2 Kings 2:10 ASV

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Kings 2:1-11

2. Elijah’s Translation CHAPTER 2:1-11 1. From Gilgal to Jordan (2 Kings 2:1-6 ) 2. The divided Jordan (2 Kings 2:7-8 ) 3. Elisha’s request (2 Kings 2:9-10 ) 4. Elijah goes up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11 ) The time for Elijah’s departure had now come, and the LORD, whom he had served so faithfully, “would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind.” As Lord He graciously orders the time and the manner of the departure of His servants (John 21:18-22 ). His coming translation... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 2:1-25

Though in 1 Kings 19:21 we read of Elisha following Elijah and becoming his servant, yet Elisha is not mentioned as identified with Elijah when Elijah later gave messages to Ahab (1 Kings 21:17-19) and to Ahaziah (2 Kings 1:3-17). But when God is about to take Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven, both Elijah and Elisha are seen together (v.1). They are seen first at Gilgal, the place where the men of Israel were circumcised, speaking of the judgment of sin in the flesh. Elijah asked Elisha to... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 2:1-25

ELIJAH ’S TRANSLATION HIS LAST COMMISSION (2 Kings 1:0 ) The story of Ahaziah’s reign in the last chapter of 1 Kings and the first verse of this lesson is a close link between the two books. It indicates that the death of Ahab and the accession of his son gave occasion to the Moabites for this uprising, the first since their conquest by David (1 Samuel 8:2 ). “Baalzebub” (2 Kings 1:2 ), “the lord of the fly,” was the name under which the sun-god Baal was worshipped at Ekron, the city of the... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 2 Kings 2:1-11

2Ki 2:1-11 1. And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up [when Jehovah caused Elijah to go up, or ascend] Elijah into heaven [as into heaven] by a whirlwind [in the storm] that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal [Gilgal in Ephraim]. 2. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth [literally, "By the life of Jehovah and by the life of thy soul"], I will not leave thee. So... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Kings 2:9-10

Elijah's question differs from Elisha's answer. What shall I do for thee! Whereas what Elisha desired, was not what Elijah could do. He had not the gifts of the spirit at his disposal. The departing prophet therefore seems to have referred it to the Lord, and to leave the decision of it in its being known by a sign. The greatest beauty in this passage, as it strikes me is, to notice wherein the servant Elijah differs from his master Jesus. The prophet Elijah desires to know what he should do... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Kings 2:10

Hard thing. Hebrew literally, "thou art hardened to ask" a thing so difficult, and which I have not the power to grant. But I will pray that thou mayst receive it; (Calmet) and I feel confident that thou wilt, if God shall grant thee the power to see me, at my departure. (Haydock) --- This he did, ver. 12. (Menochius) --- Elias had perhaps imagined that his disciple would have desired some of his clothes, or some advice. (Calmet) --- He left him his mantle, (ver. 13.; Haydock) and by prayer was... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 2:9-12

9-12 That fulness, from whence prophets and apostles had all their supply, still exists as of old, and we are told to ask large supplies from it. Diligent attendance upon Elijah, particularly in his last hours, would be proper means for Elisha to obtain much of his spirit. The comforts of departing saints, and their experiences, help both to gild our comforts and to strengthen our resolutions. Elijah is carried to heaven in a fiery chariot. Many questions might be asked about this, which could... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 2 Kings 2:1-14

Elijah Taken up to Heaven v. 1. And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, at the time which the Lord had fixed for this important event, of which He had informed His faithful servant, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal, a town near Shiloh, on the road leading into the Jordan Valley. v. 2. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. His humility prompted him to make this request, for he did not know... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - 2 Kings 2:1-25

B.—Elijah’s departure and Elisha’s first appearance as Prophet2 Kings 2:1-251And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el. 3And the sons [pupils] of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to... read more

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture - 2 Kings 2:1-10

2 Kings THE CHARIOT OF FIRE 2Ki_2:1 - 2Ki_2:11 . Elijah’s end is in keeping with his career. From his first abrupt appearance it had been fitly symbolised by the stormy wind and flaming fire which he heard and saw at Horeb, and now these were to be the vehicles which should sweep him into the heavens. He came like a whirlwind, he burned like a fire, and in fire and whirlwind he disappeared. The story is wonderful in pathos and simplicity. Surely never was such a miracle told so quietly. The... read more