2 Kings 2 Study Notes: Elijah Taken Up in a Whirlwind
Elisha refuses to leave Elijah, asks for a double share of his spirit, and watches him carried into heaven by a whirlwind as a fiery chariot passes between them. With Elijah’s cloak Elisha parts the Jordan, heals Jericho’s spring, and curses jeering boys near Bethel, who are attacked by two bears.
General
What happened when boys from the town of Bethel jeered at Elisha on the road (2 Kings 2:23-24)?
Answer: Elisha cursed them in the LORD’s name, and two bears attacked 42 of them
As Elisha went up the road to Bethel, boys from the town came out and taunted him, mocking him as a baldhead and telling him to go up (2:23). Elisha turned toward them and cursed them in the LORD’s name, and two female bears emerged from the forest and attacked forty-two of them (2:24). Their scorn was aimed at the LORD’s prophet, and the curse was spoken in the LORD’s name, so the judgment that followed came from the LORD. Scripture warns that God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7), and the account of Judah’s fall later says the people scorned God’s messengers and prophets until His anger could no longer be turned away (2 Chronicles 36:16).
- 2 Kings 2:23 (BSB)“From there, Elisha went up to Bethel, and as he was walking up the road, a group of boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!””On the road to Bethel a group of boys from the city jeers at Elisha.
- Galatians 6:7 (BSB)“Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.”God is not to be mocked; what a person sows, he reaps.
- 2 Chronicles 36:16 (BSB)“But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.”Judah’s mockery of God’s messengers and prophets is named as a cause of the LORD’s wrath.
Theological
According to 2 Kings 2:23-24, what followed when boys from the town of Bethel jeered at Elisha?
Answer: Elisha cursed them in the LORD’s name, and two bears attacked 42 of them
On the road up to Bethel boys from the town mocked Elisha, taunting him as a baldhead and telling him to go up (2:23). Elisha turned and cursed them in the LORD’s name, and two female bears emerged from the forest and attacked forty-two of them (2:24). Contempt for the LORD’s prophet is contempt for the LORD who sent him; the curse was pronounced in His name and the judgment was His. God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7), and 2 Chronicles later traces the LORD’s wrath against Judah to their scorn for His messengers and prophets (2 Chronicles 36:16). Coming right after the healing at Jericho, the episode shows the word the LORD spoke through Elisha bringing both blessing and judgment.
- 2 Kings 2:23 (BSB)“From there, Elisha went up to Bethel, and as he was walking up the road, a group of boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!””On the road to Bethel a group of boys from the city jeers at Elisha.
- Galatians 6:7 (BSB)“Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.”God is not to be mocked; what a person sows, he reaps.
- 2 Chronicles 36:16 (BSB)“But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy.”Judah’s mockery of God’s messengers and prophets is named as a cause of the LORD’s wrath.
General
How did Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:8)?
Answer: Elijah struck the water with his cloak, and it divided
While fifty men from the company of prophets watched from a distance, Elijah rolled up his cloak and struck the water of the Jordan. The water parted to either side, and the two men walked across on dry land (2:7-8). The miracle recalls two great moments in Israel’s history. The LORD divided the sea for Israel under Moses so they could cross on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22), and He held back the Jordan so the whole nation could cross under Joshua (Joshua 3:17). The same LORD was at work with Elijah.
- 2 Kings 2:7-8 (BSB)“Then a company of fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing Elijah and Elisha as the two of them stood by the Jordan. And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.”With fifty of the sons of the prophets watching, Elijah strikes the Jordan with his cloak and the two cross on dry ground.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (BSB)“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.”The LORD divided the sea before Israel under Moses, and the people crossed on dry ground.
- Joshua 3:17 (BSB)“The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.”Under Joshua the whole nation crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
Theological
By what means did Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan, according to 2 Kings 2:8?
Answer: Elijah struck the water with his cloak, and it divided
Before fifty watching members of the company of prophets, Elijah rolled up his cloak and struck the Jordan; the waters divided to either side and the two crossed on dry land (2:7-8). The sign deliberately recalls the LORD’s great acts of deliverance: the parting of the sea under Moses (Exodus 14:21-22) and the crossing of the Jordan under Joshua (Joshua 3:17). The same LORD who acted for Moses and Joshua was at work through Elijah.
