2 Kings 2:1-6

1 It was almost time for the Lord to take Elijah by a whirlwind up into heaven. While Elijah and Elisha were leaving Gilgal,

2 Elijah said to Elisha, "Please stay here. The Lord has told me to go to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the Lord lives, and as you live, I won't leave you." So they went down to Bethel.

3 The groups of prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know the Lord will take your master away from you today?" Elisha said, "Yes, I know, but don't talk about it."

4 Elijah said to him, "Stay here, Elisha, because the Lord has sent me to Jericho." But Elisha said, "As the Lord lives, and as you live, I won't leave you." So they went to Jericho.

5 The groups of prophets at Jericho came to Elisha and said, "Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today?" Elisha answered, "Yes, I know, but don't talk about it."

6 Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here. The Lord has sent me to the Jordan River." Elisha answered, "As the Lord lives, and as you live, I won't leave you." So the two of them went on.

2 Kings 2:1-6 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.