2 Kings 2:1-13
Summary for 2Kgs 2:1-18: 2:1-18 a Elijah’s translation into heaven transferred the prophetic mantle to Elisha.Summary for 2Kgs 2:2-6: 2:2-6 b Stay here: Three times, Elijah urged Elisha to remain behind while he traveled on. Each time, Elisha refused with a solemn vow, determined to be with his master to the end.
2:8 c Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it: Such symbolic actions visually represented God’s power (see Exod 14:16 d, 21 e, 26-27 f; 17:8-13 g; 1 Kgs 11:30-31 h; Ezek 4 i; 5:1-4 j).
Summary for 2Kgs 2:9-10: 2:9-10 k A firstborn son, as the primary heir, inherited a double share of his father’s estate (Deut 21:17 l); Elisha asked that Elijah’s God-given spiritual abilities and privileges might continue to live through him.
2:11 m Chariot of fire ... horses of fire ... whirlwind: These things represent God’s appearance in mighty power (cp. Isa 66:15 n).
• Elijah was carried ... into heaven, like Enoch (Gen 5:24 o), without dying. Some believe that Enoch and Elijah will reappear at the time of the end (see study note on Rev 11:1-13).
2:12 p Elijah was Elisha’s spiritual father and personal mentor. Cp. the tribute given him at his death, 13:14 q.
Summary for 2Kgs 2:13-15: 2:13-15 r Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and successfully parted the Jordan River. Elisha was indeed Elijah’s successor, as the other prophets recognized.
Copyright information for
TNotes