- 2 Kings 2:7-8 (BSB)“Then a company of fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing Elijah and Elisha as the two of them stood by the Jordan. And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.”With fifty of the sons of the prophets watching, Elijah strikes the Jordan with his cloak and the two cross on dry ground.
- Exodus 14:21-22 (BSB)“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.”The LORD divided the sea before Israel under Moses, and the people crossed on dry ground.
- Joshua 3:17 (BSB)“The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over the dry ground, until the entire nation had crossed the Jordan.”Under Joshua the whole nation crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
General
How was Elijah taken from Elisha (2 Kings 2:11)?
Answer: Fiery horses and a chariot parted them, and a whirlwind took him up
As the two walked and talked, a fiery chariot drawn by fiery horses suddenly came between them, and a whirlwind carried Elijah up into heaven (2:11). Elijah did not die; the LORD took him up, as the chapter said He would (2:1). Elijah’s story did not end there. Through Malachi the LORD promised to send the prophet Elijah ahead of the LORD’s great day (Malachi 4:5). Jesus said that this Elijah had already come, and His disciples understood He meant John the Baptist (Matthew 17:12-13). Elijah himself appeared with Moses, talking with Jesus on the mountain where Jesus was transfigured, that is, shown in His glory (Matthew 17:3).
- 2 Kings 2:11 (BSB)“As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.”A chariot of fire and horses of fire separate the two men, and Elijah goes up to heaven in a whirlwind.
- Malachi 4:5 (BSB)“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.”The LORD later promises to send Elijah the prophet before the great day of the LORD.
- Matthew 17:3 (BSB)“Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.”Elijah appears with Moses, talking with Jesus at the transfiguration.
- Matthew 17:12-13 (BSB)“But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.”Jesus says Elijah has already come, and the disciples understand He means John the Baptist.
Theological
What does 2 Kings 2:11 record about how Elijah was taken from Elisha?
Answer: Fiery horses and a chariot parted them, and a whirlwind took him up
A fiery chariot drawn by fiery horses separated the two men, and a whirlwind carried Elijah up into heaven (2:11), taken without dying, as the narrator had announced (2:1). The LORD’s purposes for Elijah continued beyond this departure. Malachi promises that God will send the prophet Elijah ahead of the LORD’s great day (Malachi 4:5); Jesus says Elijah came already, and the disciples understood Him to mean John the Baptist (Matthew 17:12-13). And Elijah appears with Moses, speaking with Jesus at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:3).
- 2 Kings 2:11 (BSB)“As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.”A chariot of fire and horses of fire separate the two men, and Elijah goes up to heaven in a whirlwind.
- Malachi 4:5 (BSB)“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.”The LORD later promises to send Elijah the prophet before the great day of the LORD.
- Matthew 17:3 (BSB)“Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.”Elijah appears with Moses, talking with Jesus at the transfiguration.
- Matthew 17:12-13 (BSB)“But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.”Jesus says Elijah has already come, and the disciples understand He means John the Baptist.
General
After they crossed the Jordan, what did Elisha ask of Elijah, and what condition did Elijah set (2 Kings 2:9-10)?
Answer: A double share of Elijah’s spirit, if he saw him taken
Elijah asked what he could do for Elisha before being taken away. Elisha asked to inherit a double share of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah called it a hard request, but he told Elisha that if he saw him as he was being taken, it would be his, and if not, it would not (2:9-10). The LORD had already chosen Elisha to take Elijah’s place as prophet (1 Kings 19:16), just as He had once provided Joshua, a man in whom the Spirit was, to follow Moses (Numbers 27:18-20).
- 2 Kings 2:9-10 (BSB)“After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.””Elisha asks to inherit a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, and Elijah sets the condition of seeing him taken.
- 1 Kings 19:16 (BSB)“You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.”The LORD had already named Elisha to succeed Elijah as prophet.
- Numbers 27:18-20 (BSB)“And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him.”The LORD provided Joshua, a man in whom the Spirit was, to succeed Moses.
Theological
What did Elisha request of Elijah before his departure, and on what condition did Elijah say it would be granted (2 Kings 2:9-10)?
Answer: A double share of Elijah’s spirit, if he saw him taken
Offered a final request, Elisha asks to inherit a double share of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah calls it a difficult thing and sets a condition: if Elisha sees him taken, it will be his; otherwise, not (2:9-10). The succession had already been determined by God, who named Elisha as prophet in Elijah’s place (1 Kings 19:16), much as He provided Joshua, a man in whom the Spirit was, to succeed Moses (Numbers 27:18-20).
