2 Kings 2:1-7

1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, "Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel." And Elisha said unto him, "As the LORD liveth and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee." So they went down to Bethel.

3 And the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came forth to Elisha and said unto him, "Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head today?" And he said, "Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace."

4 And Elijah said unto him, "Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho." And he said, "As the LORD liveth and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee." So they came to Jericho.

5 And the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said unto him, "Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head today?" And he answered, "Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace."

6 And Elijah said unto him, "Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to the Jordan." And he said, "As the LORD liveth and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee." And the two went on.

7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood in sight to view afar off; and they two stood by the Jordan.

2 Kings 2:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 2

This chapter relates, how that Elisha accompanied Elijah to several places, and on the other side Jordan Elijah was taken up from him to heaven, which occasioned great lamentation in him, 2Ki 2:1-12, but having the mantle of Elijah, he divided the waters of Jordan, and passed over, 2Ki 2:13,14, and the sons of the prophets at Jericho, perceiving the spirit of Elijah on him, showed him great respect, and proposed sending men to seek his master, which they did in vain, 2Ki 2:15-18, when he healed the waters at Jericho, at the request of the men of it, 2Ki 2:19-22, and the chapter is concluded with the destruction of forty two children at Bethel by bears, who mocked him, 2Ki 2:23,24.