2 Kings 2:17

KJV

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they urged {H6484} him till he was ashamed {H954}, he said {H559}, Send {H7971}. They sent {H7971} therefore fifty {H2572} men {H376}; and they sought {H1245} three {H7969} days {H3117}, but found {H4672} him not.

Complete Jewish Bible

But they kept pressing him until finally, embarrassed, he said to send them. So they sent fifty men. For three days they searched, but they didn't find him.

Berean Standard Bible

But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah.

American Standard Version

And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 2:17 meticulously records the persistent insistence of the sons of the prophets that Elisha permit a search for Elijah, whom they believed the Spirit of the Lord had merely relocated to an earthly mountain or valley. Despite Elisha's initial resistance and clear understanding of Elijah's miraculous ascension, he eventually yielded to their relentless urging, allowing fifty men to conduct a three-day, ultimately fruitless search. This event serves to definitively confirm the unique, supernatural nature of Elijah's departure, underscoring the limitations of human understanding when confronted with divine reality and validating Elisha's prophetic authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic and unprecedented account of Elijah's translation into heaven by a whirlwind, witnessed solely by Elisha, his successor and disciple, in [2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension"). The narrative has just established Elisha's undisputed succession, marked by his miraculous division of the Jordan River with Elijah's mantle, a sign that prompted the sons of the prophets to declare, "The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha" ([2 Kings 2:15](/2_kings/2-15 "2 Kings 2:15 - The Spirit of Elijah Rests on Elisha")). Despite this acknowledgement of Elisha's anointing and the extraordinary nature of the preceding events, their human minds struggled to fully comprehend a departure as unique as Elijah's. Their insistence on a search, articulated in [2 Kings 2:16](/2_kings/2-16 "2 Kings 2:16 - Sons of the Prophets Insist on a Search"), reveals their limited grasp of divine omnipotence and sets the stage for Elisha's reluctant concession in verse 17, which then leads to the conclusive failure of their search.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "sons of the prophets" were not literal offspring but rather a guild or community of prophetic disciples and students, often living together under the guidance of a senior prophet like Elijah or Elisha. They were dedicated to studying God's law and serving Him, acting as a spiritual counter-cultural force against the prevalent idolatry in Israel during the Omride dynasty. Their understanding of prophetic activity often included instances where the "Spirit of the Lord" would transport prophets from one location to another, as seen with Elijah himself in [1 Kings 18:12](/1_kings/18-12 "1 Kings 18:12 - Obadiah's Fear of the Spirit Carrying Elijah Away") or Ezekiel in [Ezekiel 3:14](/ezekiel/3-14 "Ezekiel 3:14 - Ezekiel Lifted by the Spirit"). This established precedent informed their assumption that Elijah had merely been relocated, not taken entirely from the earth. Their insistence reflects a cultural expectation for tangible proof and a desire to retain their revered leader, even if it meant searching for him in the wilderness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Kings chapter 2](/2_kings/2 "2 Kings 2 - Elijah's Ascension and Elisha's Succession") and the broader narrative of the Books of Kings. Firstly, it highlights the **tension between human skepticism and divine reality**. Despite witnessing miraculous acts and acknowledging Elisha's anointing, the sons of the prophets could not fully grasp the unprecedented nature of Elijah's ascension, compelling them to seek a rational, earthly explanation. Secondly, it underscores **Elisha's wisdom and patience as a leader**. Knowing the futility of the search, Elisha initially resisted. His eventual concession, though seemingly a capitulation, was a strategic act of grace, allowing them to experience the truth firsthand and preventing future accusations of deceit or obstruction. This aligns with his growing authority as the new prophetic leader, as foreshadowed by his request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit in [2 Kings 2:9](/2_kings/2-9 "2 Kings 2:9 - Elisha's Request for a Double Portion"). Finally, the failed search serves as a **definitive validation of Elijah's unique ascension**, firmly establishing that he was not merely moved but supernaturally taken from the earthly realm, marking the closure of his extraordinary ministry and the definitive commencement of Elisha's.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Urged (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq'_):** This verb, often translated as "to be strong," "to seize," or "to prevail," here conveys intense, persistent pressure. It suggests a forceful, unyielding insistence on the part of the sons of the prophets. They were not merely asking but strongly compelling Elisha, demonstrating a stubborn resolve born of their disbelief in Elijah's complete departure.
* **Ashamed (Hebrew, _bosh'_):** While often meaning "to be ashamed" in a moral sense, here it likely signifies Elisha's weariness, embarrassment, or exasperation at their relentless badgering. He was not ashamed of his knowledge or integrity, but perhaps "shamed" into giving in to avoid further argument, to prevent them from accusing him of hiding something, or to allow them to learn through their own experience. It was a concession to their stubbornness, not a sign of his own doubt.
* **Sought (Hebrew, _biqqesh'_):** This verb means "to seek," "to search," or "to look for." Its use here emphasizes the active, deliberate nature of their three-day expedition. It highlights their earnest desire to find Elijah, driven by their conviction that he must still be on earth, and ultimately underscores the futility of their human efforts against a divine act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they urged him till he was ashamed":** This clause describes the relentless pressure exerted by the sons of the prophets upon Elisha. Despite Elisha's clear understanding that Elijah had ascended to heaven, their persistent pleas and perhaps even implied accusations or suspicions wore him down. The phrase "till he was ashamed" indicates Elisha's discomfort or exasperation with their stubborn disbelief and badgering, leading him to a point where he felt compelled to yield for the sake of peace or to allow them to prove their own error.
* **"he said, Send.":** This brief, decisive command from Elisha marks his reluctant concession. It signifies his decision to allow them to proceed with their futile search. This was not an admission of doubt on Elisha's part but a pragmatic and wise choice to let them discover the truth for themselves, thereby validating his own witness and preventing any future accusations that he had prevented a search or concealed Elijah.
* **"They sent therefore fifty men;":** In response to Elisha's permission, the sons of the prophets immediately dispatched a significant search party. The number "fifty" suggests a serious and organized effort, reflecting their conviction and determination to locate Elijah. This detail emphasizes the thoroughness of their intended search.
* **"and they sought three days,":** The duration of the search—three days—is significant. In biblical contexts, three days often signifies completion, a period of intense effort, or a time leading to revelation or a turning point. Here, it indicates a comprehensive and exhaustive search across the probable geographic areas (mountains and valleys, as mentioned in [2 Kings 2:16](/2_kings/2-16 "2 Kings 2:16 - Sons of the Prophets Insist on a Search")), demonstrating that no stone was left unturned in their human efforts.
* **"but found him not.":** This final, conclusive statement is the most crucial part of the verse. It unequivocally confirms the supernatural nature of Elijah's departure. The failure of a thorough, three-day search by fifty men serves as irrefutable proof that Elijah was not merely relocated to an earthly spot but was indeed taken from the earth by divine power, validating Elisha's earlier testimony and the miraculous event of [2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension").