- 2 Kings 2:9-10 (BSB)“After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.””Elisha asks to inherit a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, and Elijah sets the condition of seeing him taken.
- 1 Kings 19:16 (BSB)“You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.”The LORD had already named Elisha to succeed Elijah as prophet.
- Numbers 27:18-20 (BSB)“And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him.”The LORD provided Joshua, a man in whom the Spirit was, to succeed Moses.
General
How was the bad water at Jericho healed (2 Kings 2:19-22)?
Answer: Elisha threw in salt from a new bowl, and the LORD healed it
The men of Jericho told Elisha that their city was in a good spot, but its water was poor and its land did not produce (2:19). Elisha asked for a new bowl with salt in it, went to the spring, threw the salt in, and announced that the LORD said He had healed the water, so that it would no longer bring death or barrenness. The water stayed good from then on, just as Elisha had said (2:21-22). The LORD Himself claims the healing. It is like the bitter water at Marah, which the LORD made sweet before declaring Himself the LORD their healer (Exodus 15:25-26). He is the God who turns dry ground into flowing springs (Psalm 107:35).
- 2 Kings 2:19 (BSB)“Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, as you can see. But the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.””The men of Jericho tell Elisha that their city is well placed but its water is bad and the land unfruitful.
- 2 Kings 2:21-22 (BSB)“and Elisha went out to the spring, cast the salt into it, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.’” And the waters there have been healthy to this day, according to the word spoken by Elisha.”Elisha casts salt into the spring and declares that the LORD has healed the water, and it stays wholesome.
- Exodus 15:25-26 (BSB)“And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.””At Marah the LORD made bitter water sweet and declared Himself the LORD who heals.
- Psalm 107:35 (BSB)“He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs.”The LORD turns dry places into springs and pools of water.
Theological
By what means was Jericho’s bad water healed, according to 2 Kings 2:19-22?
Answer: Elisha threw in salt from a new bowl, and the LORD healed it
Jericho’s men describe a well-situated city whose water is poor and whose land is barren (2:19). Elisha requests a new bowl of salt, casts it into the spring, and speaks the LORD’s word: the LORD has healed the water, and it will no longer bring death or barrenness. The narrator notes that the water remained wholesome, according to Elisha’s word (2:21-22). The healing is attributed to the LORD, not to the salt or the prophet. It echoes Marah, where the LORD sweetened the water and revealed Himself as the LORD their healer (Exodus 15:25-26), and it displays the God who turns dry land into springs (Psalm 107:35).
- 2 Kings 2:19 (BSB)“Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please note, our lord, that the city’s location is good, as you can see. But the water is bad and the land is unfruitful.””The men of Jericho tell Elisha that their city is well placed but its water is bad and the land unfruitful.
- 2 Kings 2:21-22 (BSB)“and Elisha went out to the spring, cast the salt into it, and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.’” And the waters there have been healthy to this day, according to the word spoken by Elisha.”Elisha casts salt into the spring and declares that the LORD has healed the water, and it stays wholesome.
- Exodus 15:25-26 (BSB)“And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.””At Marah the LORD made bitter water sweet and declared Himself the LORD who heals.
- Psalm 107:35 (BSB)“He turns a desert into pools of water and a dry land into flowing springs.”The LORD turns dry places into springs and pools of water.
General
What happened when Elisha struck the Jordan with Elijah’s cloak (2 Kings 2:13-14)?
Answer: The water divided as it had for Elijah, and he crossed over
Elisha took up Elijah’s fallen cloak and returned to the Jordan. He struck the water and asked where Elijah’s God, the LORD, was. The water parted to either side, and he went across (2:13-14). His question was answered: the God who had been with Elijah was now with Elisha. The scene is like the Jordan crossing in Joshua’s day, when the LORD showed Israel that He was with Joshua just as He had been with Moses (Joshua 3:7; 4:14).
- 2 Kings 2:13-14 (BSB)“Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.”Elisha takes up Elijah’s cloak, strikes the Jordan, and asks where the LORD, the God of Elijah, is; the waters part.
- Joshua 3:7 (BSB)“Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.”At the Jordan the LORD promised to show He was with Joshua just as He had been with Moses.
