2 Kings 2:9-12

9 There, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what you want me to do for you before I am taken away." ¹ "Let me receive the share of your power that will make me your successor," Elisha answered.

10 "That is a difficult request to grant," Elijah replied. "But you will receive it if you see me as I am being taken away from you; if you don't see me, you won't receive it."

11 They kept talking as they walked on; then suddenly a chariot of fire pulled by horses of fire came between them, and Elijah was taken up to heaven by a whirlwind.

12 Elisha saw it and cried out to Elijah, "My father, my father! Mighty defender of Israel! You are gone!" And he never saw Elijah again. ² In grief Elisha tore his cloak in two.

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2 Kings 2:9-12 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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Cross References 2

1. 2.9Deuteronomy 21.17.
2. 2.12 2 K 13.14+2Ben Sira 48.9, 12.

Footnotes 1

[a]. the share . . . successor: [Elisha asked for the share that the first-born son inherited by law from his father (see Dt 21.17).]

2 Kings 2:9-12

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2 Kings 2:9-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 2

Cross References 2

Footnotes 1