2 Kings 2:25

KJV

And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went {H3212} from thence to mount {H2022} Carmel {H3760}, and from thence he returned {H7725} to Samaria {H8111}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He went on from there to Mount Karmel and then returned to Shomron.

Berean Standard Bible

And Elisha went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.

American Standard Version

And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 2:25 concludes the initial movements of the prophet Elisha following the dramatic ascension of his mentor, Elijah. This verse succinctly chronicles Elisha's purposeful journey from Bethel, where he had just exercised prophetic judgment, to the spiritually significant Mount Carmel, and subsequently his return to Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This sequence of geographical movements not only establishes the early scope of Elisha's ministry but also subtly underscores his assumption of the prophetic mantle and his readiness to engage with the spiritual realities of his nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to a pivotal chapter that marks the transition of prophetic leadership from Elijah to Elisha. Immediately preceding 2 Kings 2:25 is the sobering account of Elisha's encounter with a group of mocking youths in Bethel, where his prophetic curse led to two she-bears attacking forty-two of them ([2 Kings 2:23-24](/2_kings/2-23 "2 Kings 2:23-24 - Elisha and the Mocking Youths")). This incident, demonstrating Elisha's divine authority and the seriousness of disrespecting God's prophet, sets the stage for his subsequent movements. The journey described in verse 25, therefore, is not merely a travelogue but a continuation of the narrative establishing Elisha's identity and the beginning of his independent ministry, following the powerful confirmation of his anointing at the Jordan River ([2 Kings 2:13-15](/2_kings/2-13 "2 Kings 2:13-15 - Elisha's Mantle and Confirmation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Elisha's ministry unfolds in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a period marked by deep spiritual apostasy, particularly the pervasive worship of Baal introduced by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Samaria, the capital city, was the epicenter of this idolatry and political corruption. Mount Carmel, on the other hand, held profound historical and spiritual significance, being the site of Elijah's dramatic confrontation and victory over the prophets of Baal ([1 Kings 18:19-40](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18:19-40 - Elijah's Confrontation on Mount Carmel")). For Elisha to travel to Carmel suggests a deliberate act of spiritual alignment and perhaps a period of seeking divine counsel in a place consecrated by Elijah's powerful demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy. His return to Samaria indicates his readiness to confront the spiritual darkness in the very heart of the nation, much like Elijah had done before him.
* **Key Themes:** The movements of Elisha in this verse contribute to several key themes prevalent in the book of Kings. Firstly, it highlights the **Prophetic Transition and Authority**, solidifying Elisha's new role as the primary prophet in Israel, endowed with Elijah's spirit and power. His journey from Bethel, a place of judgment, to Carmel, a place of spiritual power, and then to Samaria, the seat of national apostasy, underscores the **Strategic Nature of Prophetic Ministry**. This sequence suggests a balance between divine encounter and engagement with societal realities. Furthermore, Elisha's purposeful movements imply **Divine Guidance and Preparation**, indicating that his early steps were not aimless but directed by God, preparing him for a long and impactful ministry characterized by numerous miracles, judgments, and acts of deliverance, as seen throughout the subsequent chapters of 2 Kings ([2 Kings 4](/2_kings/4 "2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Miracles")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mount Carmel (Hebrew, _Karmel'_):** A prominent mountain range in ancient Israel, renowned for its fertility and, more significantly, as the site where Elijah famously challenged and defeated the prophets of Baal ([1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel")). For Elisha to go to Carmel immediately after Elijah's departure and the Bethel incident suggests a spiritual pilgrimage, a seeking of solitude, reflection, and perhaps divine confirmation or communion in a place deeply associated with Yahweh's power and Elijah's ministry. It represents a spiritual touchstone for Elisha as he assumes his new mantle.
* **Samaria (Hebrew, _Shomron'_):** The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by Omri ([1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")). Samaria was a hub of political power, economic activity, and, tragically, rampant idolatry, particularly Baal worship, which was vigorously promoted by the Omride dynasty. Elisha's return to Samaria signifies his readiness to engage directly with the spiritual and political heart of the nation, bringing God's word and power to a place desperately in need of repentance and revival, despite its deep-seated rebellion against Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went from thence to mount Carmel,"**: This phrase indicates Elisha's departure from Bethel ("thence"), the location of the preceding incident involving the mocking youths. His journey to Mount Carmel is significant. It was a place of prophetic power and solitude, where Elijah had previously demonstrated God's supremacy. For Elisha, this journey likely served as a period of spiritual consolidation, reflection, and perhaps receiving further divine instruction or personal communion with God after the intense events of Elijah's ascension and the Bethel judgment. It marks a transition from a public display of authority to a more private, preparatory phase.
* **"and from thence he returned to Samaria."**: After his time on Mount Carmel, Elisha's return to Samaria, the capital city of Israel, signals the commencement of his public ministry in the heart of the nation. Samaria was the center of political power and, critically, the stronghold of Baal worship and idolatry. His presence there indicates his readiness to confront the spiritual challenges of the day, to deliver God's messages, and to perform miracles within the very seat of Israel's apostasy. This movement underscores his commitment to engaging with the people and their rulers, carrying forward the prophetic work initiated by Elijah.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Progression**, succinctly charting Elisha's geographical movements to establish the initial trajectory of his ministry. The specific locations, Mount Carmel and Samaria, function as **Geographical Symbolism**. Mount Carmel symbolizes a place of divine encounter, spiritual power, and solitude, recalling Elijah's triumph over Baal worship. Samaria, conversely, symbolizes the center of national life, political power, and pervasive idolatry. The movement between these two distinct locations creates a subtle **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the dual nature of prophetic ministry: drawing strength from divine presence (Carmel) and then engaging with the challenging realities of a fallen world (Samaria). This concise geographical account thus conveys significant theological and practical implications for Elisha's role.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is rich in theological implications, particularly concerning the nature of prophetic ministry and divine calling. Elisha's journey from Bethel to Carmel and then to Samaria illustrates a pattern of divine preparation and strategic engagement. It underscores the necessity for those called by God to seek moments of spiritual solitude and communion (represented by Carmel) before or during their public ministry, especially when facing significant spiritual opposition (represented by Samaria). This balance ensures that ministry flows from a deep wellspring of divine power and guidance, rather than mere human effort. The prophet, as God's representative, must be both deeply rooted in God's presence and relevant to the needs and challenges of society, even in its most rebellious centers.

