2 Kings 2:16-13:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Kings 2:13-18

We have here an account of what followed immediately after the translation of Elijah. I. The tokens of God's presence with Elisha, and the marks of his elevation into Elijah's room, to be, as he had been, a father to the sons of the prophets, and the chariots and horsemen of Israel. 1. He was possessed of Elijah's mantle, the badge of his office, which, we may suppose, he put on and wore for his master's sake, 2 Kgs. 2:13. When Elijah went to heaven, though he did not let fall his body as... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 2:16

And they said unto him, behold, now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men ,.... Perhaps meaning themselves, 2 Kings 2:7 who were young, stout, and strong, and able to travel for days together: let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master ; for though they knew he was to be taken away, yet knew not for what time, and imagined he might be found again: lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up ; as it seems he was wont to do, see 1 Kings 18:12 . and cast... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 2:16

Fifty strong men - Probably the same fifty who are mentioned 2 Kings 2:7 , and who saw Elijah taken up in the whirlwind. Cast him upon some mountain - Though they saw him taken up towards heaven, yet they thought it possible that the Spirit of the Lord might have descended with him, and left him on some remote mountain or valley. Ye shall not send - He knew that he was translated to heaven, and that therefore it would be useless. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 2:1-25

THE REMOVAL OF ELIJAH FROM EARTH , AND SOME EARLY MIRACLES OF ELISHA . The great prophet of Israel was to have a departure from earth as marvelous as his life had been. Ewald's words, though not intended in an historical, but only in a literary sense, embody very forcibly what the humble believer may accept as the actual rationale of the occurrence related in 2 Kings 2:1-12 : "An earthly career which had no equal in the purity of its devotion to the service of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 2:13-18

The beginning of Elisha's work. I. DIVINE POWER TESTED . Elisha wanted a token that God's presence and power were with him. To obtain this he used Elijah's mantle as he had seen Elijah use it. He smote the waters, and said, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" We learn from this a twofold lesson. 1. The best way to prove the power of Divine grace is to exercise the gifts we have . "Neglect not the gift that is in thee." We shall not accomplish much in the world if we stand... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 2:14-24

The signs of a teacher sent from God. No man is entitled to assume the position of a teacher sent from God of his own mere motion, or without some external authorization. "How can men preach, except they be sent ?" ( Romans 10:15 ). Where an organization has been established by Divine agency, human authorization, the mission of those to whom the power of mission has been assigned, is sufficient. But where there is no such established Church system, the commission has to be given directly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 2:15-22

The proper spirit for theological students. "And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho," etc. The "sons of the prophets were theological students, and they here manifest a spirit which may be considered alike becoming and necessary in all those who are set apart to study the revelations of God. I. Here is a SPIRIT OF REVERENCE . "And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 2:16

And they said unto him . Thenius suggests that Elisha first related to them what had befallen his master; but the impression left by the narrative is rather that they began the conversation, being aware of Elijah's disappearance, which in that clear atmosphere they may have distinctly perceived, though the ascension may not have been visible to them. Keil thinks that they saw the ascension, but supposed that the body, after being taken up a certain height into the air, would necessarily... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Kings 2:16-18

Seeking the translated. It is plain from this passage that, while the prophets of Jericho knew from Divine intimations that Elijah was to be parted from them, they did not understand the full meaning of their own revelations. They still clung to the belief that the parting might only be temporary—that, as on other occasions, the Spirit of God had caught him up, and carried him away to some place, where, by searching, he might be found (cf. 1 Kings 18:10-12 ). They desired, therefore,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 2:16

Compare the marginal references. The words “cast him upon some mountain,” rather imply that they expected to find the prophet alive. read more

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