Teks -- 2 Kings 2:1-17 (NET)

Elijah Makes a Swift Departure

2:1 Just before the Lord took Elijah up to heaven in a windstorm, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal. 2:2 Elijah told Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As certainly as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 2:3 Some members of the prophetic guild in Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that today the Lord is going to take your master from you?” He answered, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.” 2:4 Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he replied, “As certainly as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. 2:5 Some members of the prophetic guild in Jericho approached Elisha and said, “Do you know that today the Lord is going to take your master from you?” He answered, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.” 2:6 Elijah said to him, “Stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he replied, “As certainly as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they traveled on together. 2:7 The fifty members of the prophetic guild went and stood opposite them at a distance, while Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan. 2:8 Elijah took his cloak, folded it up, and hit the water with it. The water divided, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 2:9 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “What can I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of the prophetic spirit that energizes you.” 2:10 Elijah replied, “That’s a difficult request! If you see me taken from you, may it be so, but if you don’t, it will not happen.” 2:11 As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a fiery chariot pulled by fiery horses appeared. They went between Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah went up to heaven in a windstorm. 2:12 While Elisha was watching, he was crying out, “My father, my father! The chariot and horsemen of Israel!” Then he could no longer see him. He grabbed his clothes and tore them in two. 2:13 He picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen off him, and went back and stood on the shore of the Jordan. 2:14 He took the cloak that had fallen off Elijah, hit the water with it, and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” When he hit the water, it divided and Elisha crossed over. 2:15 When the members of the prophetic guild in Jericho, who were standing at a distance, saw him do this, they said, “The spirit that energized Elijah rests upon Elisha.” They went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him. 2:16 They said to him, “Look, there are fifty capable men with your servants. Let them go and look for your master, for the wind sent from the Lord may have carried him away and dropped him on one of the hills or in one of the valleys.” But Elisha replied, “Don’t send them out.” 2:17 But they were so insistent, he became embarrassed. So he said, “Send them out.” They sent the fifty men out and they looked for three days, but could not find Elijah.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Wesley: 2Ki 2:1 - About to take, &c.

_It is supposed, (tho' not expressly revealed) that Elijah flourished about twenty years, before he was translated, body and soul, to heaven, only undergoing such a change, as was necessary to qualify him for being an inhabitant in that world of Spirits. By translating him, God gave in that dark and degenerate age, a very sensible proof of another life, together with a type of the ascension of Christ, and the opening of the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:2 - Tarry here

This he desires, either, That being left alone, he might better prepare himself for his great change. Or, Out of indulgence to Elisha, that he might not be overwhelmed with grief at so sad a sight. That he might try his love, and whet his desire to accompany him; it being highly convenient for God's honour, that there should be witnesses of so glorious a translation.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:2 - To Beth

el - Which was truth, tho' not the whole truth: for he was to go a far longer journey.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:2 - But he was first to go to Beth

el, as also to Jericho, to the schools of the prophets there, that he might comfort, and strengthen their hearts in God's work, and give them his dying counsels.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:3 - And said

This was revealed to some of the sons of the prophets, and by them to the whole college. In the kingdom of Judah they had priest and Levites, and the temple service. The want of these in the kingdom of Israel, God graciously made up by these colleges, where men were trained up and employed, in the exercises of religion, and whither good people resorted, to solemnize the appointed feasts, with prayer and hearing, tho' they had not conveniencies for sacrifice.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:3 - From thy head

Heb. from above thy head: which phrase may respect, either, the manner of sitting in schools, where the scholar sat at his master's feet. Or, the manner of Elijah's translation, which was to be by a power sent from heaven, to take him up thither.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:3 - Hold you your peace

Do not aggravate my grief, nor divert me with any unseasonable discourses. He speaks as one that was himself, and would have them calm and sedate, and with awful silence waiting the event.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:7 - To view

To observe this great event, Elijah's translation to heaven, which they expected every moment: and whereof they desired to be spectators, not to satisfy their own curiosity, but that they might be witnesses of it to others.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:8 - Smote the waters

These waters of old yielded to the ark, now to the prophet's mantle; which to those that wanted the ark, was an equivalent token of God's presence. When God will take his children to himself, death is the Jordan, which they must pass through. And they find a way thro' it, a safe and comfortable way. The death of Christ has divided those waters, that the ransomed of the Lord may pass over.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:9 - A double portion

Or, rather double to what the rest of the sons of the prophets receive at thy request.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:9 - He alludes to the double portion of the first

born, Deu 21:17. But though Elisha desired no more, yet God gave him more than he desired or expected; and he seems to have had a greater portion of the gifts of God's Spirit, than even Elijah had.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:10 - A hard thing

A rare and singular blessing, which I cannot promise thee, which only God can give; and he gives it only when, and to whom he pleaseth.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:10 - If thou seest

This sign he proposed, not without the direction of God's Spirit, that hereby he might engage him more earnestly to wait, and more fervently to pray for this mercy.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:11 - A chariot of fire

In this form the angels appeared. The souls of all the faithful, are carried by an invisible guard of angels, into the bosom of Abraham. But Elijah being to carry his body with him, this heavenly guard appeared visibly: Not in an human shape, tho' so they might have borne him in their arms, but in the form of a chariot and horses, that he may ride in state, may ride in triumph, like a prince, like a conqueror. See the readiness of the angels to do the will of God, even in the meanest services for the heirs of salvation! Thus he who had burned with holy zeal for God and his honour, was now conveyed in fire into his immediate presence.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:12 - My father

So he calls him for his fatherly affection to him, and for his fatherly authority which he had over him, in which respect the scholars of the prophets are called their sons. He saw his own condition like that of a fatherless child, and laments it accordingly.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:12 - The chariot, &c.

Who by thy example, and counsels, and prayers, and power with God, didst more for the defence and preservation of Israel than all their chariots and horses. The expression alludes to the form of chariots and horses which he had seen.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:13 - Which fell

God so ordering it for Elisha's comfort, and the strengthening of his faith, as a pledge, that together with Elijah's mantle, his Spirit should rest upon him. And Elijah himself was gone to a place, where he needed not the mantle, either to adorn him, or to shelter him from weather, or to wrap his face in.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:14 - The Lord

Who at Elijah's request divided these waters, and is as able to do it again.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:15 - Bowed themselves

They had been trained up in the schools: Elisha was taken from the plough. Yet, when they perceive, that God is with him, and that this is the man whom he delights to honour, they readily submit to him as their head and father, as the people to Joshua when Moses was dead. "Those that appear to have God's Spirit and presence with them, ought to have our esteem and best affections, notwithstanding the meanness of their extraction and education."

