The first thing to notice in this chapter is the "sons of the prophets." They are in a new position; they are in the presence of Elisha. Elisha is a picture of Christ in grace and they, like the man in Rom. 7, are in this new position. They are like those who know their sins are forgiven but are not yet delivered from this body of death.
These "sons of the prophets" could not see where they might rest. They saw no place of deliverance, so they set out to make themselves one. If you and I don't see the truth of deliverance, we will set out to make ourselves a place of rest. We will be very disappointed, just like these "sons of the prophets" were, and we will get ourselves in a place of hopelessness. What gives rest and peace is to discover the work of Christ-to discover how fully it meets every need and gives the spirit complete rest.
The history of the "sons of the prophets" is interesting. When first mentioned in 2 Kings 2:33And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. (2 Kings 2:3), these men manifest little or no faith. Their display of disbelief when Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind is appalling. However, when last mentioned at Gilgal, they seem to show real faith, a concern about purity, and a discernment of evil regarding the great pot and its contents. The ministry of grace by Elisha seems to have done its work.