Biblical Resurrections, Elisha's Grief, and the Rebellion of Korah

2 Kings 2:12

12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

Elisha rent his clothes into two pieces as an outward expression of his deep sorrow and bereavement over the loss of his master, Elijah, while simultaneously demonstrating a profound act of faith that, although the prophet was gone, the God of Elijah remainedTEd 40.2+1.

The Expression of Mourning

In ancient times, rending one's garments was a traditional custom used to express great distress, affliction, and bereavement1SP 148.1. When Elisha saw Elijah taken up into heaven by a whirlwind, he gave way to his natural feelings of loss for his departed master, whom he affectionately called, "My father, my father"Ed 59.3+1. This act of tearing his clothes completely from top to bottom served as a visible token of his grief and veneration for the man who had been his mentor and leaderBHOTV6 89.2+1.

A Transition of Mission and Faith

Beyond personal sorrow, the rending of his clothes marked a significant transition in Elisha's life and ministry:

• Recognition of the Spirit: By tearing and casting away his own clothes before taking up Elijah’s mantle, Elisha symbolized that he was setting aside his former life to fully enter the mission to which he had succeededBHOTV6 89.2+1.

• A Lesson in Faith: Even in his lamentation, Elisha realized the great lesson that Jehovah remained a present help even when His human servants were removedBHOTV6 89.2. He cried out, "The chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof," acknowledging that God was the true strength and defense of the nation 2 Kings 2:12BHOTV6 89.2.

• Assurance of Commission: After rending his garments, Elisha took up the mantle that had fallen from Elijah—a badge not of distinction, but of work and officeBHOTV6 89.2+1. When he used that mantle to smite the Jordan River, he did so with an energy of faith, proving that the spirit of Elijah now rested upon him 2 Kings 2:13-15Ed 59.3+1.

Symbolic Parallels in Scripture

The act of rending garments appears throughout the Bible to signal critical changes or spiritual crises:

• Samuel and Saul: When Saul laid hold of Samuel’s mantle and it rent, it was a sign that the Lord had rent the kingdom of Israel from him 1 Samuel 15:27-28.

• Caiaphas: The high priest rent his clothes during the trial of Jesus, which was significant of the Jewish nation being divorced from God as they rejected the Messiah Matthew 26:65HLv 471.3+1.

• The Temple Veil: At the death of Christ, the veil of the temple was rent in twain, signifying that the earthly sacrificial system had met its antitype and was finished Matthew 27:50-51SS 360.2+1.

Elisha’s experience serves as a lesson for the church today: that bereavement and a sense of loss should not dull our purpose, but rather quicken us for work in the name of the Master who lives and reigns foreverBHOTV6 89.2.

Jude 1:11

11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

The gainsaying of Core, mentioned in Jude 1:11 refers to the rebellious and defiant spirit exhibited by Korah (also spelled Core) when he and his associates rose up against the divine authority and appointments of God Jude 11ARSH July 31, 1860, page 84.17. This historical event serves as a solemn warning for the last days, representing a specific type of opposition where ecclesiastical authority is labeled as priestcraft and civil authority is viewed as tyrannyARSH November 15, 1898, page 737.1.

The Nature of Korah's Rebellion

Korah was a Levite of the family of Kohath and a cousin of Moses, making him a man of significant ability and influencePP 395.2+1. Despite being appointed to the sacred service of the tabernacle, he became dissatisfied and coveted the dignity of the priesthood, which God had bestowed specifically upon Aaron and his housePP 395.2+1. His gainsaying was characterized by several specific evils:

• Self-Exaltation and Ambition: Driven by pride, Korah sought a position of commander and was not content with the honors God had already entrusted to him14LtMs, Ms 110, 1899, par. 16+1.

• Envy and Jealousy: He harbored secret dissatisfaction against the authority of Moses and Aaron, eventually leading to an open act of rebellionPP 395.2+1.

• Deceptive Flattery: To gain supporters, Korah flattered the congregation, telling them they were all holy and that the reproofs given by Moses were uncalled for and dictatorial4aSG 31.1+1.

• Misrepresentation of God's Servants: He represented Moses as a tyrannical ruler and an overbearing leader, even charging him with the selfish motives that actually inspired Korah's own heartPP 403.1+1.

