A Bible study from Vince Baker Ministries, informed by Mantle of Elijah by Vince Baker and Sergie Atams.
Read the Scriptures
Begin where the townspeople begin
They explain that the location is pleasant but the water is bad. Elisha goes to the spring, the source of the trouble, and speaks the Lord’s word there. The scene immediately follows his public recognition as Elijah’s successor and shows his work meeting a real need in the community.
Compare the sign at the spring with Marah
In Exodus, Moses cries to the Lord over bitter water and is shown a tree to throw into it. The two stories use different objects and occur in different circumstances. Comparing the passages directs attention to God’s care and to the concrete problem faced by each community. When discussing the text, identify the problem, the action, and the outcome separately.
