2 Reis 2
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Reis 2
Guzik: The idea of a double portion was not to ask for twice as much as Elijah had, but to ask for the portion that went to the firstborn son, as in Deuteronomy 21:17. Elisha asked for the right to be regarded as the successor of Elijah, as his firstborn son in regard to ministry. Yet Elisha had already been designated as Elijah’s successor (1 Kings 19:19). This was a request for the spiritual power to fulfill the calling he already received. Sermonwriter.com: most think that he is asking for the double-portion of the inheritance that is the right of the firstborn son (Deuteronomy 21:17). A double portion of an inheritance would not be twice the father’s material worth. On the contrary, the father would divide the inheritance into equal parts—the number of parts equal to the number of sons plus one. For instance, a father with five sons would divide the inheritance into six parts. He would give the firstborn son two parts and every other son one part. The firstborn son would thus inherit twice as much as any of his brothers, but far less than his father’s total worth—certainly not double his father’s worth. QUESTION - Why did Elisha request a double portion of Elijah's spirit? ANSWER - The idea of a double portion in the Bible is one of a double blessing. It was typically used in the Old Testament to refer to the birthright, or the inheritance received by the oldest son. For example, Deuteronomy 21:17 says, “He shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.” Hannah’s husband gave her a double portion because of his love for her and because she could not have children (1 Samuel 1:5). Isaiah 61:7 promises a double portion of blessing upon Israel. After his sufferings, Job received twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10). Revelation 18:6 speaks negatively of a double portion of judgment. The request by Elisha for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit in 2 Kings 2 referred likewise to being doubly blessed in his life and ministry. Interestingly, Scripture records exactly twice as many miracles through Elisha (28 miracles) as took place through Elijah (14 miracles). When Elisha first made his request, Elijah answered, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so” (2 Kings 2:10). After Elisha watched Elijah taken up to heaven, he picked up Elijah’s cloak. Returning to the Jordan River, he called out to the Lord and struck the water with the cloak. The water opened up, and Elisha walked across on dry ground. This act affirmed the transition of the prophetic office from Elijah to Elisha as well as the fulfillment of Elisha’s request. The miraculous crossing of the Jordan was witnessed by men from the school of prophets. “Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him opposite them, they said, ‘The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.’ And they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him” (2 Kings 2:15). From that point forward, these men appear to have followed Elisha as their spiritual leader (2 Kings 4:38–41). Two other miracles soon follow the parting of the Jordan River to conclude this section of Scripture. First, Elisha turned bad water into clean water (2 Kings 2:19–22). Second, he cursed a group of young men who mocked him, and two bears came from the woods and attacked them (2Ki 2:23–24). The taking of Elijah to heaven, the parting of the water, the response of the company of prophets, and the two additional miracles recorded immediately afterwards all affirm that Elisha’s request for a double portion was both honorable and granted by the Lord. Elisha’s ministry was one of the most influential in the Bible and continues to be remembered today. QUESTION - What does it mean to receive a double portion? ANSWER - Six times in the Bible, specific reference is made to a “double portion.” When someone receives a double portion, he gets a gift twice as much as that given to others. The concept of the double portion is first mentioned in the Law of Moses: “But he shall acknowledge the firstborn . . . by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his” (Deuteronomy 21:17). A firstborn son was entitled to receive twice the inheritance of that of a father’s other sons, in addition to the right of succession. Because Hannah could not have children, her husband tried to assuage her grief with an extra blessing. “But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her” (1 Samuel 1:5). Near the end of Elijah’s time on earth, he offered his assistant Elisha a gift: “What can I do for you before I am taken from you?” Elisha answered, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me” (2 Kings 2:9). Elisha’s request was to be considered the successor of Elijah and to be “doubly blessed” with power in the prophetic office. Throughout 2 Kings, the many miracles Elisha performed confirm that he had indeed been granted a double portion. Isaiah 61:7 promises a double portion of joy and blessing upon Israel: “Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.” The reign of the Messiah during the millennium will occasion everlasting joy. In a related passage, God restored to Job twice as much as he originally had before his time of testing: “And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10). It could be said that Job received a “double portion.” Not all double portions convey blessing, however. Revelation 18:6+ speaks of judgment upon Babylon, stating, “Pay her back as she herself has paid back others, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed.” Here, the double portion indicates a heavy judgment. The idea behind the term is still that of a “great amount.” Since the Mosaic Law stipulated a double portion for firstborn sons, the concept has been used throughout history to refer to God’s abundant blessing. Jesus Christ is called the “firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15), a title that indicates His position as the Blessed One and rightful Heir of all things. Ray Pritchard - THE DOUBLE PORTION - see Names of the Holy Spirit “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. (2 Kings 2:9) The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha. (2 Kings 2:15) Why did Elisha ask for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit? The answer lies in the inheritance laws of the Old Testament. According to Deuteronomy 21:17, the firstborn son was entitled to a “double share” of the father’s possessions. Although Elisha was not literally Elijah’s son, he was truly his “firstborn” heir in terms of spiritual power. Elisha was thus asking for a “double share” of the spiritual power Elijah possessed, power which came directly from the Holy Spirit at work in his life. He was not asking for material possessions, nor for a ministry twice as great as Elijah or the power to work twice as many miracles. All those things were secondary to the basic request: “May I receive a double portion of the spiritual power given to you by the Holy Spirit so that I may continue your ministry after you are gone.” It was a godly request from a young man who loved his mentor. To this request Elijah wisely replied that the power was not his to grant; the issue rested solely with God’s sovereign will. No man can promise spiritual power to another. Only God can do that. Yet the request was indeed granted. When Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and struck the water of the Jordan River, he cried out, “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14) At those words, the waters parted, just as they had done earlier for Elijah. Seeing that, the prophets from Jericho correctly concluded that the spirit of Elijah had indeed been given to Elisha. The secret of Elijah’s ministry was the power of the Holy Spirit working in his life. When Elisha asked for the “double portion,” he was asking that the same Holy Spirit work powerfully in his own life. God granted Elisha’s request because it came from a pure heart. If our motives are pure, we may freely ask God to do great things through us. God is honored when we seek the Holy Spirit’s power in order to serve the Lord effectively. Lord, as You poured out Your Spirit on the prophets of old, do it again in our day. Amen. James Smith - A DOUBLE PORTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 2 Kings 2:9 The Double Portion was the eldest son’s portion, the portion allotted to the heir. Jacob treated his son Joseph as his eldest son by giving him a double portion. Elkanah, as a mark of his special affection for his wife Hannah, gave her a double portion (see R.V.) of sacrificial food. Job received a double portion when the Lord turned his captivity. The Lord Jesus is God’s Firstborn, entitled to a double portion, and we are joint-heirs with Him. By and by, when the Lord again takes up Jacob and his descendants, the Lord will give them a double portion (Isa. 61:7; Zech. 9:12; Isa. 40:2). J R Miller - replied. 2 Kings 2:9 Elisha's choice shows where his heart was. He did not ask for position, for wealth, for ease, for honor—but for more spiritual power. He had watched his master in his great work, his zeal for God, his heroism, his intense earnestness, and he wanted to have a large measure of the same spirit. He wanted most of all to be a better man, a more useful man, more active and mighty in the Lord's work. Here is a good lesson for us. We ought to seek above all other things—the qualities and graces and beauties which make a noble character. There is something else. Elisha greatly admired his master, Elijah, and his chief desire was to be like him. This is commendable. Christ, our Master, is the one great and perfect example, and all of us should imitate him. Any other model is too low. Yet he gives us in his true followers pictures of at least some fragments of his own beauty, and it is right for us to imitate these. Paul said: "Be imitators of me." Every parent should live so that his child, imitating him, shall be ever following Christ and growing more like him. It is right when we see anything beautiful in another—to desire to have the same beauty in ourselves. Whether we will or not, we grow, even unconsciously, like those whom we admire and love. Henry Blackaby - A Double Portion Experiencing God Day by Day - Page 29 After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell [me] what I can do for you before I am taken from you.” So Elisha answered, “Please, let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.”