The Conspiracy and Its Supporters

Korah did not act alone; he drew Dathan and Abiram, descendants of Reuben, into his rebellion by appealing to their own sense of entitlement as descendants of Jacob's eldest sonPP 395.2+1. Together, they successfully alienated two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly—men of renown and influence—who joined the insurrection under the pretense of seeking individual independence and rights for the people14MR 108.1+1. They stood together at the door of the tabernacle, impiously exercising the office of priests with their censers in a daring affront to the divine Majesty4aSG 31.1+1.

The Divine Judgment

The results of this gainsaying were immediate and terrifying as a testament to God's displeasure with rebellion:

1. The Opening of the Earth: After Moses warned the people to depart from the tents of these wicked men, the ground clave asunder, and the earth swallowed up Korah, Dathan, Abiram, their families, and all their goods, and they went down alive into the pit Numbers 16:31-334aSG 31.1.

2. Destruction by Fire: A fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty princes who had offered incense Numbers 16:353T 350.1.

3. The Plague: Even after this judgment, the congregation continued their rebellion the next morning by accusing Moses and Aaron of killing "the people of the Lord," resulting in a plague that slew fourteen thousand and seven hundred additional people Numbers 16:41-4914MR 108.1.

Spiritual Lessons and Warnings

The gainsaying of Core is recorded for our admonition as a warning against the spirit of insubordination and the rejection of the instruments God uses for the salvation of His people1BC 1114.2+1. This spirit often manifests as a "wild democracy" in the church that refuses to submit to appointed leadership and calls in question the qualifications of those carrying the burden of the workARSH December 3, 1857, page 27.4+1. Those who follow the way of Korah become self-deceived, eventually believing their own falsehoods and regarding the light of truth as darkness1888 906.2+1. History repeats when men of one age make similar choices, and the only security against such failure is absolute consecration and a heart yielded to the subduing power of the Holy SpiritBDOC 3.12+1.

"Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core" Jude 11.

The Bible teaches that there are two primary resurrections—the resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation—which are separated by a period of one thousand years John 5:28, 29+1. Understanding these events is vital, as they represent the final destiny of every soul who has ever lived Daniel 12:2.

The First Resurrection: The Resurrection of Life 🌅

The first resurrection occurs at the second coming of Jesus Christ 1 Thessalonians 4:16. This is a literal, bodily resurrection of the righteous dead who died in faith 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23.

• Who Participates: All those who are "Christ’s at his coming" 1 Corinthians 15:23. This includes the martyrs who did not worship the beast and all whose names are found in the book of life Revelation 20:4+1.

• The Transformation: The righteous come forth in "immortal bloom," youth, and beauty 1 Corinthians 15:52-54. Their vile bodies are changed to be fashioned like Christ's glorious body Philippians 3:21.

• The Experience: These blessed and holy ones are caught up to meet the Lord in the air and are taken to the "mansions" He has prepared in His Father's house 1 Thessalonians 4:17+1.

• The Thousand Years: During the millennium, these saints sit on thrones in heaven, and judgment is given unto them as they reign with Christ Revelation 20:4+1.

The Second Resurrection: The Resurrection of Damnation 🌑

The rest of the dead—the wicked—do not live again until the thousand years are finished Revelation 20:5. This resurrection is for the execution of the judgment written Psalm 149:9.

• Who Participates: Every person whose name was not found written in the book of life Revelation 20:15. This includes those who rejected the Mediator and chose to stand on their own works John 5:29.

• The Appearance: Unlike the righteous, the wicked come up with the same "feeble, sickly bodies" and the "marks of the curse" that they had when they went into the grave Revelation 20:5+1.

• The Release of Satan: When the wicked are raised, Satan is "loosed" from his prison of inactivity because he finally has subjects to deceive again Revelation 20:7, 8.

• The Final Conflict: Satan gathers this host, numerous as the "sand of the sea," to encompass the New Jerusalem after it descends from heaven Revelation 20:8, 9.

The Meaning of the Two Resurrections ⚖️

These two resurrections demonstrate the perfect justice and mercy of God Genesis 18:25.

