Messiah, the firstborn from the dead. Many religions have existed throughout history. But billions of people have not heard the name of Christ and many believed in other messiahs. But only Jesus was raised from the dead and rewarded by God with glory, honor, and immortality. Someday people will drop all false ideas of messiah and turn to Jesus, who was raised on Nisan 16. As the bread of life, he is an abundant provision for all mankind. ● Step 7 — Firstfruits Offered = World Appreciation of Jesus.
8 Healing of Naaman’s Leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-18). This miracle was done for a Gentile. Naaman, a Syrian general, contracted leprosy and learned of Elisha through a Hebrew servant girl. He decided to seek out Elisha in hope of a miraculous cure for his debilitating disease.
Elisha’s instructions were simple: Naaman should dip himself seven times in the Jordan River and the leprosy would depart. Naaman was incensed, thinking such a menial act was beneath him. But his servants convinced him of the propriety of following these simple instructions.
When Naaman agreed he was admitting to his need for help. Leprosy is awful, affecting the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, causing skin lesions. It can affect the nasal passages, causing congestion and nose bleeds. In severe cases, patients can lose hands, fingers and toes.
Through the humble act of dipping himself in the Jordan, Naaman’s life was profoundly changed. He came to Israel suffering a disgusting, degenerative disease. After bathing in the Jordan, “His flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean” (2 Kings 5:14).
Leprosy is a symbol of sin (Reprint 2722) and illustrates the many diseases our race suffers because of sin. As Naaman had to understand his need for cleansing, so the world will have to recognize their own sinful condition. Naaman then had to seek help, and obey directions.
This miracle pictures cleansing the Gentile nations as they come to the Ancient Worthies and follow the prescribed course — the same as required of the Gospel Age church — recognize sin, repent, and consecrate.
Naaman’s reaction was marvelous. He offered money to Elisha, which was refused. Then Naaman said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15). What a wonderful response! He had one request of Elisha — he wanted to take home to Syria some Israeli dirt, as much as one donkey could carry. With it he would build an altar to God. “For thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other Gods, but unto Jehovah” (2 Kings 5:17).
A time will come when all Gentile nations will feel the same. They will vow never to pay homage to any other god but Jehovah. They will recognize Israel as the avenue of His blessings, and may even take some Israeli dirt back to the far corners of earth as a memorial of the blessings coming through that tiny nation. ● Step 8 — Healing of Naaman = Healing of the Gentiles.
9 Gehazi Smitten with Leprosy (2 Kings 5:19-27). When Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, pursued Namaan and sought the payment originally offered to Elisha, he was mitten with the leprosy of Naaman.
Here is a simple lesson that will profoundly affect the way the world operates in the Kingdom. People will not unfairly profit from the work of others. Selfishness will not be tolerated. It is a joy envisioning a world where selfish interests will not be the driving force. God’s miracles will not be for sale — all kingdom work and miracles will be to the glory of God and the blessing of mankind. Gehazi lied to Elisha when asked where he had gone, but Elisha knew. No one will be able to hide their misdeeds and appropriate punishments will be meted out for transgressors. ● Step 9 — Gehazi Smitten with Leprosy = Greed not tolerated.
Naaman in the Jordan River, being cleansed of leprosy
10 Floating Axehead (2 Kings 6:1-7). Because their numbers were growing, the sons of the prophets were building a new school. As one man cut a tree for the building, his axehead fell into the water. Elisha cast a piece of wood into the water and the axehead floated.
The trees being used to build the school may well represent the nations of the earth. When Jesus prophesied the rebirth of Israel in the last days he said, “Behold the fig tree, and all the trees” (Luke 21:29). The fig tree represents Israel, while the other trees depict the birth of many new nations during the Second Advent.
Building a school pictures the nations of earth becoming part of the learning process of the kingdom. For that work to prosper, the cross of Christ — the tree branch cast into the water by Elisha — will be at the center of learning. Our Lord’s ransom work and his legacy of love will be the foundation of every house of learning.
Think of the many kingdom classrooms teaching every conceivable subject and making Jesus part of the process! No longer will religious and secular worlds be divided. Besides teaching biblical truth, all subjects will include Jesus as part of the core curriculum. Science will relate to Jesus, teaching man the knowledge and creativity of God and His “Master Craftsman” (Proverbs 8:30, International Standard Version). Mathematics will show the logic and brilliance of God. For the first time, history classes will include God’s perspective and how the past was framed into a divine plan. The wisdom of permitting evil will be understood. Institutions of learning will no longer be places of skepticism. False theories and misguided ideas will be discarded and truth will prevail. ● Step 10 — Floating Axehead = The nations learn Jesus is the focus.
