2 Kings 2

This chapter recounts the dramatic and miraculous departure of Elijah, one of the greatest prophets, from the earth, as he is taken up into heaven in a whirlwind. It also marks the beginning of Elisha's ministry, as Elijah's successor, demonstrating his prophetic power through miracles. The chapter reveals the transfer of prophetic authority, the continuity of God's work, and His power working through Elisha.

2 Kings 2:1-5 (NKJV)
1 And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
2 Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down to Bethel.
3 Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent!”
4 Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they came to Jericho.
5 Now the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?” So he answered, “Yes, I know; keep silent!”

Elijah’s departure is anticipated by both Elijah and the prophetic community. Elisha demonstrates his loyalty by refusing to leave Elijah’s side, despite Elijah’s instructions to stay behind. This passage emphasizes Elisha’s determination to be with his master to the end, showing his deep devotion. The “sons of the prophets” were aware of Elijah’s impending departure, indicating that this was not just a private event, but part of God’s public plan.

2 Kings 2:6 (NKJV)
6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of them went on.

Elijah tests Elisha's loyalty again by asking him to stay behind while he goes to the Jordan, but Elisha remains committed. This interaction reveals Elisha’s unwavering dedication to his mentor and his desire to witness whatever God has planned for Elijah. It also hints at Elisha’s readiness to inherit Elijah’s prophetic mantle.

2 Kings 2:7-8 (NKJV)
7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan.
8 Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

The miracle of the Jordan parting is a significant moment, echoing God’s power displayed during Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan River under Joshua. Elijah’s use of his mantle to part the waters demonstrates God’s authority vested in him. The fifty prophets standing at a distance highlight the fact that Elijah’s departure was being observed and was a public demonstration of God’s power.

2 Kings 2:9-10 (NKJV)
9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”
10 So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.”

Elijah offers Elisha one last favor before his departure. Elisha’s request for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit indicates his desire for greater prophetic power, not out of pride, but out of a recognition of the immense responsibility he is about to inherit. Elijah acknowledges that the request is difficult but ties it to Elisha’s ability to witness his ascension, signaling that the outcome is up to God.

2 Kings 2:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.

Elijah’s departure is a dramatic and miraculous event, with the appearance of a fiery chariot symbolizing the heavenly nature of his ascension. Elisha’s cry, calling Elijah “my father,” reflects the deep bond between them, as well as his recognition of Elijah’s significant role in Israel. Tearing his clothes is a sign of mourning, but it also marks the end of an era, as Elisha prepares to step into his new role.

2 Kings 2:13-15 (NKJV)
13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.
14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.
15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him.

Elisha takes up Elijah’s mantle, both literally and symbolically, as a sign that the prophetic authority has passed to him. By parting the Jordan, Elisha confirms that the same power that worked through Elijah now works through him. The sons of the prophets acknowledge this, affirming Elisha’s new role as Elijah’s successor, and they show him respect by bowing before him.

2 Kings 2:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Then they said to him, “Look now, there are fifty strong men with your servants. Please let them go and search for your master, lest perhaps the Spirit of the Lord has taken him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley.” And he said, “You shall not send anyone.”
17 But when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, “Send them!” Therefore they sent fifty men, and they searched for three days but did not find him.
18 And when they came back to him, for he had stayed in Jericho, he said to them, “Did I not say to you, ‘Do not go’?”

Despite witnessing Elijah’s ascension, the sons of the prophets insist on searching for him, thinking the Spirit of the Lord might have placed him elsewhere. Elisha knows the truth, but reluctantly agrees to let them search, knowing it will be futile. Their failure to find Elijah reinforces that God’s plan for Elijah was to take him to heaven, beyond the reach of men.

2 Kings 2:19-22 (NKJV)
19 Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren.”
20 And he said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him.
21 Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.’”
22 So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.

Elisha’s first miracle is the healing of the water at Jericho, a practical and symbolic act. The water had caused barrenness, making the land unproductive. By adding salt to the spring, Elisha, through God’s power, heals the water. This miracle not only helps the people physically by restoring the land but also confirms Elisha’s role as a prophet empowered by God. The healing of the water demonstrates God’s ability to bring life and blessing.

2 Kings 2:23-25 (NKJV)
23 Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!”
24 So he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the Lord. And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.
25 Then he went from there to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.

As Elisha travels to Bethel, he encounters a group of youths who mock him, likely referring to his prophetic office and perhaps even the ascension of Elijah. Their disrespect toward God’s prophet is met with a severe judgment, as bears maul many of them. This passage highlights the seriousness of dishonoring God’s representatives and serves as a warning against treating the prophetic ministry lightly. Elisha’s journey continues as he heads toward Mount Carmel and Samaria, further establishing himself as the new prophet in Israel.