Wesley: 2Ki 2:16 - Strong men

Able to take such a journey.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:16 - Lest, &c.

They thought, either that God had not finally taken him away from them, but only for a time; or that God had only taken away his soul, and that his body was cast down into some place, which they desired to seek, that they might give it an honourable burial.

Wesley: 2Ki 2:17 - Was ashamed

That is, to deny them any longer, lest they should think his denial proceeded from a neglect of his master, or a contempt of them.

JFB: 2Ki 2:1-7 - when the Lord would take up Elijah

A revelation of this event had been made to the prophet; but, unknown to him, it had also been revealed to his disciples, and to Elisha in particular, who kept constantly beside him.

JFB: 2Ki 2:1-7 - Gilgal

This Gilgal (Jiljil) was near Ebal and Gerizim; a school of the prophets was established there. At Beth-el there was also a school of the prophets, which Elijah had founded, notwithstanding that place was the headquarters of the calf-worship; and at Jericho there was another [2Ki 2:4]. In travelling to these places, which he had done through the impulse of the Spirit (2Ki 2:2, 2Ki 2:4-6), Elijah wished to pay a farewell visit to these several institutions, which lay on his way to the place of ascension and, at the same time, from a feeling of humility and modesty, to be in solitude, where there would be no eye-witnesses of his glorification. All his efforts, however, to prevail on his attendant to remain behind, were fruitless. Elisha knew that the time was at hand, and at every place the sons of the prophets spoke to him of the approaching removal of his master. Their last stage was at the Jordan. They were followed at a distance by fifty scholars of the prophets, from Jericho, who were desirous, in honor of the great occasion, to witness the miraculous translation of the prophet. The revelation of this striking event to so many was a necessary part of the dispensation; for it was designed to be under the law, like that of Enoch in the patriarchal age, a visible proof of another state, and a type of the resurrection of Christ.

JFB: 2Ki 2:3 - take away thy master from they head

An allusion to the custom of scholars sitting at the feet of their master, the latter being over their heads (Act 22:3).

JFB: 2Ki 2:8 - Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters

Like the rod of Moses, it had the divinely operating power of the Spirit.

JFB: 2Ki 2:9 - Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee

Trusting either that it would be in his power to bequeath it, or that God, at his entreaty, would grant it.

JFB: 2Ki 2:9 - let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me

This request was not, as is commonly supposed, for the power of working miracles exceeding the magnitude and number of his master's, nor does it mean a higher endowment of the prophetic spirit; for Elisha was neither superior to, nor perhaps equally great with, his predecessor. But the phrase, "a double portion," was applied to the first-born [Deu 21:17], and therefore Elisha's request was, simply, to be heir to the prophetic office and gifts of his master.

JFB: 2Ki 2:10 - Thou hast asked a hard thing

An extraordinary blessing which I cannot, and God only, can give. Nevertheless he, doubtless by the secret directions of the Spirit, proposed to Elisha a sign, the observation of which would keep him in the attitude of an anxious waiter, as well as suppliant for the favor.

JFB: 2Ki 2:11 - behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire

Some bright effulgence, which, in the eyes of the spectators, resembled those objects.

JFB: 2Ki 2:11 - went up by a whirlwind

A tempest or storm wind accompanied with vivid flashes of fire, figuratively used for the divine judgments (Isa 29:6).

JFB: 2Ki 2:12 - Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father

That is, spiritual father, as the pupils of the prophets are called their sons.

JFB: 2Ki 2:12 - the chariot of Israel, and the horseman thereof

That is, that as earthly kingdoms are dependent for their defense and glory upon warlike preparations, there a single prophet had done more for the preservation and prosperity of Israel than all her chariots and horsemen.

JFB: 2Ki 2:12 - took hold of his own clothes and rent them

In token of his grief for his loss.

JFB: 2Ki 2:13 - He took up also the mantle of Elijah

The transference of this prophetic cloak was, to himself, a pledge of his being appointed successor, and it was an outward token to others of the spirit of Elijah resting upon him.

JFB: 2Ki 2:14-18 - smote the waters

The waving of the mantle on the river, and the miraculous division of the waters consequent upon it, was an evidence that the Lord God of Elijah was with him, and as this miracle was witnessed by the scholars of the prophets from Jericho, they forthwith recognized the pre-eminence of Elisha, as now the prophet of Israel.

JFB: 2Ki 2:16-18 - fifty strong men, let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master

Though the young prophets from Jericho had seen Elijah's miraculous passage of the Jordan, they had not witnessed the ascension. They imagined that he might have been cast by the whirlwind on some mountain or valley; or, if he had actually been admitted into heaven, they expected that his body would still be remaining somewhere on earth. In compliance with their importunity, he gave them permission, but told them what the result would be.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:1 - When the Lord would take up Elijah

When the Lord would take up Elijah - It appears that God had revealed this intended translation, not only to Elijah himself, but also to Elisha, and to the schools of the prophets, both at Beth-el and Jericho, so that they were all expecting this solemn event.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:2 - Tarry here, I pray thee

Tarry here, I pray thee - He either made these requests through humility, not wishing any person to be witness of the honor conferred on him by God, or with the desire to prove the fidelity of Elisha, whether he would continue to follow and serve him.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:3 - Knowest thou that the Lord

Knowest thou that the Lord - Thus we see that it was a matter well known to all the sons of the prophets. This day the Lord will take thy master and instructer from thee.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:7 - Fifty men of the sons of the prophets

Fifty men of the sons of the prophets - They fully expected this extraordinary event, and they could have known it only from Elijah himself, or by a direct revelation from God.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:8 - Took his mantle

Took his mantle - Την μηλωτην αυτου, his sheep-skin, says the Septuagint. The skins of beasts, dressed with the hair on, were formerly worn by prophets and priests as the simple insignia of their office. As the civil authority was often lodged in the hands of such persons, particularly among the Jews, mantles of this kind were used by kings and high civil officers when they bore no sacred character. The custom continues to the present day; a lamb’ s skin hood or cloak is the badge which certain graduates in our universities wear; and the royal robes of kings and great officers of state are adorned with the skins of the animal called the ermine

Clarke: 2Ki 2:8 - They were divided hither and thither

They were divided hither and thither - This was a most astonishing miracle, and could be performed only by the almighty power of God.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:9 - A double portion of thy spirit be upon me