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 2:17 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Irony**, as the very act intended to disprove Elisha's testimony—the diligent search for Elijah—ultimately serves to confirm it. The sons of the prophets, in their skepticism, inadvertently provide the strongest evidence for the miraculous nature of Elijah's ascension. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between Elisha's calm, certain knowledge of divine reality and the persistent, earthly-bound skepticism of the sons of the prophets. The "three days" of searching can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing a period of thoroughness and completion, often preceding a revelation or confirmation in biblical narratives, underscoring the definitive nature of their failed quest. Finally, the entire episode functions as a **Validation**, not only of Elijah's unique departure but also of Elisha's prophetic authority and his accurate understanding of God's ways, solidifying his role as Elijah's true successor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account in 2 Kings 2:17 offers profound theological insights into the nature of divine action and human faith. It teaches that God's ways often transcend human logic and expectation, requiring a faith that trusts in the unseen and the extraordinary. The sons of the prophets, though spiritual men, represent the human tendency to rationalize divine events, seeking tangible proof even when confronted with clear testimony. Elisha's patient wisdom in allowing their futile search demonstrates a divine pedagogical principle: sometimes, God permits us to exhaust our own limited understanding and efforts so that we might truly grasp and accept His higher, often mysterious, realities. The failed search serves as a powerful theological affirmation of Elijah's unique translation, setting him apart as one of only two individuals in the Old Testament (the other being Enoch in [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Genesis 5:24 - Enoch Walked with God and Was No More")) to be taken directly into God's presence without experiencing death. This event underscores God's sovereignty over life and death and His ability to act outside the normal course of nature.

