2 Kings 2:3

KJV

And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of the prophets {H5030} that were at Bethel {H1008} came forth {H3318} to Elisha {H477}, and said {H559} unto him, Knowest {H3045} thou that the LORD {H3068} will take away {H3947} thy master {H113} from thy head {H7218} to day {H3117}? And he said {H559}, Yea, I know {H3045} it; hold ye your peace {H2814}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The guild prophets of Beit-El came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that ADONAI is taking your master away from you today?" "Yes, I know," he answered; "say no more."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”

American Standard Version

And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that Jehovah will take away thy master from thy head to-day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 2:3 captures a poignant moment in the narrative of Elijah's impending departure, revealing the widespread divine foreknowledge among the prophetic communities and Elisha's profound, yet subdued, acceptance of this momentous transition. The "sons of the prophets" at Bethel confront Elisha with their awareness of the Lord's plan to "take away" his master, Elijah, that very day, to which Elisha responds with a calm affirmation and a plea for silence, underscoring his deep processing of the event and a desire for solemnity. This verse serves as a crucial prelude to the extraordinary transfer of prophetic authority and the dramatic ascension of Elijah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of 2 Kings 2, a chapter that marks the climactic end of Elijah's earthly ministry and the dramatic inauguration of Elisha's. The narrative immediately preceding this verse (2 Kings 1) details Elijah's final confrontation with King Ahaziah and his miraculous call for fire from heaven, solidifying his status as a powerful prophet of the Lord. Chapter 2 opens with Elijah and Elisha journeying from Gilgal, a significant location in Israel's history, towards Bethel. This journey is punctuated by Elijah's repeated attempts to send Elisha away, which Elisha steadfastly refuses, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and desire to remain with his master until the very end. The encounter with the sons of the prophets at Bethel is the first of two such interactions (the second occurring at Jericho in [2 Kings 2:5](/2_kings/2-5 "2 Kings 2:5 - Sons of the Prophets at Jericho")), emphasizing the widespread knowledge and anticipation of Elijah's imminent departure, setting a tone of solemnity and divine orchestration for the events that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "sons of the prophets" refers to a recognized group or community of prophetic disciples who lived together, studied under a master prophet, and engaged in prophetic service. These communities, often located in key religious centers like Bethel, Jericho, and Gilgal, served as training grounds and spiritual hubs, preserving true Yahwism amidst the widespread idolatry prevalent in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the Omride dynasty. Bethel itself held immense historical significance as the site of Jacob's dream and vow to God ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")), yet it had tragically become a center of calf worship established by Jeroboam I ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). The presence of a prophetic community here, aware of God's intimate plans, highlights pockets of spiritual resistance and faithfulness even in places deeply corrupted by apostasy. The concept of a master-disciple relationship, where the "master" is seen as a "head" or guiding authority, was a common cultural understanding, making the idiom of being "taken away from thy head" particularly poignant.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader prophetic narrative. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as the Lord's decision to "take away" Elijah is not a secret but a divinely revealed plan, known even to the prophetic students, underscoring God's absolute control over the lives and ministries of His servants. The theme of **Prophetic Succession** is central, as the verse explicitly sets the stage for the transfer of Elijah's mantle to Elisha, a transition that is both publicly acknowledged and deeply personal. Elisha's quiet and composed response, "Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace," introduces the theme of **Spiritual Discernment and Serenity in Transition**. Unlike the more vocal and perhaps anxious "sons of the prophets," Elisha demonstrates a profound internal processing and acceptance of God's will, indicating his readiness for the weighty responsibility that is about to fall upon him, 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").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons of the prophets (Hebrew, _b'nei han'vi'im'_):** This phrase refers to a distinct group or community of individuals who were disciples or apprentices of a leading prophet. They lived together, often in communal settings, and were trained in prophetic ministry, learning to hear and speak God's word. Their presence at Bethel indicates an established prophetic school or guild, suggesting a structured environment for spiritual formation and the continuation of prophetic tradition in Israel. They were not necessarily biological sons, but spiritual progeny, under the tutelage of a master like Elijah.
* **take away thy master from thy head (Hebrew, _laqach et-adonayikha me'al ro'shekha'_):** This is a powerful idiom signifying a sudden, authoritative, and often supernatural removal. The "head" here symbolizes authority, leadership, and close proximity, much like a crown or a covering. The phrase vividly conveys the idea of Elijah being divinely removed from his position of direct mentorship and leadership over Elisha. It implies a separation that is not merely physical but also a profound shift in the spiritual landscape, emphasizing the divine agency behind Elijah's departure.
* **hold ye your peace (Hebrew, _heḥeshu'_):** This imperative verb carries the meaning of "be silent," "be quiet," or "cease." Elisha's command is not dismissive but rather a plea for solemnity and reverence in the face of a sacred, divinely orchestrated event. It suggests that Elisha has already deeply processed the impending departure and does not wish for further discussion or emotional outpouring from others, preferring to maintain a quiet, focused composure as he prepares for this momentous transition. It speaks to his spiritual maturity and his desire for an undisturbed, sacred moment with his master.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of the prophets that [were] at Bethel came forth to Elisha,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the participants. The "sons of the prophets" represent a community of prophetic disciples, indicating that Elijah's impending departure was not a secret, but a known, divinely revealed event within these spiritual circles. Their active "coming forth" to Elisha shows their concern, awareness, and perhaps a desire to gauge Elisha's understanding or express their sympathy.
* **"and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day?"**: This is the core of their confrontation. The question is rhetorical, designed to elicit Elisha's acknowledgment of a shared, divinely imparted truth. The phrase "take away thy master from thy head" is a powerful idiom denoting a sudden, authoritative, and final removal of a leader or mentor. The explicit mention of "the LORD" confirms that this is a divine act, not a natural occurrence. The specificity of "to day" heightens the immediate dramatic tension.
* **"And he said, Yea, I know [it]; hold ye your peace."**: Elisha's terse, yet profound, response. His "Yea, I know it" confirms his own divine foreknowledge and deep understanding of the situation, dispelling any notion that he is unaware or unprepared. The command "hold ye your peace" is not a sign of anger but a request for quiet reverence and solemnity. It reflects Elisha's desire for a private, focused moment with Elijah, free from the distractions or emotional expressions of others, as he prepares for the momentous transfer of authority and the profound loss of his spiritual father.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Dialogue**, serving as the primary mode of interaction and revelation. The direct question from the sons of the prophets to Elisha, and his concise reply, efficiently conveys crucial information about the characters' awareness and emotional states. **Foreshadowing** is a dominant device; the explicit question about Elijah being "taken away" directly anticipates the dramatic ascension described later in the chapter ([2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension")). The use of the **Idiom** "take away thy master from thy head" is a powerful figure of speech that conveys the authoritative and complete nature of Elijah's removal, symbolizing the loss of leadership and close spiritual guidance. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** for the reader, who knows the extraordinary nature of Elijah's departure, while the characters themselves are grappling with the immediate reality of the separation. Elisha's quiet response, contrasting with the implied anxiety or curiosity of the "sons of the prophets," also highlights his **Composure** and spiritual depth in the face of a momentous divine event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over the lives and ministries of His chosen servants, even to the point of orchestrating their departure from earthly service. The widespread knowledge of Elijah's impending "taking away" among the prophetic communities underscores the reality of divine revelation and the interconnectedness of God's people in discerning His will. Elisha's calm acceptance, rather than distress, highlights a profound trust in God's plan and a spiritual maturity that prioritizes solemnity and reverence during sacred transitions. It teaches us that God often prepares His people for significant changes, and that true spiritual leadership involves not only receiving a mantle but also discerning the appropriate posture of quiet submission and focus in the face of divine movements. The transition from Elijah to Elisha is not merely a change of personnel but a divinely ordained transfer of spiritual authority and power, ensuring the continuity of God's prophetic voice in Israel.