A double portion of thy spirit be upon me - This in reference to the law, Deu 21:17 : He shall acknowledge the first-born, by giving him a Double Portion of all that he hath-the right of the first-born is his. Elisha considered himself the only child or first-born of Elijah, as the disciples of eminent teachers were called their children; so here he claims a double portion of his spiritual influence, any other disciples coming in for a single share only. Sons of the prophets means no more than the disciples or scholars of the prophets. The original words פי שנים pi shenayim , mean rather two parts, than double the quantity.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:10 - A hard thing

A hard thing - This is what is not in my power, God alone can give this; yet if thou see me taken away from thee, it shall be so. Perhaps this means no more than, "If thou continue with me till I am translated, God will grant this to thee;"for on the mere seeing or not seeing him in the moment in which he was taken away, this Divine gift could not depend.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:11 - Elijah went up - into heaven

Elijah went up - into heaven - He was truly translated; and the words here leave us no room to indulge the conjecture of Dr. Priestley, who supposes that as "Enoch, (probably Moses), Elijah, and Christ, had no relation to any other world or planet, they are no doubt in this;"for we are told that Elijah went up into heaven; and we know, from the sure testimony of the Scripture, that our blessed Lord is at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ever living to make intercession for us.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:12 - The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof

The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof - The Chaldee translates these words thus: "My master, my master! who, by thy intercession, wast of more use to Israel than horses and chariots."This is probably the sense

In the Book of Ecclesiasticus 48:1, etc., the fiery horses and chariot are considered as an emblem of that burning zeal which Elijah manifested in the whole of his ministry: "Then stood up Elijah the prophet as fire, and his word burned as a lamp,"etc

Clarke: 2Ki 2:12 - And rent them in two pieces

And rent them in two pieces - As a sign of sorrow for having lost so good and glorious a master.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:13 - He took - the mantle

He took - the mantle - The same with which he had been called by Elijah to the prophetic office, and the same by which Elijah divided Jordan. His having the mantle was a proof that he was invested with the authority and influence of his master.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:14 - Where is the Lord God of Elijah?

Where is the Lord God of Elijah? - The Vulgate gives a strange turn to this verse

Et percussit aquas, et non sunt divisae; et dixu, Ubi est Deus Eliae etiam nunc? Percussitque aquas, et divisae sunt huc et illuc

"And he smote the waters, but they did not divide; and he said, Where is the God of Elijah even now? And he struck the waters and they were divided hither and thither.

The act of striking the waters seems to be twice repeated in the verse, though we get rid of the second striking by rendering the second clause, when he also had smitten the waters: which has the same Hebrew words as the first, and which we translate, he mote the waters. The Vulgate supposes he smote once in vain, perhaps confiding too much in his own strength; and then, having invoked the God of Elijah, he succeeded. This distinction is not followed by any of the other versions; nor is the clause, et non sunt divisae , "and they divided not,"expressed by the Hebrew text.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:15 - The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha

The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha - This was a natural conclusion, from seeing him with the mantle, and working the same miracle. This disposed them to yield the same obedience to him they had done to his master: and in token of this, they went out to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:16 - Fifty strong men

Fifty strong men - Probably the same fifty who are mentioned 2Ki 2:7, and who saw Elijah taken up in the whirlwind

Clarke: 2Ki 2:16 - Cast him upon some mountain

Cast him upon some mountain - Though they saw him taken up towards heaven, yet they thought it possible that the Spirit of the Lord might have descended with him, and left him on some remote mountain or valley

Clarke: 2Ki 2:16 - Ye shall not send

Ye shall not send - He knew that he was translated to heaven, and that therefore it would be useless.

Clarke: 2Ki 2:17 - Till he was ashamed

Till he was ashamed - He saw they would not be satisfied unless they made the proposed search; he felt therefore that he could not, with any good grace, resist their importunity any longer.

Defender: 2Ki 2:3 - sons of the prophets

These "sons of the prophets" were presumably in the line of prophets originally established by Samuel in what modern writers have called "schools of the prophets" (see note on 1Sa 10:5-13; also note on 1Sa 19:24). Jezebel had killed many of these, but a significant remnant had been hidden and preserved (1Ki 18:4)."

Defender: 2Ki 2:11 - Elijah went up

This was a unique event in history, and was altogether miraculous. Enoch, who had also served as God's prophet in a time of deep apostasy, had likewise been taken into heaven (the "third heaven" where God's throne is located) without dying, but evidently no one had actually observed his translation (Gen 5:24; Heb 11:5) as did Elisha at the translation of Elijah. Enoch's ministry had been to the whole world, essentially at the mid-point of the period from Adam to Abraham. Elijah's ministry had been to Israel, essentially at the midpoint of the period from Abraham to Christ. Elijah was taken up in a fiery tornado that seemed to surround a fiery horse-drawn chariot as he went up until he was out of Elisha's sight. It has been assumed that Elijah and Enoch have both been supernaturally preserved alive in heaven ever since that time in their natural bodies.

When the Lord Jesus returns, both dead and living believers will be translated into His presence, their bodies supernaturally changed into immortal bodies (1Th 4:16, 1Th 4:17; 1Co 15:51-54; Phi 3:20, Phi 3:21). If Elijah and Enoch are presently in natural bodies, then it is possible that they will also return at this time to serve as His "two witnesses" on the earth during the 1260 days of great plagues that will quickly follow Jesus' return (see notes on Rev 11:2-12). They will continue to be preserved alive to finish their unfinished testimony to both Israel and the Gentile world during that period. Finally, they will be slain and then they also will be raptured into heaven with immortalized bodies."

Defender: 2Ki 2:14 - parted hither and thither

Elisha had requested a double portion of Elijah's spirit, and it is noteworthy that more miracles are recorded under Elisha's ministry than under Elijah's. The combined Elijah/Elisha period under the kings Ahab, Ahaziah, Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joash lasted about eighty-five years. It was the time of Israel's deepest apostasy, but it was also the time of greatest demonstrations of God's miraculous power, at least since the days of Moses and Joshua."

