*2 Kings 2:1-12
Elijah is taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot, leaving his cloak to Elisha who becomes his successor as prophet.
- Elijah and Elisha Journey Together:
- Elijah informs Elisha that the Lord will take him away from him today.
- They journey from Gilgal to Bethel, with a company of prophets observing them.
- Elijah’s Encouragement and Elisha’s Loyalty:
- Elijah encourages Elisha to stay behind as the Lord is sending him to Jericho, but Elisha refuses, affirming his unwavering commitment to Elijah.
- They journey from Bethel to Jericho.
- Elijah’s Departure Draws Near:
- Elijah offers Elisha the opportunity to stay in Jericho, but Elisha insists on accompanying him.
- They journey from Jericho to the Jordan River.
- Elijah’s Miraculous Crossing of the Jordan:
- Elijah rolls up his cloak, strikes the water, and miraculously divides it, allowing them to cross the Jordan River on dry ground.
- This mirrors the crossing of the Red Sea during Moses’ time.
- Elijah’s Ascension into Heaven:
- As they walk and talk, suddenly a chariot of fire appears with horses of fire, separating Elijah and Elisha.
- Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, witnessed by Elisha.
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.
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.
2:3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel 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.
2:4 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, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.
2:5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.
2:6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
2:7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
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.
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 away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
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; but if not, it shall not be so.
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 parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2:12 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.