2 Kings 2:8

8 Elijah took his coat, rolled it up, and struck the water with it. The water divided to their left and their right, and the two men crossed [the river] on dry ground.

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 Elijah said to Elisha, "Please stay here because the LORD is sending me to the Jordan River." Elisha answered, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not abandon you."

7 Fifty disciples of the prophets stood at a distance as Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan River.

8 Elijah took his coat, rolled it up, and struck the water with it. The water divided to their left and their right, and the two men crossed [the river] on dry ground.

9 While they were crossing, Elijah asked Elisha, "What should I do for you before I'm taken from you?" Elisha answered, "Let me inherit a double share of your spirit."

10 Elijah said, "You have asked for something difficult. If you see me taken from you, it will be yours. Otherwise, it will not."