When the LORD is about to take Elijah to heaven, Elisha refuses to leave his side despite Elijah's urging. At the Jordan, Elijah strikes the water with his rolled mantle and they cross on dry ground. Elijah asks what he can do for Elisha; he requests a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah says if Elisha sees him taken, it will be so. A chariot of fire and horses of fire separate them, and Elijah ascends in a whirlwind; Elisha cries, 'My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!' He takes Elijah's fallen mantle, strikes the Jordan asking 'Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?' and crosses on dry ground. The sons of the prophets recognize the spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha. At Jericho, Elisha heals poisoned waters with salt. Near Bethel, youths mock 'Go up, baldhead!' and two bears maul forty-two of them.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 2 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
Prophet of Fire
Places in This Chapter
Gilgal was the first camp of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. Joshua set up twelve stones here as a memorial. The Israelites were circumcised here and celebrated their first Passover in Canaan. Samuel judged Israel at Gilgal, and Saul was confirmed as king here.
Bethel means "House of God" and was where Jacob had his famous dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Abraham also built altars here. Later, Jeroboam set up a golden calf here as an alternative worship site to Jerusalem, which was condemned by prophets.
Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, was the first Canaanite city conquered by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. Its walls famously fell after the Israelites marched around it for seven days as commanded by God through Joshua. Jesus later passed through Jericho, healing blind Bartimaeus and dining with the tax collector Zacchaeus.
Position in Book
Elijah taken to heaven, Elisha succeeds him, performs miracles, and influences kings.
Bible Bites
The Jordan parts for the third time
When Elisha struck the Jordan with Elijah's cloak, it was only the third time in Israel's history the river miraculously parted. Previously it opened for Joshua (Joshua 3:17) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:8), confirming God's power transferred to Elisha.
2 Kings 2:14