Limitation of Power of Miracles
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The Covenant Between the Parts
Rabbi Yaakov MedanWhy did God decree that the descendants of Avraham will be exiled to Egypt? Shmuel believes Avraham's sin was a lack of emunah, while Rabbi Abahu and Rabbi Yohanan said the punishment was given due to another sin. This controversy mirrors their criticism of Avraham in the War of the Kings, and the nature and purpose of the Covenant between the Pieces.
Eliyahu in Horev (Part 2)
Eliyahu's Flight (Part 2)
Rabbi Elchanan SametIf Eliyahu runs away from Izevel to save his life, why does he then ask God to take his life? One approach suggests that Eliyau expected a political revolution on the heels of the miracle at Mount Carmel. Izevel’s ability to continue to reign in her previous manner leaves Eliyahu with the understanding that miracles exert power only for a short time, and a profound, thorough, long-term change in consciousness was not thereby achieved. Eliyahu realized this the very next day, and it caused him great despair.
Elisha – Prophet of Miracles
Rabbi Alex IsraelElisha is constantly performing miracles. His miracles span from practical assistance to individuals or small groups, to operating at the national level, alongside kings and armies. The miracle with the widow and the oil - whose children are on the verge of being sold into slavery - is reminiscent of and sharply contrasted to Eliyahu's miracle with the widow in Zarfat. Eliyahu and Elisha may differ in educational philosophy: What is the more effective educational method: the stick or the carrot, confrontation or encouragement? The difference between the two might be a function of the times in which they live and serve. In Eliyahu's period, under the reign of Ahav, Israel enjoy economic prosperity, wielding international power. Elisha's era, in contrast, is characterized by Aram's devastating oppression of the Northern kingdom. When the nation is under siege, what is required is support, inspiration and encouragement.