TSK: 2Ki 2:1 - take up // by a whirlwind // Elisha // Gilgal

take up : Gen 5:24; 1Ki 19:4; Luk 9:51; Act 1:9; Heb 11:5; Rev 11:12

by a whirlwind : 1Ki 18:12, 1Ki 19:11; Job 38:1

Elisha : 1Ki 19:16-21

Gilgal : Jos 4:19, Jos 5:9

TSK: 2Ki 2:2 - Tarry here // As the Lord // I will not // Bethel

Tarry here : Rth 1:15, Rth 1:16; 2Sa 15:19, 2Sa 15:20; Joh 6:67, Joh 6:68

As the Lord : 2Ki 2:4, 2Ki 2:6, 2Ki 4:30; 1Sa 1:26, 1Sa 17:55, 1Sa 25:26; Jer 4:2

I will not : Rth 1:16-18; 2Sa 15:21; 1Jo 2:19

Bethel : Gen 28:19; 1Ki 12:29, 1Ki 12:33, 1Ki 13:1, 1Ki 13:2

TSK: 2Ki 2:3 - And the sons // thy master

And the sons : 2Ki 2:5, 2Ki 2:7, 2Ki 2:15, 2Ki 4:1, 2Ki 4:38, 2Ki 9:1; 1Sa 10:10-12, 1Sa 19:20; 1Ki 18:4, 1Ki 20:35; Isa 8:18

thy master : Deu 33:3; Act 22:3

TSK: 2Ki 2:4 - Jericho // As the Lord

Jericho : Jos 6:26; 1Ki 16:34; Luk 19:1

As the Lord : 2Ki 2:2, 2Ki 4:30; Act 2:42, Act 11:23

TSK: 2Ki 2:5 - the sons // thy master // I know it

the sons : i.e. as the Targumist renders, talmeedey neveeya , ""disciples of the prophets,"

thy master : 2Ki 2:3; Jos 1:1, Jos 1:2; Luk 24:51; Joh 17:5-7; Act 1:2, Act 1:11, Act 26:25

I know it : Gen 48:19; Ecc 3:7; Isa 41:1; Hab 2:20

TSK: 2Ki 2:7 - fifty men // to view afar off

fifty men : 2Ki 2:17; 1Ki 18:4, 1Ki 18:13

to view afar off : Heb. in sight, or over against

TSK: 2Ki 2:8 - his mantle // were

his mantle : Την μηλωτην αυτου , his sheep skin, says the Septuagint; the skins of sheep being formerly worn by prophets as the simple insignia of their office. See note on 2Ki 1:8. 1Ki 19:13, 1Ki 19:19

were : 2Ki 2:14; Exo 14:21, Exo 14:22; Jos 3:14-17; Psa 114:5-7; Isa 11:15; Heb 11:29; Rev 16:12

TSK: 2Ki 2:9 - Ask what // Elisha said // a double portion

Ask what : 2Ki 13:14-19; Num 27:16-23; Deu 34:9; 1Ch 29:18, 1Ch 29:19; Psa 72:1, Psa 72:20; Luk 24:45-51; Joh 17:9-13; Act 1:8, Act 8:17, Act 20:25-36

Elisha said : Num 11:17, Num 11:25; 1Ki 3:9; 2Ch 1:9, 2Ch 1:10; Joh 14:12-14, Joh 16:7; 1Co 12:31

a double portion : This probably refers to the law respecting the first-born, who had a double portion of the property of his father. As Elisha may have considered himself as the first-born of Elijah, so he requested a double portion of his spiritual influence. Num 27:20; Deu 21:17; Zec 9:12, Zec 12:8; 1Ti 5:17

TSK: 2Ki 2:10 - Thou hast // asked a hard thing // if thou see

Thou hast : Mar 11:22-24; Joh 16:24

asked a hard thing : Heb. done hard in asking

if thou see : 2Ki 2:12; Act 1:9, Act 1:10

TSK: 2Ki 2:11 - by a whirlwind // into heaven

2Ki 6:17; Psa 68:17, Psa 104:3, Psa 104:4; Ezek. 1:4-28, Eze 10:9-22; Hab 3:8; Zec 3:8; Zec 6:1-8; Heb 1:14

by a whirlwind : 2Ki 2:1

into heaven : Mar 16:19

TSK: 2Ki 2:12 - saw it // My father // he saw him // rent them

saw it : 2Ki 2:10

My father : 2Ki 13:14; Job 22:30; Pro 11:11; Ecc 7:19, Ecc 9:16-18; Isa 37:4, Isa 37:15, Isa 37:21; Act 27:24

he saw him : Pro 30:4; Mar 16:19; Luk 2:15, Luk 24:51; Joh 3:13; Act 1:9; 2Co 5:2, 2Co 5:4; Eph 4:8; Rev 11:12

rent them : Job 1:20, Job 1:21; Isa 57:1, Isa 57:2; Act 8:2

TSK: 2Ki 2:13 - the mantle // bank

the mantle : 2Ki 2:8; 1Ki 19:19

bank : Heb. lip, 1Ki 9:26

TSK: 2Ki 2:14 - smote // Where is

smote : 2Ki 2:8-10; Jos 1:1-9; Mar 16:20; Joh 14:12; Act 2:33, Act 3:12, Act 3:13

Where is : Jdg 6:13; 1Ki 18:36-39; Psa 42:2, Psa 42:10, Psa 115:2; Joe 2:17

TSK: 2Ki 2:15 - to view // The spirit // bowed

to view : 2Ki 2:7

The spirit : Num 11:25-29, Num 27:20; Jos 3:7; Isa 11:2, Isa 59:21; Joh 15:26, Joh 15:27; Act 1:8; 2Co 12:9; 1Pe 4:14

bowed : 2Ki 2:19, 2Ki 4:1-4, 2Ki 4:37, 2Ki 6:1-7; Jos 4:14

TSK: 2Ki 2:16 - strong men // the Spirit // some mountain

strong men : Heb. sons of strength

the Spirit : 1Ki 18:12; Eze 3:14, Eze 8:3, Eze 11:24, Eze 40:2; Act 8:39; 2Co 12:2, 2Co 12:3

some mountain : Heb. one of the mountains

TSK: 2Ki 2:17 - they urged // found him not

they urged : 2Sa 18:22, 2Sa 18:23; Luk 11:8; Rom 10:2

found him not : Heb 11:5

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: 2Ki 2:2 - Elijah said unto Elisha // The Lord hath sent me to Beth-el

Elijah said unto Elisha: this he desires, either,

1. That he, being left alone, might better prepare himself for his great change. Or,

2. Out of his humility and modesty; he desired no witnesses of his glorious removal, and no fame and glory from it. Or,

3. Out of indulgence to Elisha, that he might not be overwhelmed with grief at so sad a sight. Or,

4. That he might try his love, and whet his desire to accompany him; it being highly convenient for God’ s honour, and the church’ s good, (which Elijah sought above all things,) that there should be witnesses of so glorious a translation.