* [Exodus 3:1-12](/exodus/3-1 "Exodus 3:1-12 - Moses' Call at the Burning Bush")
* [Luke 4:1-14](/luke/4-1 "Luke 4:1-14 - Jesus' Temptation and Return to Galilee")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and Power of the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elisha's deliberate movements in 2 Kings 2:25 offer a profound model for spiritual leadership and personal discipleship. His journey to Mount Carmel, a place of spiritual significance and solitude, before returning to the bustling and idolatrous capital of Samaria, speaks to the critical importance of balancing spiritual retreat with active engagement in the world. In our own lives, there is a constant tension between drawing near to God in quiet reflection and stepping out to serve Him in often challenging and spiritually hostile environments. This verse reminds us that true effectiveness in ministry and life does not come from constant activity but from a rhythm of seeking God's face and then faithfully applying His truth in our spheres of influence. It encourages us to prioritize periods of spiritual renewal, whether through prayer, study, or quiet contemplation, as essential preparation for the work God calls us to do, even in the "Samarias" of our modern world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you balance periods of spiritual solitude and reflection with active engagement in your daily life and ministry?**
* **What "Mount Carmels" (places or practices of spiritual renewal) do you regularly seek out to strengthen your relationship with God?**
* **In what "Samarias" (challenging or spiritually needy environments) is God calling you to apply the truths and power you receive in your times of spiritual preparation?**
* **How does Elisha's journey encourage you to trust in God's guidance for your own life's path, even when the next steps are unclear?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha go to Mount Carmel specifically, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Elisha's journey to Mount Carmel was highly significant. Mount Carmel was not just a geographical location but a place deeply associated with Elijah's most dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal, where Yahweh's power was unequivocally demonstrated ([1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah's Triumph on Mount Carmel")). For Elisha, going there immediately after Elijah's departure and the incident at Bethel likely served multiple purposes: it was a place of spiritual retreat and solitude where he could reflect on his new prophetic mantle, seek divine guidance, and perhaps commune with God in a place consecrated by powerful divine revelation. It was a symbolic act of aligning himself with the legacy of Elijah and drawing spiritual strength before embarking on his extensive public ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elisha's journey from Bethel to Mount Carmel and then to Samaria, though a geographical itinerary, prophetically foreshadows aspects of Christ's own ministry and the journey of His followers. Just as Elisha, the anointed prophet, sought a place of spiritual retreat and confirmation (Carmel) before engaging the heart of Israel's apostasy (Samaria), so too did Jesus. After His baptism, which marked the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus was led into the wilderness for a period of intense spiritual preparation and confrontation with temptation ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")). This period of solitude strengthened Him for the arduous task of confronting the spiritual strongholds of His day, ultimately leading Him to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political capital, where He would offer the ultimate sacrifice. Elisha's movement from a place of judgment (Bethel incident) to a place of spiritual power (Carmel) and then to the place of need (Samaria) mirrors Christ's mission to bring light to a darkened world, moving from divine communion to active engagement, ultimately culminating in His victory over sin and death, establishing a new covenant available to all, including the spiritual "Samarias" of the world ([John 4:1-42](/john/4-1 "John 4:1-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). The prophet's journey thus serves as a type, pointing to the greater Prophet whose life perfectly embodied the balance of divine connection and redemptive action.

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 4:25

So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, [yonder is] that Shunammite:

1 Kings 18:19

Now therefore send, [and] gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.

1 Kings 18:20

So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel.

1 Kings 18:42

So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,