The sons the Prophets
The frequency of this expression in some parts of the Old Testament, and the characteristics generally associated with it, constrain one's taking notice of it, lest an intended lesson be lost. In 2 Kings 2 they stand in sad contrast to the devotion of Elisha for Elijah. They seemed to have knowledge enough, for, at Bethel and at Jericho, they approach Elisha with the words, " Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to-day?" Elisha has a different mind from them, however, for he only answers, "Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace." Their talk was so heartless that, though true, it only disturbed his own -deep emotions, for with him it was no mere knowledge; his heart was bound up with his master, and to be without him was real sorrow.
At Jordan, where the two prophets cross over dry-shod, the sons of the prophets "stood to view afar off." Curiosity actuates them-not the devotion which binds men together.
When Elisha returns with his master's mantle, full of power, and " the sons of the prophets, which were to view at Jericho, saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him." They can appreciate power, as any natural man can, but right away show their lack of faith by insisting upon searching for Elijah, "lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley."
Later on(chap. 4) they are starving, and while Elisha's servant is preparing food for them, one of them puts poisonous gourds in the pot. His help only spoils the grace working through the prophet. But enough. We have said so much only to ask:Are there no "sons of the prophets" now?-Such as have knowledge of truth a-plenty, but lack of heart-submission and affection to the Lord Jesus? Such can criticize well and intelligently the prophets themselves, but fail to drink at the Fountain-head, and follow the rejected One. The word of God is so little fed upon-so carelessly read-that they cannot detect a "wild gourd" from the real food of the fields? The heart is unsatisfied be cause so little surrendered to Christ, yet knowing too much about Him to be satisfied with the "husks" of this world ? They know that the blessed Saviour who died for them is up there in the glory of God, but their faith is too little in exercise to follow Him there ?
Are there any such "sons of the prophets" about us, whose chief credentials are that they are sons and daughters of Christian parents? If so, may the Spirit of God arouse them from their sleep among the dead, and link them livingly with the Lord Jesus !
The only humility that is really ours is not that which we try to show in prayer, but that which we carry with us, and carry out in our ordinary conduct. Murray.