- Joshua 4:14 (BSB)“On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.”After the crossing Israel revered Joshua as they had revered Moses.
Theological
According to 2 Kings 2:13-14, what happened when Elisha struck the waters with Elijah’s fallen cloak?
Answer: The water divided as it had for Elijah, and he crossed over
Taking the cloak that fell from Elijah, Elisha returns to the Jordan, strikes the waters, and asks where Elijah’s God, the LORD, is. The waters part as they had for Elijah, and he crosses (2:13-14). The repeated miracle is God’s own answer: the LORD who was with Elijah is with his successor. The pattern deliberately recalls the transition from Moses to Joshua, when the LORD honored Joshua at the Jordan to show that He was with him as He had been with Moses (Joshua 3:7; 4:14).
- 2 Kings 2:13-14 (BSB)“Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.”Elisha takes up Elijah’s cloak, strikes the Jordan, and asks where the LORD, the God of Elijah, is; the waters part.
- Joshua 3:7 (BSB)“Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.”At the Jordan the LORD promised to show He was with Joshua just as He had been with Moses.
- Joshua 4:14 (BSB)“On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.”After the crossing Israel revered Joshua as they had revered Moses.
General
Each time Elijah asked Elisha to stay behind, how did Elisha respond (2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6)?
Answer: He swore by the LORD that he would not part from Elijah
On the day the LORD was going to take Elijah, Elijah three times asked Elisha to stay behind: at Gilgal, at Bethel, and at Jericho, each time saying the LORD had sent him on (2:2, 4, 6). Each time Elisha swore an oath by the living LORD and by Elijah’s own life that he would not leave him. Elisha had been following Elijah ever since Elijah called him away from plowing; he left his oxen and family and went to serve Elijah (1 Kings 19:20-21). His refusal to be sent away is like Ruth’s determination to stay with Naomi (Ruth 1:16). Elisha meant to stay with his master to the very end.
- 2 Kings 2:2 (BSB)“and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.”Setting out from Gilgal, Elijah asks Elisha to stay, and Elisha swears that he will not leave him.
- 2 Kings 2:6 (BSB)“And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.”At Jericho, as Elijah heads on toward the Jordan, the third request receives the same sworn answer.
- 1 Kings 19:20-21 (BSB)“So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.”When Elijah first called him, Elisha left his oxen and family to follow and serve Elijah.
- Ruth 1:16 (BSB)“But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”Ruth likewise refuses to be sent away from Naomi, a parallel picture of determined loyalty.
Theological
How did Elisha answer each of Elijah’s three requests that he remain behind (2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6)?
Answer: He swore by the LORD that he would not part from Elijah
Elijah’s final journey moves from Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho to the Jordan, and at each stage he asks Elisha to remain behind, saying the LORD is sending him on (2:2, 4, 6). Elisha answers each time with the same oath by the LORD’s life and Elijah’s life: he will not leave him. The resolve fits the commitment Elisha made when first called, when he gave up his oxen and household to follow Elijah as his servant (1 Kings 19:20-21), and it resembles Ruth’s refusal to be sent away from Naomi (Ruth 1:16). Elisha’s persistence places him as witness to Elijah’s departure.
- 2 Kings 2:2 (BSB)“and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.”Setting out from Gilgal, Elijah asks Elisha to stay, and Elisha swears that he will not leave him.
- 2 Kings 2:6 (BSB)“And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.”At Jericho, as Elijah heads on toward the Jordan, the third request receives the same sworn answer.
- 1 Kings 19:20-21 (BSB)“So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.”When Elijah first called him, Elisha left his oxen and family to follow and serve Elijah.
- Ruth 1:16 (BSB)“But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”Ruth likewise refuses to be sent away from Naomi, a parallel picture of determined loyalty.
General
As Elijah was taken, Elisha cried out to him as his father and as Israel’s chariots and horsemen. What does that cry express (2 Kings 2:12)?
Answer: Elijah, as the LORD’s prophet, had been Israel’s real defense
Watching Elijah go, Elisha called him his father, a title of honor for the master he had served, and named him Israel’s chariots and horsemen (2:12). Chariots and horsemen were the strongest part of an ancient army. Elisha was saying that Elijah, through whom the LORD spoke, had been Israel’s true protection. Many years later King Jehoash would use the same words as he wept over the dying Elisha (2 Kings 13:14). Israel’s real security was never in its armies but in the LORD (Psalm 20:7). Then Elisha tore his own clothes in two, a sign of grief.