The Lord hath sent me to Beth-el which was truth, but not the whole truth; for he was to go a far longer journey. But he was first to go to Beth-el, as also to Jericho, to the schools of the prophets there, that he might comfort and strengthen their hearts in God’ s work, and give them his last and dying counsels.

Poole: 2Ki 2:3 - The Lord will take away thy master // From thy head // Hold ye your peace

The Lord will take away thy master: this was revealed to some of the sons of the prophets, and by them to the whole college.

From thy head Heb. from above thy head ; which phrase may respect, either,

1. The manner of sitting in schools, where the scholar sat at his master’ s feet, Deu 33:3 Act 22:3 . Or,

2. The manner of Elijah’ s translation, which was to be by a power sent from heaven, to take him up thither.

Hold ye your peace do not aggravate my grief, nor divert me with any unseasonable discourses; that I may digest my sorrow, and prepare myself for so great a stroke, and diligently attend all my master’ s steps, lest he be snatched away from me whilst I am talking with you; and that I may beg and obtain some great blessing from him before his departure.

Poole: 2Ki 2:7 - Stood to view

Stood to view to observe this great event, Elijah’ s translation to heaven, which they expected every moment, now when he had taken his last farewell of all the prophets; and whereof they desired to be spectators, not so much to satisfy their own curiosity, as that they might be witnesses of it to others.

Poole: 2Ki 2:9

Either,

1. Double to what is in thee; which it seems not probable that he had confidence either to ask, or to expect. Or rather,

2. Double to what the rest of the sons of the prophets may receive at thy request upon this occasion. He alludes to the double portion of the firstborn, Deu 21:17 . But though Elisha desired no more, yet God gave him more than he desired or expected; and he seems to have had a greater portion of the prophetical and miraculous gifts of God’ s Spirit than Elijah had.

Poole: 2Ki 2:10 - A hard thing // If not, it shall not be so

A hard thing i. e. a rare and singular blessing, which I cannot promise thee, which only God can give; and he gives it only when and to whom he pleaseth.

If not, it shall not be so: this sign he proposed not without the instinct and direction of God’ s Spirit, that hereby he might engage him more earnestly to wait, and more fervently to pray, for this mercy.

Poole: 2Ki 2:11 - A chariot of fire, and horses of fire // Into heaven

A chariot of fire, and horses of fire a bright cloud formed into such a likeness, managed by holy and blessed angels sent from heaven to conduct him thither.

Into heaven into the third heaven being in the way so transformed and changed, as might make him meet to be admitted into those blessed mansions.

Poole: 2Ki 2:12 - My father, my father // The chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof

My father, my father so he calls him for his fatherly affection to him, and for his fatherly authority which by his office he had over him, in which respect the scholars of the prophets are called their sons, as 1Ki 20:35 .

The chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof who by thy example, and counsels, and prayers, and power with God, didst more for the defence and preservation of Israel, than all their chariots and horses, or other warlike provisions. The expression alludes to the form of chariots and horses which he had seen.

Poole: 2Ki 2:13

God so ordering it for Elisha’ s comfort, and the strengthening of his faith, as a pledge that, together with Elijah’ s mantle, his office and spirit should rest upon him.

Poole: 2Ki 2:14 - Where is the Lord God of Elijah? // They parted

Where is the Lord God of Elijah? who at Elijah’ s request divided these waters, and is as able to do it again; and hath given me his spirit and office; and therefore I humbly beg, and confidently expect, his assistance in this matter.

They parted but these words after

Where is the God of Elijah ? are by many rendered otherwise, and that agreeably to the Hebrew, even himself ? or, even the same ? (which words they join with the former, as an emphatical addition, or repetition, which is usual in fervent prayers. But they may be rendered without an interrogation, thus, Surely he , is, to wit, here present, and ready to help me. Or, Surely he is the same, to wit, to me, that he was to Elijah, as able and willing to work for me as for Elijah. Then the following words they render, as they are in the Hebrew,) and he smote the water, and it was divided . By which repetition it may seem that he smote it twice, and that at the first smiting the success did not answer his desire and expectation; which God so ordered, partly to keep him in a modest and humble sense of his own insufficiency, that he might not be puffed up with the great gifts which he had now received; compare 2Co 12:7 ; and partly to stir him up to a more lively exercise of faith and prayer, which followed God’ s denial or suspension of his help, as it is here expressed; which also was attended with desired success.

Poole: 2Ki 2:15 - They said // They bowed themselves to the ground

Or, as it is in the Hebrew, And the sons of the prophets who lived in Jericho saw him over against them , from some hill where they stood at a convenient distance to observe the event, 2Ki 2:7 .

They said Heb. and they said , either by revelation; or rather, by the visible effects of it which they saw.

They bowed themselves to the ground thereby testifying their reverence and subjection to him as Elijah’ s successor, and their master and teacher.

Poole: 2Ki 2:16 - Strong men

Strong men able to take such a journey. They thought, either,

1. That God had not finally taken him away from them, but only for a time; compare 1Ki 18:12 ; which they heartily desired, and therefore easily believed; or

2. that God had only taken away his soul, and that his body was cast down into some place, which they desired to seek, that they might give it an honourable burial.

Poole: 2Ki 2:17 - Till he was ashamed

Till he was ashamed i.e. to wit, to deny them any longer, lest they should think his denial proceeded from a neglect of his master, or a contempt of the sons of the prophets, or a secret content he took in his master’ s loss, that he might have his honour and power. Or, till they were ashamed, because he did so oft and so obstinately deny their request.