• The Second Death: For the righteous, the second death has no power Revelation 20:6. However, the wicked are eventually devoured by fire from God out of heaven, which is the second death—a final cessation of life Revelation 20:9, 14+1.

• Vindication of God: The second resurrection allows the entire universe to see that even when given another chance to live, the unrepentant still choose to follow Satan and attack God’s city Revelation 20:9. This proves that God’s decision to exclude them from heaven was right Matthew 12:30.

• Total Restoration: Following the destruction of sin and sinners, God creates a new heaven and a new earth where there is no more death, sorrow, or pain Revelation 21:1-4.

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" John 5:28, 29.

Daniel 12:2

2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Revelation 1:7

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Matthew 26:64

64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

The special resurrection is a unique event occurring just before the second advent of Christ, involving a specific group of both righteous and wicked individuals who are raised to witness the climactic scenes of earth's historyEVRR511+1. This event is distinct from the general resurrection of the righteous at the second coming and the resurrection of the wicked after the millenniumEVRR511+1.

The Scriptural Basis for a Special Resurrection 📖

Several key passages in the Bible reveal that some individuals will be raised from the grave before the general resurrection of the saints:

• ** Daniel 12:2:** This prophecy states that "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt" Daniel 12:2. This cannot be the general resurrection of the righteous, because in that event only the "blessed and holy" take part, whereas this resurrection includes some of the wicked Revelation 20:6EVRR511.

• ** Revelation 1:7:** This verse declares that when Christ comes with clouds, "every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him" Revelation 1:7. For those who were involved in His crucifixion to see Him return, they must be raised from the grave prior to His appearanceEVRR30+1.

• ** Matthew 26:64:** During His trial, Jesus warned the high priest and the Jewish leaders, "hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven" Matthew 26:64. This promise necessitates a special resurrection for those specific guilty partiesEVRR511+1.

Participants in the Special Resurrection 👥

The special resurrection brings forth two distinct classes of people:

1. The Righteous of the End-Time: Those who have died in the faith of the third angel’s message—the final warning to the world—are raised glorifiedEVRR511+1. They are raised to hear God's covenant of peace with those who have kept His law and to witness the second coming of Christ, which they looked forward to with great anticipation in lifeEVRR511+1.

2. The Pre-eminent Enemies of God: This group includes those who mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, as well as the most violent opposers of His truth and His people throughout the agesHvn 28.1+1. This includes the Roman soldiers who pierced Him and the Jewish leaders who condemned HimEVRR30.

The Timing and Purpose of the Event ⏳

This resurrection takes place during the seventh plague, following the close of probation and the great time of troubleEVRR511+1. It occurs when the "voice of God" is heard from His temple in heaven, declaring "It is done!" Revelation 16:17DAR1909 325.1+1.

• Witnessing the Advent: The participants in the partial resurrection rise after the living saints are delivered from their oppressorsEVRR511. They witness the massive earthquake of the seventh plague and the dramatic atmospheric changes that herald Christ's returnEVRR511.

• A Contrasting Experience: For the righteous, this is a moment of inexpressible gratitude as they exclaim, "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him" Isaiah 25:9EVRR511. For the wicked, it is a terrifying experience of bitter remorse and anguish as they see the One they mocked returning in kingly gloryEVRR511+1.

• Status of the Righteous: Those righteous individuals raised in this event take their stand with the living saints and receive immortality at the "last trump" along with the rest of the 144,000 1 Corinthians 15:52DAR1909 677.1+1. In this way, they are "redeemed from among men," as the coming of Christ finds them among the livingDAR1909 677.1+1.

Other Special Resurrections in History 🕊️

The Bible also mentions other instances where individuals were raised outside of the general order:

• Moses: He was raised from the dead by Michael the Archangel after a controversy with Satan and now dwells in heaven Jude 9PTUK October 31, 1895, page 691.15+1.

• The First Fruits: When Jesus died and rose again, many bodies of the saints who slept arose and went into the city, appearing to many as a pledge of the final harvest Matthew 27:52-53SITI April 21, 1887, page 248.3+1.

• The 24 Elders: Some believe these holy beings around the throne are those who were raised at the special resurrection when the Savior gave up His life at GolgothaBDOC 56.117.