* [2 Kings 2:5](/2_kings/2-5 "2 Kings 2:5 - Sons of the Prophets at Jericho also know")
* [Numbers 27:18-23](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18-23 - Moses commissions Joshua")
* [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joshua filled with the spirit of wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at Bethel invites us to reflect on our own posture when faced with significant transitions, especially those involving loss, change in leadership, or the departure of influential figures in our lives or communities. Like the "sons of the prophets," we might be quick to voice our awareness or concern, perhaps even seeking confirmation from those directly affected. However, Elisha's response, "Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace," offers a profound lesson in spiritual discernment and the sanctity of profound moments. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment of God's will to a place of deep, quiet acceptance and solemn reverence. In times of transition, rather than engaging in anxious discussion or emotional outpouring, we are called to a posture of quiet trust, allowing space for God to work and for those directly involved to process His divine movements in peace. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of quietude, allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to our hearts and prepare us for what God is doing next, rather than being swept away by external noise or the need for constant commentary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react to significant transitions or the departure of influential figures in my life or community? Do I tend to vocalize my awareness, or do I seek quiet reflection?**
* **What does Elisha's command, "hold ye your peace," teach me about appropriate responses to divinely orchestrated events, especially those that are weighty or solemn?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to a deeper "Yea, I know it" and a greater "hold ye your peace" in the face of His sovereign will?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of spiritual discernment and inner peace during times of uncertainty or change, trusting in God's overarching plan?**

### FAQ
**What does "take away thy master from thy head" mean idiomatically?**

Answer: The phrase "take away thy master from thy head" is a powerful Hebrew idiom that signifies a sudden, authoritative, and often supernatural removal of a leader or mentor. The "head" here symbolizes authority, leadership, and close proximity, much like a crown or a covering that is removed. It vividly conveys the idea of Elijah being divinely separated from his position of direct mentorship and leadership over Elisha. It implies a profound and final separation, emphasizing that Elijah's departure is not a natural death but a divinely orchestrated act of God, as confirmed by the subsequent narrative of his ascension in [2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension to Heaven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic departure of Elijah in 2 Kings 2:3, known and anticipated by the prophetic community, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the ascension of Jesus Christ. Elijah's being "taken away" by the Lord foreshadows Christ's own triumphant return to the Father, after completing His earthly ministry and securing salvation for humanity. Just as the "sons of the prophets" awaited Elijah's departure and the transfer of his mantle, so too did Christ's disciples witness His ascension, understanding that it paved the way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the ultimate "mantle" of power and presence. Jesus, the supreme Prophet, did not merely have His authority "taken away" but willingly laid down His life and then, through His resurrection and ascension, was exalted to the right hand of God, receiving all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His departure was not a loss but a necessary step for the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, to come and indwell believers, empowering them for ministry ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus promises the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Elisha's quiet acceptance and the prophetic community's foreknowledge point to the greater divine plan of God, culminating in Christ's departure and the subsequent empowering of His church, ensuring that His presence and authority continue to guide His people through the indwelling Spirit ([Acts 1:8-9](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8-9 - The Holy Spirit and Jesus' Ascension")).

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.