Although this book carries as its title the name of Elisha, it does not concentrate on this prophet only, but it sets out to describe the work done by the covenant God in the days of Elisha.This prophet had to announce the blessing and the curse of God's covenant in the situation of his own times. God's Word needed to be accepted. Woe unto them who were unwilling to do so, however, a faithful remnant was comforted and encouraged.Today also this is God's way: Everything happens according to the Word of the LORD. We have been put under the authority of His Word. This is something great indeed, because from God's side the covenant means certainty, security. The guarantee lies in Him, in His eternal counsel and will concerning our redemption in Christ the Saviour, which is being fulfilled. At the same time it is a very serious thing, for God's covenant requires of us that we keep His Word and really live in this relationship.The present days are packed with all kinds of denials of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. One of the consequences is that by many people the LORD is no longer acknowledged as the God of the covenant and that the real fear of the LORD is lost.This book may be helpful in keeping us with God's Word, in teaching us the riches and the responsibilities of being children of the covenant. GERARDUS VAN RONGEN was born in Rotterdam on May 16, 1918.He attended the Dr. A. Kuyperschool at Ridderkerk, the Dr. J. Woltjerschool and the Marnix-Gymnasium (Grammar school) at Rotterdam, and studied theology at the Theological Seminary (now the Theological University) of De Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland at Kampen, which in the year 1943 conferred on him the degree of Bachelor of Theology, and in 1980 the Master's degree.He has ministered in the Reformed Churches at Waardhuizen c.a. (1944-1948), Zwijndrecht (1948-1952), and Leyden (1952-1955) in The Netherlands, The Free Reformed Church at Launceston, Tasmania, Australia (1955-1973), The American Reformed Church at Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A. (1973-1977), and the Reformed Church at Steenwijk, The Netherlands (1977-1983).From May 16, 1983 he was a minister-emeritus, and lived in Kelmscott, Western Australia until his death in 2006.Van Rongen was a prolific writer, covering liturgy, Bible commentary and church history.