—2 Kings 2:9 There had never been a man like Elijah. Elijah had raised the dead, called down fire from heaven, and revealed God's plans for a devastating drought. The Israelites must have felt certain there would never be another prophet like Elijah, until Elisha came along. Moses was arguably the mightiest leader the Hebrews had ever followed, yet God prepared Joshua to accomplish what not even Moses had achieved. David's reign marked a high point for the nation of Israel, yet it was Solomon who carried out the task that was denied his father, by building the spectacular temple. We can be tempted to put more trust in the leaders God gives us than in God Himself. History teaches that, as wonderful as these godly people are, God always has another Moses, Elijah, or David. Often the successor will come with a double portion of their predecessors' spirits. God's purposes do not depend on us. He has limitless ways to accomplish His will. The same God who led Moses could also use Joshua. If no one were willing to serve Him, the Lord would accomplish His work by His own divine power. We are not irreplaceable to the Lord. He will achieve His purposes. The question is this: Will we be a part of God's activity, or will He find someone else? We deceive ourselves if we think we are indispensable to God. Service to the Lord is an honor God bestows on us, not a favor we do for God. If you are mourning the loss of one of your leaders, do not despair. God has another leader, for He will see that His will is carried out. It may even be that He has been preparing you to be that leader. Horatius Bonar - THE FAREWELL GIFT—2 KINGS 2:9–11. (from Light and Truth) THIS is the parting of two friends; of the master and the servant, Elijah and Elisha. They journey together, they cross Jordan together, they come up to the gate of heaven together. They must separate; the one to go up to heaven, the other to remain a little longer here. They part, not in anger like Paul and Barnabas, but like David and Jonathan,—in love. Elijah speaks first, and his love to his faithful companion shews itself in the words, “Ask what I shall do for thee before I be taken away from thee.” All that he possesses, all that is in his power, he will give. But Elisha’s request goes beyond what he had expected, or what he could grant. “Thou hast asked a hard thing,” a thing beyond my power to give; a thing which only God can give. I must refer you to him; but I am permitted to give you this sign, “if you see me when taken;” that is to be the token that God grants your request; if not, then the request cannot be granted. The sign was given. Elisha saw his master ascend; nay, was allowed to obtain the mantle of his master, in token of his receiving his spirit. And acknowledging this sign, he rends his own clothes into two parts, as it putting his former self aside and putting on Elijah. But the request of Elisha is a striking one. It was not what Elijah expected or could grant; but it was in sympathy with his own feelings, and he therefore referred it to God. It was for the Spirit,—that Spirit that rested on and dwelt in Elijah,—nay, a double portion of that Spirit. He admired and loved his master; and his desire was to be like him; nay, to get beyond him; to rise higher; to do and say greater things than Elijah said or did. In this narrative we find, in Elisha, the indication of such things as the following:— I. Spiritual sympathy. He is of one mind and spirit with his master. He has been witness of his life and doings; he sees the spirit which has pervaded all his words and deeds; not merely the spirit of power and miracles, but of holiness, and zeal, and prayerfulness, and boldness. Sympathising with all these, he longs to have the same mind; to be filled with the same spirit. How well for us if our sympathies were thus with the men in whom the Spirit of God dwells or has dwelt in ages past! Not with this world, nor with the spirit of the world, but with the world to come, and with the spirit of it, should our sympathies be. Not with the men of the world’s genius, or science, or learning; not with earth’s poets or philosophers; but with prophets and apostles. Whatever there is of truth and beauty in Homer, or Plato, or Demosthenes, or Shakespeare, or Bacon, or Milton, or Wordsworth, or Tennyson, let us accept; but let our spiritual sympathies ascend far higher; let us realise our true oneness with Enoch, and Elijah, and Elisha, and Isaiah, and Ezekiel; our fellowship with that Holy Spirit which dwelt in them. The sympathies of this age are confessedly not with prophets and apostles. These are looked on as fragments of obsolete antiquity and old-fashioned narrow-mindedness. Let us, however, go back to these ancient times and men, not concerned to be “abreast of the age” if we be “abreast” of the Spirit. II. Holy imitativeness. His desire is to be like Elijah. He wishes not merely to have “the Spirit,” but “thy spirit,” the spirit that dwelt in Elijah. To be like him in the divine features of his character; like him in the possession of the Spirit and in that special form in which he possessed it; this was what he sought. There is certainly but one great model; but there are subordinate ones also. Paul said, “Be followers of me,” and the eleventh of Hebrews is a collection of models, a book of patterns, in each of which we may find something to copy. While copying Christ, then, let us not overlook the inferior models, either among the inspired men of Bible-days, or the uninspired worthies of later times. May the spirit of Elijah, and Paul, and John rest on us; the spirit also of Wicliffe and Huss, of Luther and Calvin, of Knox, and Welsh, and Rutherford, and Whitefield, and M‘Cheyne, and Hewitson. III. Divine ambition. Elijah was not only full of admiration for his master, not only wished to be like him, but desired to get far beyond him. He asked a “double portion” of his spirit. This is true ambition; this is coveting earnestly the best gifts of which Paul speaks, and in connection with which he points out the more excellent way of “charity,” in which especially Elisha seems to have risen higher than his master, Elisha’s ministry being more one