- 2 Kings 2:12 (BSB)“As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.”Elisha cries out to Elijah as his father and as Israel’s chariots and horsemen, then tears his clothes.
- 2 Kings 13:14 (BSB)“When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!””King Jehoash later uses the same words of the dying Elisha.
- Psalm 20:7 (BSB)“Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”God’s people trust in the name of the LORD rather than in chariots and horses.
Theological
What is the force of Elisha’s cry calling Elijah his father and Israel’s chariots and horsemen (2 Kings 2:12)?
Answer: Elijah, as the LORD’s prophet, had been Israel’s real defense
Elisha addresses Elijah as father, the honored master of a prophetic disciple, and as Israel’s chariots and horsemen (2:12). The image is military: the prophet, as bearer of the LORD’s word, was the nation’s true defense, worth more than its cavalry. King Jehoash applies the identical words to the dying Elisha (2 Kings 13:14), confirming that the phrase describes the prophet’s role. The confession matches Israel’s worship, which relies on the LORD’s name rather than on chariots and horses (Psalm 20:7). Elisha then tears his clothes in mourning.
- 2 Kings 2:12 (BSB)“As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.”Elisha cries out to Elijah as his father and as Israel’s chariots and horsemen, then tears his clothes.
- 2 Kings 13:14 (BSB)“When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!””King Jehoash later uses the same words of the dying Elisha.
- Psalm 20:7 (BSB)“Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”God’s people trust in the name of the LORD rather than in chariots and horses.
General
True or False: At Bethel and at Jericho, groups of prophets asked Elisha whether he knew the LORD would take his master that day, and Elisha said he knew.
Answer: True
This is true. At both Bethel and Jericho, bands of prophets from each town came to Elisha and asked whether he knew that the LORD would take his master away that very day. Elisha answered that he knew, and told them to keep quiet about it (2:3, 5). The chapter begins by telling the reader that the LORD was about to take Elijah up into heaven (2:1), and the LORD had made this known to His prophets ahead of time. Amos says that the Lord GOD reveals His plans to the prophets who serve Him before He acts (Amos 3:7), and the psalm says the LORD shares His secrets with those who revere Him (Psalm 25:14).
- 2 Kings 2:1 (BSB)“Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal,”The narrator announces at the start that the LORD was about to take Elijah up in a whirlwind.
- 2 Kings 2:3 (BSB)“Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.””The sons of the prophets at Bethel tell Elisha what the LORD will do that day, and he says he knows.
- Amos 3:7 (BSB)“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”The LORD reveals His plans to His servants the prophets.
- Psalm 25:14 (BSB)“The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.”The LORD confides in those who fear Him.
Theological
True or False: The prophetic communities at Bethel and at Jericho asked Elisha whether he knew the LORD would take his master that day, and Elisha replied that he knew.
Answer: True
This is true. The narrator announces the outcome at the outset: the LORD is about to take Elijah up (2:1). The prophetic communities at Bethel and at Jericho had also been told, and each asks Elisha whether he knows the LORD is taking his master that day; each time he answers that he knows and tells them to be silent (2:3, 5). The event is the LORD’s decree, revealed beforehand to His servants. As Amos says, the Lord GOD discloses His plan to the prophets before He acts (Amos 3:7), and the LORD shares His counsel with those who revere Him (Psalm 25:14).
- 2 Kings 2:1 (BSB)“Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal,”The narrator announces at the start that the LORD was about to take Elijah up in a whirlwind.
- 2 Kings 2:3 (BSB)“Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.””The sons of the prophets at Bethel tell Elisha what the LORD will do that day, and he says he knows.
- Amos 3:7 (BSB)“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”The LORD reveals His plans to His servants the prophets.
- Psalm 25:14 (BSB)“The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them.”The LORD confides in those who fear Him.
General
What came of the search the company of prophets made for Elijah (2 Kings 2:16-18)?
