New Joseph

Dothan is mentioned in only two places in the Old Testament: Gen 37, at the beginning of the Joseph narrative, and 2 Kings 6, the place where the Aramean king attempts to find Elisha. Jacob sends Joseph to take food to his brothers, and he initially does not find them at Shechem where he expected to meet them (Gen 37:13-15). A man told him that Joseph should search for them in Dothan instead (Gen 37:17), and it was at Dothan that his brothers stripped him of his robe and sold him into slavery.

In 2 Kings, Dothan has an intriguingly similar role: The Aramean king is upset that Elisha is revealing the movements of his troops, and so he sends servants to search out the prophet. He is told “Behold, he is in Dothan” (2 Kings 6:13; cf. Gen. 37:17). Elisha escapes the troops of Arameans sent to capture him, and instead takes them to Samaria where he orders Jehoram to feed them. In the next chapter, Elisha again provides food for a king who is trying to kill him – food during a severe famine.

Elisha is a new Joseph: Attacked by his brothers (as well as by Gentiles), he responds by giving bread and water to his persecutors. He heaps coals of fire on their heads. This is a move above and beyond the ministry of Elijah, who provided bread to the widow of Zarephath who honored him. And it appears to be an advance beyond the early part of Elisha’s ministry. Early on, Elisha provides bread and water mainly (not exclusivel; cf. 2 Kgs 3) to the sons of the prophets. Here, though, Elisha gives bread to those who oppose him, not only to his own circle. He is a son of his heavenly father, who sends rain on the just and the unjust.