2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
Chapter 2
Elijah Is Taken Up to Heaven
The Lord took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. It happened this way: Elijah and Elisha had left Gilgal, and Elijah said to Elisha:Elijah said again to Elisha: “Stay here, I beg you, for the Lord is only sending me to the Jordan.” But Elisha answered: “I swear by the Lord and by your life that I will never leave you.”And as they went on their way,
fifty fellow prophets of Jericho followed them at a certain distance.When Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan,
Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water with it. The water parted to either side, and they crossed over onto the dry ground.
After they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha: “What shall I do for you before I am taken away from you? Ask me.” Elisha said: “May I receive a double portion of your spirit?”
Elijah answered: “Your request is most difficult. Yet if you see me while I am being taken from you, then you shall have it. But if not, you shall not have it.”
As they were talking on the way, a chariot of fire with horses of fire stood between them, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind.
Elisha saw him and cried out: “Father, my father, chariots of Israel and its horsemen!”When Elisha lost sight of him, he took hold of his clothes and tore them.
He then picked up the mantle which had fallen from Elijah and returned to the banks of the Jordan.
He took the cloak that had fallen off Elijah, hit the water with it, and asked: “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” It divided when he hit the water again, and Elisha crossed over.
Commentaries
Elijah Is Taken Up to Heaven.
Elisha, Elijah’s successor, enters the scene. Several critical moments stand out: 1. Elijah’s journey to Bethel (2), Jericho (4-6), and the Jordan (6ff). According to Elijah, the Lord directs this journey, and he must undertake it alone; however, Elisha disregards his master and follows him everywhere. 2. The prophets’ communities in Bethel (3) and Jericho (5) come out to meet Elijah and Elisha, and from their words, it seems they already knew the Lord’s decision to take Elijah away. 3. The conversation between Elijah and Elisha (9-12). Elisha wishes for two-thirds of his master’s spirit (9c), which he receives when he sees him at the moment of his departure. 4. Elijah’s being taken away (11ff). 5. Elisha’s return from the Jordan to Jericho (13-18). 6. The prophets’ community confirms that Elijah’s spirit has rested on Elisha (17). 7. The prophets encourage Elisha to let them go out and search for Elijah (16-18).