Answer: Fifty men searched three days but never found Elijah
The prophets offered to send fifty strong men to look for Elijah, thinking the LORD’s Spirit might have set him down on some mountain or in some valley. Elisha told them not to, but when they kept pressing him until he was embarrassed, he let them go. They searched three days and did not find him, and Elisha reminded them that he had told them not to go (2:16-18). Elijah was nowhere to be found since the LORD had taken him up to heaven. Scripture says the same of Enoch, who was no more since God took him (Genesis 5:24), and who was nowhere to be found since God had removed him (Hebrews 11:5).
- 2 Kings 2:16-18 (BSB)““Look now,” they said to Elisha, “we your servants have fifty valiant men. Please let them go and search for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has taken him up and put him on one of the mountains or in one of the valleys.” “Do not send them,” Elisha replied. But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah. When they returned to Elisha, who was staying in Jericho, he said to them, “Didn’t I tell you not to go?””The prophets press Elisha to let fifty men search for Elijah, but after three days they return without finding him.
- Genesis 5:24 (BSB)“Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away.”Enoch was no more, because God had taken him away.
- Hebrews 11:5 (BSB)“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”Enoch could not be found, because God had taken him away without his seeing death.
Theological
What was the outcome of the search for Elijah that the company of prophets insisted on (2 Kings 2:16-18)?
Answer: Fifty men searched three days but never found Elijah
Supposing that the LORD’s Spirit had merely set Elijah down somewhere in the hills or valleys, the prophets urged a search. Elisha refused, then yielded under their persistent pressure; fifty men searched three days without finding him, and Elisha reminded them of his warning (2:16-18). The failed search confirms what Elisha had seen: Elijah had been taken bodily into heaven. Scripture describes Enoch in the same terms, no more since God took him (Genesis 5:24) and nowhere to be found since God had removed him (Hebrews 11:5).
- 2 Kings 2:16-18 (BSB)““Look now,” they said to Elisha, “we your servants have fifty valiant men. Please let them go and search for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has taken him up and put him on one of the mountains or in one of the valleys.” “Do not send them,” Elisha replied. But when they pressed him to the point of embarrassment, he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find Elijah. When they returned to Elisha, who was staying in Jericho, he said to them, “Didn’t I tell you not to go?””The prophets press Elisha to let fifty men search for Elijah, but after three days they return without finding him.
- Genesis 5:24 (BSB)“Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away.”Enoch was no more, because God had taken him away.
- Hebrews 11:5 (BSB)“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”Enoch could not be found, because God had taken him away without his seeing death.
General
True or False: After watching Elisha cross the Jordan, the company of prophets from Jericho declared that Elijah’s spirit now rested on him, and they bowed before him.
Answer: True
This is true. The prophets who had been watching from Jericho saw Elisha part the river, said that Elijah’s spirit was resting on him, and came out to him and bowed low before him (2:15). Elisha had seen Elijah taken (2:12), the condition Elijah had named, and his request was granted. The prophets now accepted him as Elijah’s successor, much as Israel obeyed Joshua after Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9). Soon even King Jehoshaphat would say that the LORD’s word was with Elisha (2 Kings 3:12).
- 2 Kings 2:15 (BSB)“When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.”The sons of the prophets from Jericho recognize that Elijah’s spirit rests on Elisha and bow before him.
- Deuteronomy 34:9 (BSB)“Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom, and Israel obeyed him after Moses.
- 2 Kings 3:12 (BSB)“Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.”Soon afterward Jehoshaphat affirms that the word of the LORD is with Elisha.
Theological
True or False: Having seen Elisha divide the Jordan, the company of prophets from Jericho declared that Elijah’s spirit now rested on him and bowed low before him.
Answer: True
This is true. The prophetic community watching from Jericho recognized in the parted waters that Elijah’s spirit now rested on Elisha, so they bowed low before him (2:15). Elisha had seen Elijah taken (2:12), fulfilling the condition of 2:10, and the LORD granted the request. The recognition parallels Israel’s acceptance of Joshua, full of wisdom after Moses laid hands on him (Deuteronomy 34:9), and Elisha’s authority is soon confirmed when Jehoshaphat affirms that the LORD’s word is with him (2 Kings 3:12).
- 2 Kings 2:15 (BSB)“When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.”The sons of the prophets from Jericho recognize that Elijah’s spirit rests on Elisha and bow before him.
- Deuteronomy 34:9 (BSB)“Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom, and Israel obeyed him after Moses.
- 2 Kings 3:12 (BSB)“Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.”Soon afterward Jehoshaphat affirms that the word of the LORD is with Elisha.