“And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, ‘The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God.’” —1 Kings 18:39 (ESV)

Bible Engagement: Week 16, Divided Kingdom/Israel and Judah

Tier 1: 2 Kings 2 Elijah
Tier 2: 2 Kings 1-4
Tier 3: 2 Kings 1-4; 2 Chronicles 21

Tier 1 Questions

1. Who was Elisha?
   
   
   • Why did he curse the boys of Bethel? (see 2 Kings 2:23-25)
   
   
   • Did it seem to you that Elisha overreacted?
   
   
   Remember that Bethel was one of the two places where king Jeroboam placed golden calves to worship. The disrespect and contempt shown by the boys was severe and reflective of the wickedness of the Israelites living in that town. God used that incident to warn all of Israel of His impending judgement.

Tiers 2-3 Questions

1. Who was Elisha?
   

• Why did he curse the boys of Bethel? (see 2 Kings 2:23-25)

• Did it seem to you that Elisha overreacted?

Remember that Bethel was one of the two places where king Jeroboam placed golden calves to worship. The disrespect and contempt shown by the boys was severe and reflective of the wickedness of the Israelites living in that town. God used that incident to warn all of Israel of His impending judgement.
2. What do the events in 2 Kings 4 reveal about God’s nature?

Application

1. What qualities of God stood out to you today? Take a moment to worship Him.