Elisha, in prayer at Dothan
11 Syrians Blinded, Fed and Released (2 Kings 6:8-23). This miracle involves a Syrian military action against Israel. The Syrian king was frustrated because Israel always knew where he was going to attack. He finally learned that the Prophet Elisha was able to forewarn Israel, so he devised a plan to capture Elisha and remove Israel’s advantage.
With horses and chariots the Syrians circled Dothan, the town where Elisha was staying. Elisha prayed to God and the Syrian army was blinded. He went out and told the Syrians the man they were looking for was in Samaria and proceeded to lead the entire Syrian army to Samaria.
The marvelous part of this story — and what makes it truly a kingdom picture — is how the king of Israel was told to deal with the Syrian army. After the Lord opened the eyes of the Syrians, the king of Israel was instructed to feed them, give them water, and send them safely back to their king. It is a beautiful picture of how those who oppose the Ancient Worthies will be rendered harmless, then shown such love and kindness that many of them will be made friends. It is a godly reaction to a criminal intent. There will be strict rules in the kingdom. No one will be allowed to hurt others (see Isaiah 65:25), but there will also be love and mercy. Love can convert even the heart of an enemy! ● Step 11 — Syrians Blinded, Fed, and Released = Those who will be rendered harmless, treated kindly, and have their hearts changed.
12 Samaria Besieged: Famine to Feast (2 Kings 6:24-7:20). After the kindness of the previous miracle was forgotten, the Syrian army besieged Samaria, resulting in a famine so severe that some mothers ate their children (2 Kings 6:28). The king of Israel held Elisha responsible and moved to kill him. Elisha then predicted that on the next day there would be abundance of food.
The next day, the Syrian army heard what they believed were the sounds of chariots and a great army. Thinking Israel hired the Hittites and Egyptians to help them, they ran away leaving all their belongings. The Israelites then simply walked out to the Syrian camp, took a spoil, with enough food for all, and the siege was broken.
This scene may picture the Little Season as the final great test upon mankind. A description used for the action of the Syrian Army provides a meaningful clue, “They came by night and compassed the city about” (2 Kings 6:14).
This phrase may be the prophetic equivalent to Revelation 20:9 where, after being loosed from his prison, Satan goes out to deceive the nations once again. His followers “Went up on the breadth of the earth and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city.”
In Elisha’s day the siege caused a famine, and so, during the Little Season, it may seem as if the old days of spiritual famine are returning. But when the Lord again fights for His Holy City there will never again be a famine for truth and all the enemies of mankind will be delivered into the second death. ● Step 12 — Samaria Besieged: Famine to Feast = Little Season.
13 Dead Man Comes to Life After Touching Elisha’s Bones (2 Kings 13:20, 21). The last miracle of Elisha actually occurred after his death. In this scene a dead man was hastily thrown into the sepulcher of Elisha and came to life when he touched the bones of Elisha. The bones of this amazing prophet of God revived the dead.
This reminds us of the ashes of a red heifer, used to purify the legally unclean (Numbers 19). The red heifer pictured the Ancient Worthies and their work in helping to cleanse mankind during the kingdom (see Tabernacle Shadows, page 105). The fact that Elisha was already dead when this miracle occurred, like the ashes of the red heifer, suggests that this miracle represents the remembrance of the blessings received through the living works of the Ancient Worthies. Also, it may support the idea that the Ancient Worthies will receive a spiritual reward at the end of the Millennium. A remembrance of these great men and women who helped cleanse mankind and bring them back to life would be most appropriate (Hebrews 11:13- 16). ● Step 13 — Dead Man Comes to Life After Touching Elisha’s Bones = Remembrance of the Ancient Worthies.
CONCLUSION
This amazing series of miracles supports our belief that God’s plan contains many thrilling features created for the blessing of all the families of the earth. God’s Plan gives us the structure for looking at these Old Testament miracles to see how they fit the larger framework of what God has in store for mankind. Looking at the world and the many things it suffers, we long for the day when God’s faithful men and women of old return to life and lead the world in worship of our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, to whom all praise and adoration is due.
When mankind experiences these miracles of God, the clouds of ignorance will be dispelled and God’s true heart intent will be made clear. We earnestly pray for that time.
— Bro. Tom Ruggirello
(1) From www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jericho.html#