2 Kings 2: 1-6 Elijah seems intent on leaving Elisha for some reason. He tries to go to three different towns without him, but Elisha apparently knew what was up and wouldn't let him.
They go from Gilgal to Beth-El to Jericho to Jordan.
Gilgal was the site of the first encampment after the children of Israel crossed the Jordan river. this is where Joshu aset up 12 stones, one for each tribe of Israel to remind them forever that they had crossed the river on dry ground, as they had crossed the red sea on dry ground (Joshua 4). Gilgal further represents a new beginning because the word itself means "Roll away," and it was here that the Lord re-instituted circumcision as a requirement for all the men of Israel, saying, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of hte place is called Gilgal unto this day (Joshua 5). You could say he went to Gilgal to remind Elisha of the beginning of Israel's separation from the rest of the world.
Stop #2: Beth-El. (If you could walk straight, this is probably 15-20 miles) This is the same Beth-El where Jacob, while running away from home and from Esau spent the night dreaming of the ladder leading up to Heaven, representing the covenants we are to make to return to God's presence. You'll recall that in the morning, Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place and I knew it not...this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of Heaven...And he called the name of the place Beth-el. He also placed stones there to signify the importance of the place. This is also where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, and where the leaders of Israel would commonly go to inquire after the will of the Lord. Remember Psalm 27:4, One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord (Beth-El) all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. I think he may have taken Elisha to Beth-el to remind him of the importance of seeking the Lord.
Stop #3: Jericho. (very close to Gilgal, so about 15-20 miles back from Beth-el) Jericho was the site of the first major battle and victory that the Israelites had after crossing the Jordan river. Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out and none came in. And the Lord said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho. I love that. Joshua was looking at a city that is unassailable and the Lord says, See? I have given it to you. All they had to do was walk and have faith. We've heard the phrase, I walk by faith, thanks to Paul but I think that here the Israelites really had to for 6 days before the walls came tumbling down.
Stope #4: Jordan. (about 2-3 miles from Jericho) Not a specific city, but the river. The river Jordan signifies in my mind the covenants the Lord has made with Israel, and could probably be likened to baptism or temple covenants. Christ would be baptized here, the Israelites crossed here to enter the land promised in covenants to their fathers.
To summarize, the prophet Elijah takes his successor from place to place to remind him of being separate from the world, seeking God's presence in God's house, trusting in the Lord, and the eventual fulfillment of all covenants.
Some people feel that these four places represent our own journey toward God: Gilgal represents our arrival at the doors of faith and our baptism. Beth-El represents powerful spiritual experiences. Jericho represents those times in our life when we have to walk by faith. And Jordan represents our death and resurrection.
Also, it was quite convenient to go to the the various schools of the prophets and I would bet they got special instruction from Elijah prior to his translation.
There's quite a bit more in this lesson, I love the she-bears, the Shunamite woman, Namaan, and the whole, They that be with us are greater than they that be with them story, but I'm out of time.