of love than Elijah’s. In such things as these let us be ambitious. There is no fear of aiming too high or seeking too much. Let us not give way to the false humility which says, “Oh that we had but the hundredth part of what Elijah had!” let us rather at once, with Elisha, seek to have far more. Let us seek a double portion of his spirit. This is true humility. It is desiring to be what God wishes us to be. It is honouring his fulness and his generosity. It is acknowledging the extent of blessing in reserve; reckoning on it as quite illimitable, and therefore not confining ourselves to what others have had before us, but going up into the divine fulness, for far more than has ever yet been obtained even by the fullest. IV. Quiet expectation. He speaks and acts like one who fully expected to get what he asked. Elijah had referred him to God for “the hard thing” he had asked; it was in God’s hand alone. “It is not mine to give” (as if anticipating the Lord’s words). Elisha owns the divine sovereignty, and is calm; but he realises the divine love, and expects. He believes, and therefore does not make haste, but goes quietly on beside his master to see the end. He believes, and therefore he assures himself that God is not likely to be less gracious than his master, nor to deny him what Elijah would gladly give if he could. Let us believe! Have faith in God. Trust Him for much, for he is able to do for us exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think. V. Conscious possession. He accepts the sign: he sees the prophet caught up; he seizes his mantle, and returns by the way he came, conscious of having received the “double portion.” He believes, and therefore he speaks and acts. The sign promised has been given; can he doubt that the thing promised is also given? He may have nothing new in feeling to corroborate it, but that matters not. He has it in simple faith in the bare word of the true God. The “double portion” is mine, he says to himself; and he goes back to exercise his prophetical calling, in the calm consciousness of possessing more than his master did. What is Jordan to him now? A stroke of the mantle divides it; and henceforth his life is to be one of mighty and gracious miracle. Let us speak and act as men who believe that God fulfils His word to us. Let us trust that word when we use it. There is more in it than in Elijah’s mantle. It is living and divine. Let us not blunt or deaden it by our want of confidence in its power. 2 Kings 2:9-14 STEP ASIDE GRACEFULLY In the summer of 1993 the Atlanta Braves baseball team traded some of their minor league players for the All-Star first baseman of the San Diego Padres, Fred McGriff. He brought the Braves the firepower they needed to make a serious run for the pennant. But what about the man McGriff replaced? Sid Bream, a believer in Christ, was the Braves regular first baseman. He had helped Atlanta get to the World Series in 1992, but with McGriff coming he was headed for the bench. "There's no doubt something like this hurts your pride and your ego," said Bream. "But the one thing I'm counting on is that there's something better ahead." When we've done a job well for many years, it can be difficult to step aside for someone younger or better qualified. Elijah was in that kind of situation. His ministry was coming to an end. His attitude, however, revealed his trust in God. He said to Elisha, his successor, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" (2 Kings 2:9) When God asks you to lay aside Some cherished work you loved to do, Accept His choice of someone else And let Him give new work to you. --Fasick There is no limit to the good we can do if we don't care who gets the credit. 2 Kings 2:10 He said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” KJV 2 Kings 2:10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. BGT 2 Kings 2:10 καὶ εἶπεν Ηλιου ἐσκλήρυνας τοῦ αἰτήσασθαι ἐὰν ἴδῃς με ἀναλαμβανόμενον ἀπὸ σοῦ καὶ ἔσται σοι οὕτως καὶ ἐὰν μή οὐ μὴ γένηται LXE 2 Kings 2:10 And Eliu said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: if thou shalt see me when I am taken up from thee, then shall it be so to thee; and if not, it shall not be so. NET 2 Kings 2:10 Elijah replied, "That's a difficult request! If you see me taken from you, may it be so, but if you don't, it will not happen." CSB 2 Kings 2:10 Elijah replied, "You have asked for something difficult. If you see me being taken from you, you will have it. If not, you won't." ESV 2 Kings 2:10 And he said, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so." NIV 2 Kings 2:10 "You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah said, "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours--otherwise not." NLT 2 Kings 2:10 "You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah replied. "If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won't." You have asked a hard thing: Mk 11:22-24 Joh 16:24 if you see me when I am taken from you: 2Ki 2:12 Ac 1:9,10 Related Passages: 1 Kings 19:16 and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. ELIJAH GIVES ELISHA CONDITION FOR RECEIVING REQUEST He said, “You have asked a hard thing - NET - "That's a difficult request!" Elijah's point is that Elisha's request was not something Elijah himself could bestow, but only God could bestow. Elijah knew he did not have the authority to answer this request. Elijah himself has no power to confer spiritual authority, prophetic effectiveness, or divine anointing. Such gifts belong to Yahweh alone to give. But "if" Elisha was allowed by YHWH to see the spiritual realm (i.e., 2 Kings 6), then the request would be granted. Elijah knows that God has already designated Elisha as his prophetic successor (1 Kings 19:16), but he also knows he cannot presume upon God or dictate the terms of that succession. In other words, Elijah recognizes both the greatness of the request and the limits of his own role—only the LORD can grant the “double portion” Elisha seeks. Elisha was not Elijah’s biological son, but he was his spiritual son and prophetic successor. By asking for a “double portion,” Elisha was essentially saying, “Let me be your rightful heir in the prophetic ministry.” He was asking to carry on Elijah’s mission with the spiritual authority and power necessary to fulfill it. