The Tanakh Podcast

Samaria is under siege. There is no food. Women are consuming their dead children.

The King wishes to blame Elisha. Elisha responds with the news that within 24 hours the siege will end.

Meanwhile, outside the city, four lepers approach the enemy camp...

Today, we consider the character of Gehazi - Elisha's estranged assistant.

Aram's army captain has leprosy. His cure will come from an unlikely source - Elisha!

But what in particular makes Na'aman pledge to worship no deity other than the God of Israel?

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, righteous king by any assessment but also a man who seeks unity with the Northern Kingdom.

Tragically this pursuit has devastating consequences.

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?