2 Kings 2:8

8 Then Elijah took off his robe, and, rolling it up, gave the water a blow with it, and the waters were parted, flowing back this way and that, so that they went over on dry land.

2 Kings 2:8 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 2:8

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together
Folded it up close together, in a position to smite with it; this is thought to be not his hairy garment, but a shorter robe, that was worn upon his shoulders; but the Greek version renders it by "melotes", and so in ( 2 Kings 2:14 ) , which, according to Isidore ^F12, was a goat's skin, hanging down from the neck, and girt at the loins; and being thus clothed, perhaps, may be the reason of his being called an hairy man, ( 2 Kings 1:8 ) ,

and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither;
just as Moses lifted up his rod, and the waters of the sea were divided for the Israelites:

so that they two went over on dry ground;
in like manner as the Israelites did through the sea.

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 Origin. l. 19. c. 24.

2 Kings 2:8 In-Context

6 Then Elijah said to him, Come no farther, for the Lord has sent me to Jordan. But he said, As the Lord is living and as your soul is living, I will not be parted from you. So they went on together.

7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went out and took their places facing them a long way off, while the two of them were by the edge of Jordan.

8 Then Elijah took off his robe, and, rolling it up, gave the water a blow with it, and the waters were parted, flowing back this way and that, so that they went over on dry land.

9 And when they had come to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, Say what you would have me do for you before I am taken from you. And Elisha said, Be pleased to let a special measure of your spirit be on me.

10 And he said, You have made a hard request: still, if you see me when I am taken from you, you will get your desire; but if not, it will not be so.