The Tanakh Podcast

This chapter contains four miracles stories of Elisha. Miracles appear to be the standard way that Elsiha addresses problems. But in the story of the Shunnamite woman and her son, we shall suggest that God teaches the great prophet Elisha that even miracle-making has its limits.

Israel, Judah and Edom join forces to attack Moav. We shall speak about a critical historic artifact - the Mesha Stele - that gives us important context for this military campaign.

This is the chapter in which Elijah ascends heavenwards in a chariot of fire. But is this in fact a story about Elijah, or possibly it is concerned with his protégé, Elisha?

King Ahaziyahu (Israel) has a domestic accident and is inured, bedridden and concerned for his life. He sends messengers to the God of Ekron: "Will I live?" Elijah is sent to intercept the King's delegates. The critical narrative here is the question of who controls the delegates: Will the king's servants follow the king's instructions or Elijah's, in God's name?

Today we study about Yehoshafat King of Yehuda who seeks unity with the Northern Kingdom but pays a heavy price.

This is the Bible's quintessential story of governmental corruption. The King wants a Nabot's vineyard. Nabot won't sell it. How will the king obtain the vineyard? How does one commit the perfect murder? And who gets the blame?

In our chapter Ahab goes to war with Aram - twice. Each time, God sends a prophet to support Ahab. Is God on Ahab's side? Have things shifted in Ahab's royal court?

After Elijah's great victory on Mt. Carmel, Elijah is thrust into deep crisis - he goes into the desert to end his own life!Why is Elijah so despondent? And what does God try to teach him?

What is the purpose of Elijah's duel at Mt. Carmel. What does it seek to achieve? And why do we hear about Achav's official - Ovadiah - in such detail?

Eliyahu decrees a famine, a drought, that endures for three years! Why did he do it? Was God commanding Eliyahu or was Eliyahu instructing God?