Haydock: 2Ki 2:1 - Send

Send. He acquiesces, lest they might think that he was afraid of losing his superiority. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:1 - Heaven

Heaven. By heaven here is meant, the air, the lowest of the heavenly regions, (Challoner) through which he was carried by the ministry of angels, who directed the storm, (Haydock ) to the place designed for him. ---

It is generally supposed to be Paradise, (Calmet) whither Henoch had been translated. (Haydock) ---

They are still living, (Calmet) and must come again, to invite all to repent. After which they will die martyrs, in the persecution of Antichrist. (Haydock) ---

See St. Augustine, de Gen. ad lit. ix. 6., and Apocalypse xi. (Worthington) ---

Ecclesiasticus xlviii. 10. (Menochius) ---

They are a proof of a future resurrection. (Calmet) ---

To decide where the paradise which they inhabit, (Haydock) is situated. would be rash. (St. Chrysostom, hom. 21. in Gen. &c.) Some suppose it is still in some unknown region of the earth: others place it above the sky, (Menochius) or in the bosom of Abraham. (Calmet) ---

The Jews (following Munster) assert that Elias penetrated the sphere of fire, where his body was consumed. (Vatable) ---

The earthly paradise is very probably no longer existing, in its ancient luxuriant state. (Haydock) ---

It may now be covered with the waters of the Persian Gulf. (Worthington)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:3 - The sons of the prophets // Peace

The sons of the prophets. That is, the disciples of the prophets; who seem to have had their schools, like colleges or communities, in Bethel, Jericho, and other places, in the days of Elias and Eliseus. (Challoner) ---

Many of these disciples might be also their children. Elias collected some fervent souls together even at Bethel, to preserve the true religion, as much as possible. He visited them before his departure. (Calmet) ---

Peace: let not Elias hear us.

Haydock: 2Ki 2:5 - From thee

From thee. Hebrew, "from thy head," thy superior, and raise him into the air, ver. 3. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:6 - Thee

Thee. Elias had tried the constancy of his disciple three times, as Christ required of St. Peter a triple confession of love, John xxi. 17. (Haydock) ---

Humility might also prompt the prophet to desire to be alone. (Salien)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:8 - Mantle

Mantle. Septuagint Greek: meloten, "sheep skin," (Menochius) such as the prophets wore. The Syriac explains it of an ornament or bandage of the head; others, of a leathren mantle to keep off rain. Ad subitas nunquam scortea diset aquas. (Martial xiv.)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:9 - Double spirit // Double

Double spirit. A double portion of thy spirit, as thy eldest son and heir: or thy spirit, which is double, in comparison of that which God usually imparteth to his prophets; (Challoner) or the power of working miracles, as well as of prophesying. (Worthington) ---

He wishes to excel his fellow disciples, rather than his master. (Tirinus) (Cajetan) (Amama) ---

Double often means, great and perfect, Jeremias xvii. 18. If Eliseus even begged that he might perform more and greater wonders than his master, (as Christ enabled his disciples to surpass himself, in this particular, John xiv. 12.; Haydock) he might do it without pride, purely for the glory of God. He certainly shone forth with peculiar splendour; and some have enumerated sixteen or twenty-four of his miracles, while they can only find eight (Lyranus) or twelve recorded of Elias. See Cornelius a Lapide, in Ecclesiasticus xlviii. 13. (Calmet) ---

We read a similar expression in Pindar, (Olym. vi.) where Neptune gave his son Jamus ( Greek: Thesauron didumon mantosunas ) "the double treasure of divination," p. 50. Ed. Step. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:10 - Hard thing

Hard thing. Hebrew literally, "thou art hardened to ask" a thing so difficult, and which I have not the power to grant. But I will pray that thou mayst receive it; (Calmet) and I feel confident that thou wilt, if God shall grant thee the power to see me, at my departure. (Haydock) ---

This he did, ver. 12. (Menochius) ---

Elias had perhaps imagined that his disciple would have desired some of his clothes, or some advice. (Calmet) ---

He left him his mantle, (ver. 13.; Haydock) and by prayer was enabled to communicate his spirit to him; as Moses and the apostles did to their assistants in the ministry. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:11 - Horses // Quos in pectore habent, quos ore & naribus efflant

Horses. Angels assumed these forms, (Grotius) or a cloud, resembling a fiery chariot and horses, was impelled by a strong wind, under their guidance. (Tostat) (Menochius) (Salien, the year before Christ 914.) ---

As the name of Elias is very like Helios, "the sun," some have supposed that hey have the same meaning: (Sedulius, pasc. 1.) but the Hebrew term signifies, "He is my God." The pagans have taken occasion from this history to represent the sun drawn in a fiery chariot, by horses composed of the same element. Animosos ignibus illis,

Quos in pectore habent, quos ore & naribus efflant. (Ovid, Metam. xii.) (Calmet)

--- Heaven; (see ver. 1.) where he lives free from all disturbance. (Tirinus) ---

It is a constant, that he will come again before the last judgment; as his representative, John the Baptist, announced the first appearance of our Redeemer. (St. Gregory, hom. 7. in Ev.) Of this the Jews were convinced. (St. Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho) See Malachias iv. 5.

Haydock: 2Ki 2:12 - Thereof // Elias stood up as a fire, and his word burnt like a torch...he brought down fire from heaven thrice // Who can glory like to thee? // No more // Pieces

Thereof. Thou alone wast equal to an army, in our defence. Chariots were then very common. (Calmet) ---

Chaldean and Vatable, "Thou wast, by thy prayer, better to Israel than chariots and horses." So we should call a person, a pillar of the state, &c. (Tirinus) ---

In giving the character of Elias, the Holy Ghost dwells in a particular manner on his burning zeal. (Calmet) ---

Elias stood up as a fire, and his word burnt like a torch...he brought down fire from heaven thrice, on the holocaust, and on the captains. (Haydock) ---

Who can glory like to thee? Ecclesiasticus lxviii. 1, 4. See Sts. Ambrose and Chrysostom on Elias. His resemblance with Christ is very striking. His name puts us in mind of Christ's divinity; who burnt with zeal for God's house, (John ii. 17.) was persecuted, (Calmet) raised the dead to life, rose again and ascended triumphant into heaven, having imparted his blessing (Haydock) and his sacraments to his disciples. (Calmet) ---

No more, as he was taken from the company of men. (Haydock) ---

Pieces, to express his grief, at being deprived of so excellent a master. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:13 - Mantle

Mantle, as an earnest of his affection. By the imposition of this mantle, he had been called to be a prophet, 3 Kings xix. 19.