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so - Elijah's "condition" was not based on anything Elisha had to do, but only depended on what he saw. Clearly that indicates that Elijah is leaving it to the LORD to answer the request. The LORD could make Elijah vanish and the answer would be "No." On the other hand, the LORD could make Elijah's departure visible which would signify Elisha would receive a double portion of Elijah's spirit. 2 Kings 2:11 As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. KJV 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. BGT 2 Kings 2:11 καὶ ἐγένετο αὐτῶν πορευομένων ἐπορεύοντο καὶ ἐλάλουν καὶ ἰδοὺ ἅρμα πυρὸς καὶ ἵπποι πυρὸς καὶ διέστειλαν ἀνὰ μέσον ἀμφοτέρων καὶ ἀνελήμφθη Ηλιου ἐν συσσεισμῷ ὡς εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν LXE 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass as they were going, they went on talking; and, behold, a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and it separated between them both; and Eliu was taken up in a whirlwind as it were into heaven. NET 2 Kings 2:11 As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a fiery chariot pulled by fiery horses appeared. They went between Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah went up to heaven in a windstorm. CSB 2 Kings 2:11 As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire with horses of fire suddenly appeared and separated the two of them. Then Elijah went up into heaven in the whirlwind. ESV 2 Kings 2:11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. NIV 2 Kings 2:11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. NLT 2 Kings 2:11 As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. NRS 2 Kings 2:11 As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. NJB 2 Kings 2:11 Now as they walked on, talking as they went, a chariot of fire appeared and horses of fire coming between the two of them; and Elijah went up to heaven in the whirlwind. NAB 2 Kings 2:11 As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. YLT 2 Kings 2:11 And it cometh to pass, they are going, going on and speaking, and lo, a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and they separate between them both, and Elijah goeth up in a whirlwind, to the heavens. GWN 2 Kings 2:11 As they continued walking and talking, a fiery chariot with fiery horses separated the two of them, and Elijah went to heaven in a windstorm. BBE 2 Kings 2:11 And while they went on their way, going on talking together, suddenly there were carriages and horses of fire separating them from one another and Elijah went up to heaven in a great wind. RSV 2 Kings 2:11 And as they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. NKJ 2 Kings 2:11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. ASV 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. DBY 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass as they went on, and talked, that behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire; and they parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into the heavens. 2Ki 6:17 Ps 68:17 104:3,4 Eze 1:4-28 10:9-22 Hab 3:8 Zec 3:8 Zec 6:1-8 Heb 1:14 by a whirlwind: 2Ki 2:1 into heaven: Mk 16:19 Related Passages: 1 Kings 19:11-13+ So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Genesis 5:22-24+ Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. 23 So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. This Picture is Beautiful but NOT Accurate! Chariots separated them & Elijah went up in whirlwind. THE MAN WHO DID NOT DIE As they were going along and talking - This is amazing. Walking and talking and suddenly interrupted by a fiery chariot and horses. Behold, (hinneh; Lxx - idou) - This word signifies "Pay attention!" If there was ever a scene to pay attention to, it would be this one! There appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them - The literal Hebrew says "and they made a division between the two of them." This is one of those grand passages in Scripture that does not need much commentary. The walking and talking ceased immediately. The mantle had been effectively passed from the heaven bound prophet to the earth bound prophet. The transfer of power had occurred. This vision would surely serve to motivate and empower Elisha's ministry for the rest of his life! Bob
2 Reis 2
Guzik: Both Moses and Elijah: Stood alone for righteousness. Were associated with fire upon mountains. Were associated with the desert. Met God on Sinai. Were chased out of their countries by pagan rulers. Knew God’s miraculous provision for food and water. Wandered in the desert for a period measured by 40. Fasted for 40 days. Were powerful examples of praying men. Parted waters. Had close associates who succeeded them. Had successors who parted waters also. Had mysterious or strange deaths.