2 Kings 2:11

Context

Chapter 2 of 2 Kings depicts Elijah departing from the earth and Elisha succeeding him. Verse 1 states from the outset that the Lord intended to take Elijah up into heaven "by a whirlwind." Elijah passes through Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho before reaching the Jordan River. Elisha repeatedly refuses to stay behind and follows him to the end. When Elisha asks for "a double portion" of the spirit upon Elijah, Elijah answers that if Elisha sees him when he is taken, the request will be granted (2 Kings 2:10). This verse describes the fulfillment of that word. Elisha then cries out, "the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof," and takes up Elijah's mantle.

Interpretation

• Historical reading: Most Korean churches and evangelical commentaries read this verse as an actual event in which Elijah was taken up to God without passing through death. For this reason, he is counted with Enoch as one who did not see death.
• Reading attentive to textual detail: It is commonly said that Elijah went up "in a chariot of fire." In the text, however, the chariot of fire and horses of fire serve to "part" the two men, and Elijah ascends by a whirlwind. Even the Korean Revised Version's rendering, "riding the whirlwind," has him riding the wind rather than a chariot. The chariot and horses of fire are understood as symbols of God's host and presence and are read alongside 2 Kings 6:17.
• Jewish reading: Jewish tradition connects the fact that Elijah did not die with the promise of Malachi 4:5. This became the basis for the tradition of awaiting Elijah's return. The custom of setting a cup for Elijah at the Passover table is a well-known example.
• New Testament connections: The New Testament presents John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come (Matthew 11:14), and Elijah also appears at the Transfiguration. Many interpreters regard this scene, in which the master is taken up and the disciple inherits his spirit, as a type—a foreshadowing—of the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit after Jesus' Ascension.
• Eschatological reading: Some interpreters in the dispensationalist tradition explain Elijah's being taken up alive as a shadow of the Rapture. Others, however, regard this as an extension beyond what the text itself states.

Debates and Issues

• The question arises of how this verse can be harmonized with John 3:13, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven." Two explanations are offered. One holds that the statement concerns the qualification to know and testify to heavenly things firsthand. The other holds that the Hebrew word shamayim can refer both to the sky and to God's dwelling place.
• 2 Chronicles 21:12 mentions a letter that Elijah sent to Jehoram, king of Judah. This raises a question about how the letter relates chronologically to the ascension. One view holds that the letter was written before the ascension; another holds that the narrative of Kings is not strictly chronological.
• The "double portion" that Elisha requested is the same expression used for the two portions given to the firstborn in Deuteronomy 21:17. Accordingly, the interpretation that Elisha was asking to become Elijah's heir is widely held. Some also point out that citing this scene to mean a doubling of personal blessing takes it out of context.

In the Korean Church

This scene of Elijah and Elisha serves as a text on the succession of ministry. It is especially common as a sermon text at ordination services and at installation and retirement services for pastors. The Korean Revised Version's expression "a double portion of inspiration" is also widely used in prayer and preaching.

Related Passages

• 2 Kings 2:9
• Genesis 5:24
• Malachi 4:5
• Matthew 17:3
• Acts 1:9