The divided kingdom · 2 Kings 2
Elijah Taken Up to Heaven
On the day the LORD is about to take Elijah up, his disciple Elisha goes with him. At Gilgal, at Bethel, and then at Jericho, Elijah tells him to stay behind; each time, Elisha refuses: “I will not leave you.” At the bank of the Jordan, Elijah rolls up his cloak and strikes the water, which parts: they cross on dry ground. “Ask what I shall do for you,” says Elijah. “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me!” — “If you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you.” Suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire separate the two men, and Elijah goes up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha cries out: “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” He picks up Elijah’s cloak and strikes the Jordan, which parts for him too. The sons of the prophets recognize it: “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha!”
What happens
- Elisha: “I will not leave you” 2 Kings 2:2
- Elijah’s cloak parts the waters of the Jordan 2 Kings 2:8
- Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit 2 Kings 2:9–10
- A chariot of fire, and Elijah goes up to heaven in a whirlwind 2 Kings 2:11
- “My father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” 2 Kings 2:12
- With the cloak, Elisha parts the Jordan in his turn 2 Kings 2:14–15
Who is in this story
The lesson
Elisha’s perseverance in following his master to the very end is rewarded. God’s work does not depend on one man: the God of Elijah remains, and he passes his Spirit on to the next generation.
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.
Quick quiz on this story
How does Elijah go up to heaven?
“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 Kings 2:11
What does Elisha ask of Elijah before he leaves?
Elisha answers: “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” Elijah’s cloak falls to him as Elijah is taken up. 2 Kings 2:9
What does Elijah do with his cloak at the bank of the Jordan?
Elijah took his cloak, “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 Kings 2:8
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