Haydock: 2Ki 2:14 - Not divided // Elias // Now

Not divided. God thus prevented him from giving way to vanity, (Abulensis, q. 28.) or thinking that he could do any thing himself. (Haydock) ---

Elias. Hebrew, "where is he?" (Calmet) ---

The original and Septuagint (Alexandrian and Vatican) do not specify that he struck the waters twice, or that they did not divide at first. (Haydock) ---

This is taken from other copies of the Septuagint. (Amama) ---

The exclamation contains a most fervent prayer. Hebrew, "he smote the waters, and said: Where is the Lord God of Elias? and when he had stricken the," &c., which removes the idea of presumption, which (Haydock) some discover in the words of Eliseus. (Tirinus) (Sanctius) ---

Now. Hebrew aph hu. Septuagint Greek: aphpho, retaining the words which Theodotion renders "the hidden" god. (Haydock) ---

"Even he himself." (Aquila) (Calmet) ---

When I stand so much in need of his assistance, (Menochius) having performed his important functions, which cannot be done without his spirit, nor without the confirmation of miracles, before an unbelieving people. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:15 - They worshipped him

They worshipped him; viz., with an inferior, yet religious veneration, not for any temporal, but spiritual excellency. (Challoner) (Worthington) ---

They had stopped on a hill, (Menochius) to see the event, ver. 7. (Haydock) ---

Jericho itself is two hours' journey from the Jordan. ( Adrichomius ) ---

The sons of the prophets had seen what had happened at the translation of Elias, and perceiving that Eliseus was invested with his mantle, and with the power of working miracles, they did not hesitate to acknowledge him for their superior, during the absence of Elias, who they expected would return. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Ki 2:16 - Valley

Valley. It seems such translations were not uncommon, 3 Kings xviii. 12. (Calmet)

Gill: 2Ki 2:1 - And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind // that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal

And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind,.... Thereby lifting him up from the earth, and which, as it was the purpose and will of God, Elijah had notice of, as appears by his motions to different places, under a divine direction:

that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal, where it seems they met, a place where the Israelites first pitched when they came over Jordan, and where the tabernacle was for some time, and was famous for religious services, see Jos 4:19.

Gill: 2Ki 2:2 - And Elijah said unto Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee // for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel // and Elisha said unto him, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee // so they went down to Bethel

And Elijah said unto Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee,.... Seemingly unwilling he should go with him, and be present at his assumption; which was either out of modesty, not affecting the spread of the honour and glory to be conferred upon him; or to prevent the grief of Elisha at his departure, or to try whether Elisha knew any thing of it, and what affection he had for him:

for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel; to give some comfort and some instruction and advice to the college of prophets there:

and Elisha said unto him, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee; being determined to see the last of him, and to have the benefit of his company and conversation, his heavenly discourse, and instruction from him as long as he could, and in hope of receiving a blessing from him at parting:

so they went down to Bethel; together, which, according to Bunting ^h, was six miles.

Gill: 2Ki 2:3 - And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel // came forth to Elisha; out of their college: and said unto him, knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head today // and he said, yea, I know it // hold your peace

And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel,.... Or the disciples of them, as the Targum; here, though a place where one of Jeroboam's calves was set up, was a school of the prophets, perhaps founded by Elijah as a nursery for religion, and a check upon the idolatry of the times:

came forth to Elisha; out of their college: and said unto him, knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head today? who was, as Abarbinel observes, the crown and glory of his head; or else this is said, as generally thought, in allusion to disciples sitting at the feet of their masters, and so they at the head of them; the rapture of Elijah was by a spirit of prophecy revealed unto them:

and he said, yea, I know it; being revealed to him in the same way:

hold your peace: not caring to continue any discourse with them on the subject, that his thoughts, which were intent upon it, might not be interrupted, and that his master might not know that he knew of it, and lest he should be snatched away from him, and he not see him, while discoursing with them.

Gill: 2Ki 2:4 - And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee // for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho // and he said, as the lord liveth // so they came to Jericho

And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee,.... At Bethel:

for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho; to the school of the prophets there, to strengthen, encourage, and advise them:

and he said, as the lord liveth, &c; using the same form of oath as before:

so they came to Jericho; together, which, as the above writer says ⁱ, was four miles from Bethel.

Gill: 2Ki 2:5 - And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho,.... For though this place was lately rebuilt under a curse to the builder, yet was blessed with a school of the prophets: whose disciples came to Elisha, and said unto him; as in 2Ki 2:3 and to whom he made the same reply.

Gill: 2Ki 2:6 - And Elijah said unto him, tarry, I pray thee, here // for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan // and he said // and they two went on

And Elijah said unto him, tarry, I pray thee, here,.... At Jericho, seemingly very desirous to get rid of him, that he might not see his assumption:

for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan: where passing that he was to be taken up:

and he said, &c; Elisha swore, as before, he would not leave him:

and they two went on; to Jordan, which was six miles from Jericho ^k.

Gill: 2Ki 2:7 - And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off // and they two stood by Jordan

And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off,.... To have a view, if they could, of the assumption of Elijah to heaven, and be witnesses of it:

and they two stood by Jordan; on the banks of it, even Elijah and Elisha.

Gill: 2Ki 2:8 - And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together // and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither // so that they two went over on dry ground

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together,.... Folded it up close together, in a position to smite with it; this is thought to be not his hairy garment, but a shorter robe, that was worn upon his shoulders; but the Greek version renders it by "melotes", and so in 2Ki 2:14, which, according to Isidore ^l, was a goat's skin, hanging down from the neck, and girt at the loins; and being thus clothed, perhaps, may be the reason of his being called an hairy man, 2Ki 1:8,

and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither; just as Moses lifted up his rod, and the waters of the sea were divided for the Israelites:

so that they two went over on dry ground; in like manner as the Israelites did through the sea.

Gill: 2Ki 2:9 - And it came to pass, when they were gone over // that Elijah said unto Elisha, ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken from thee // and Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me

And it came to pass, when they were gone over,.... Had got on the other side Jordan:

that Elijah said unto Elisha, ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken from thee; for, having followed him so closely, he now made no more a secret of his assumption, and having had full trial of his attachment to him, and affection for him:

and Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me; the two parts of the gifts of the spirit he had, that of prophecy, and that of doing miracles, as some think; or two parts out of three of what Elijah was possessed of; or rather double as much, and which he might desire, not from a spirit of vanity and ambition to be greater than his master, but from an eagerness to promote the glory of God, and the interest of religion, to reclaim the Israelites from their idolatry, and establish the true religion, which he might observe Elijah was not able to do with that measure of grace and gifts he had; or however this phrase denotes an abundance, a large portion or measure, as it everywhere does. Many, after Ben Gersom, have thought it refers to the double portion of the firstborn, and that Elisha does not mean a double portion with respect to Elijah, but with respect to the junior prophets, with whom he might be considered as a firstborn, and so desired a double or greater portion than they, and which may be most correct ^m; and when he asked this, he did not suppose it was in Elijah's power to give him it, only that he would pray to God, at parting with him, that he would bestow it on him.