* [John 20:24-29](/john/20-24 "John 20:24-29 - Thomas Doubts and Believes")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways Are Higher")
* [Luke 24:11](/luke/24-11 "Luke 24:11 - Disciples Disbelieve Women's Report")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Kings 2:17 serves as a powerful reminder that our finite human understanding often struggles to grasp the infinite and extraordinary ways of God. In a world that often demands empirical evidence, this passage challenges us to cultivate a faith that trusts in God's revealed truth, even when it defies our logic or conventional expectations. Like the sons of the prophets, we may sometimes insist on our own methods or explanations, only to find that God allows us to pursue these paths, not to punish us, but to lead us to a deeper, more profound realization of His power and sovereignty. Elisha's patient wisdom teaches us the value of allowing others to learn through experience, even when we know the outcome, fostering a grace-filled approach to those who genuinely struggle with faith or understanding. Ultimately, this passage calls us to humility, encouraging us to surrender our need for complete comprehension and to embrace the mystery and wonder of God's miraculous interventions in the world and in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life do I tend to insist on my own understanding or methods, even when God's truth seems to point in a different, more extraordinary direction?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's ways, even when they defy my logical expectations or seem "too good to be true"?**
* **In what situations might God be allowing me to "search" for answers, not because He is hidden, but to lead me to a more profound and personal discovery of His truth?**
* **How can I demonstrate Elisha's patient wisdom when encountering others who struggle with doubt or skepticism regarding spiritual truths?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha give in to the sons of the prophets' request if he knew it was futile?**

Answer: Elisha's concession was not an admission of doubt or a sign of weakness, but a strategic act of wisdom and patience. He knew that Elijah had been supernaturally taken to heaven ([2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension")), and a search would be fruitless. However, the sons of the prophets were so insistent, "urging him till he was ashamed," that Elisha likely realized that merely telling them would not suffice. By allowing them to conduct a thorough, three-day search with fifty men, he enabled them to discover the truth for themselves. This firsthand experience served as irrefutable proof, validating Elisha's testimony and preventing any future accusations that he might have hidden Elijah or prevented a proper investigation. It was a pedagogical act, allowing them to learn through experience and solidify their trust in his prophetic authority.

**What is the significance of the "three days" of searching?**

Answer: The "three days" is a significant detail in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a period of completion, intense effort, or a time leading to a definitive outcome or revelation. In this context, the three-day search emphasizes its thoroughness and exhaustiveness. It demonstrates that the sons of the prophets left no stone unturned in their quest to find Elijah, covering all plausible earthly locations (mountains and valleys, as mentioned in [2 Kings 2:16](/2_kings/2-16 "2 Kings 2:16 - Sons of the Prophets Insist on a Search")). The fact that after three days they "found him not" provides conclusive and undeniable proof that Elijah was not merely relocated but was truly taken from the earth by divine power. This duration ensures that their failure was not due to a lack of effort but to the supernatural nature of the event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The account of Elijah's ascension and the subsequent futile search by the sons of the prophets finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Elijah's miraculous departure, witnessed by only one, foreshadows Christ's own glorious ascension into heaven, which was witnessed by many disciples ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - Jesus Ascends into Heaven")). While the sons of the prophets searched in vain for Elijah's earthly body, demonstrating their limited understanding of divine transportation, the resurrection of Jesus provided irrefutable proof that death had been conquered, and His ascension definitively placed Him at the right hand of God ([Luke 24:50-53](/luke/24-50 "Luke 24:50 - Jesus Ascends from Bethany"), [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). The "spirit of Elijah" resting on Elisha, empowering him for ministry, prefigures the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers after Christ's ascension, enabling them to carry on His work with divine power ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"), [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1 - The Day of Pentecost")). Thus, the temporary, mysterious removal of Elijah points forward to the definitive, publicly witnessed, and eternally significant triumph of Christ over death and His enthronement as Lord, ensuring that His followers are not left to search in vain but are empowered by His Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 8:11

And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

Hebrews 11:5

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

2 Samuel 18:22

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?

2 Samuel 18:23

But howsoever, [said he], let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.

Romans 10:2

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

Luke 11:8

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.