From Gilgal to Gilgal: The Sites of Memory in Elisha’s Biography (2 Kings 2:1-4:38)

Ks. Zdzisław PAWŁOWSKI

Katedra Teologii Historycznej, Wydział Teologiczny, Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika, ul. Gagarina 37, 87-100 Toruń, Poland , Poland

Abstract

The article consists of two parts. The first part addresses the methodological field of biography, including a relationship between biography and space. The biographical approach seems to be the most adequate instrument to interpret the narratives in which Elisha succeeds Elijah as a prophet. The second part of the article follows Elisha’s geographical trajectory: first with Elijah, from Gilgal to the eastern bank of the Jordan, and then alone, on his way back to Gilgal (2 Kings 2:1-4:38). Elisha visits well-known places which are significant for the religious memory of Israel. By focusing on different aspects of space, a detailed analysis of the episodes makes it possible to answer the question of what impact those places exerted on Elisha as a person as well as on his understanding of his prophetic mission.

Keywords:

hermeneutics of biography, sites of memory, Elijah, Elisha, woman, theological geography