Gill: 2Ki 2:10 - And he said, thou hast asked a hard thing // nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee

And he said, thou hast asked a hard thing,.... Not a common privilege, but what is rarely enjoyed, and difficult to obtain, few are so favoured of God:

nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee, but if not, it shall not be so; meaning, that if his rapture was visible to Elisha, and he was favoured with a sight of his assumption, and be an eyewitness of it, this would be a token both to Elijah that it was agreeable to the Lord to ask of him this favour for him, and to Elisha to expect it, otherwise not.

Gill: 2Ki 2:11 - And it came to pass, as they still went on and talked // that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire // and Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven

And it came to pass, as they still went on and talked,.... About the donation of the gifts of the Spirit requested, about the state of religion in Israel, and about the training up of prophets in the colleges, and about Elisha's succession as a prophet in his room, and his discharge of that office, and such like things, as may be supposed, in which he gave him instruction and advice:

that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire; either angels in this form, see Psa 104:4, in which they appeared for the glory and honour of the prophet, and as emblems of his flaming love and zeal for the purity of religion, and that his assumption might be conspicuous to Elisha; and perhaps by this means might be seen by the fifty men on the other side Jordan: this chariot, drawn with these horses, was not seen in the heaven, but as running on the earth, and came between the two prophets, and separated them from each other, taking up Elijah into it by means of a wind whirling about him, and which was no other than the ministry of angels; or these might be a conflux of exhalations or clouds, formed in this likeness by a supernatural power, and, by the solar rays striking on them, might appear fiery or red; and so his assumption was much in such like manner as our Lord was taken up in a cloud, Act 1:9,

and Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven; body and soul; such a change passing on him, as he went through the region of the air, which divested him of his mortality and corruption, and fitted him for the invisible world.

Gill: 2Ki 2:12 - And Elisha saw it // and he cried, my father, my father // the chariots 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

And Elisha saw it,.... The ascension of Elijah to heaven, the manner of it, and all relative to it, as the disciples saw the ascension of Christ, between which and this there is a great agreement, see Act 1:9, and so Elisha had the token by which he might expect to have the double portion, as the disciples after the ascension of Christ had an extraordinary effusion of the Spirit and gifts upon them:

and he cried, my father, my father; or my master, my master, as the Targum; Elijah being a father to Elisha, and the rest of the prophets, in the same sense as disciples of the prophets are called sons:

the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof; who was a greater defence to Israel, and was of more service to them by his instructions and prayers, than an army consisting of chariots and horsemen; so the Targum,"he was better to Israel by his prayers than chariots and horsemen:"

and he saw him no more; he was carried up in the above manner into the heaven of heavens, out of the sight of mortals, and never seen more, but at the transfiguration of Christ on the mount:

and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces; not on account of Elijah's case and circumstances, who was now in a most happy and glorious state and condition, but as lamenting his own loss, and the loss of the public.

Gill: 2Ki 2:13 - He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him // and he went back, and stood by the brook of Jordan

He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him,.... Which he had now no further need of, and Elisha had, having rent his clothes in two; and this falling into his hands was a token of his succeeding him in his office, and that he should have the double portion of his spirit:

and he went back, and stood by the brook of Jordan; at the place where he and Elijah had passed over together.

Gill: 2Ki 2:14 - And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters // and said, where is the Lord God of Elijah // and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither // and Elisha went over

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters,.... He wrapped it together, as Elijah had done, and smote the waters in like manner, to make trial whether he had the same spirit and power conferred on him:

and said, where is the Lord God of Elijah? let him appear now, and show his power as he did by him; he knew the mantle would not do without the Lord, and the exertion of his might:

and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither; as when Elijah smote them. The words "aph-hu", rendered "he also", is left untranslated by the Septuagint, and is interpreted by Theodoret ⁿ "hidden". They stand immediately after "the God of Elijah", and may be rendered, "yea he", even he himself; meaning not Elijah, as if he was inquired after, or was present and smote the waters; but rather, as we and others, Elisha, even he also smote the waters; though some take it to be the name of God, as "Hu" was, and is with the Arabs to this day; see Gill on Isa 43:13. Athanasius ^o interprets it of God, "Appho"; and so Elisha calls him by his title and attribute, "Aph-hu": but the words may be an answer to the prophet's question, "where is the Lord God of Elijah?" here he is, even he himself, in the faith of which the water, being smitten, parted; and with this agrees Abarbinel's note on the text; the meaning is, though we are deprived of Elijah, yet not of the providence of God; and though the servant is wanting, the Lord or master is not; for even he, the blessed God, is in his room, and his excellency is as it was before; which sense is approved of by Frischmuth ^p.

and Elisha went over; the river Jordan, as on dry land.

Gill: 2Ki 2:15 - And when the sons of the prophets, which were to view at Jericho, saw him // they said, the spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha // and they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him

And when the sons of the prophets, which were to view at Jericho, saw him,.... Who went out from thence towards Jordan, to have a sight if they could of the assumption of Elijah; these, when they saw Elisha come over Jordan, the waters being parted by him:

they said, the spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha; or he has the same power and spirit to work miracles as he had, which they discerned by his dividing the waters of Jordan with his mantle:

and they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him; in reverence of him as their master, in the room of Elijah.

Gill: 2Ki 2:16 - And they said unto him, behold, now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men // let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master // lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up // and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley // and he said, ye shall not send

And they said unto him, behold, now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men,.... Perhaps meaning themselves, 2Ki 2:7 who were young, stout, and strong, and able to travel for days together:

let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master; for though they knew he was to be taken away, yet knew not for what time, and imagined he might be found again:

lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up; as it seems he was wont to do, see 1Ki 18:12.

and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley; where he sometimes had his abode; or they might fancy, if he was taken up to heaven, yet in his soul only, and that, when that was separated, his dead body would be left on a mountain, or in a valley; and therefore they were desirous of seeking and finding it, that it might not be exposed to birds and beasts of prey, but that they might bury it in a decent and honourable manner:

and he said, ye shall not send; he knew it was to no purpose, since he was translated to heaven, body and soul, and which he was an eyewitness of.

Gill: 2Ki 2:17 - And when they urged him until he was ashamed // he said, send // they sent therefore fifty men // and they sought three days, but found him not

And when they urged him until he was ashamed,.... To deny them any longer, being so very pressing and importunate:

he said, send; lest they should think he had not the respect for his master he should have had; or was so fond of his office, that he did not choose he should be found alive if he could, and return and reassume it:

they sent therefore fifty men; some one way, and some another:

and they sought three days, but found him not; and then returned.