2 Kings 2:9-12

DISCOURSE: 357
ELIJAH’S TRANSLATION TO HEAVEN

2 Kings 2:9. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 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. 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. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

RELIGION, however despised by men, has invariably been honoured by God. He has said, “Them that honour me, I will honour:” and he has fulfilled his word to all his servants in all ages. The tokens of his love and the communications of his grace have in different measures been vouchsafed unto them; and for the most part some visible manifestations of his favour have been given them, in proportion as they have visibly displayed their regard for him. On some occasions the honour conferred upon his servants has been exceeding great. Noah, Abraham, and many others, have been so distinguished by him, as to be set, as it were, above all the rest of the human race that existed in their day: and in two instances, the one before the deluge, and the other since, he has condescended to exempt from death frail mortals like ourselves; and to exalt them in their embodied state to the celestial Paradise. Of Enoch we have spoken in another place: we are now to speak of the other instance, the Prophet Elijah—
We propose to consider,

I. The translation of Elijah—

In order to get a just view of this subject, we must notice,

1. How he was occupied—

[This eminent servant of Jehovah was indefatigable in his Master’s work: nor, when informed of God’s gracious purpose respecting him, did he relax it, but rather abounded in it more and more.

He laboured for the public good. There were schools of the prophets, which he had established for the preservation of true religion (amidst the general defection to idolatry) in the land of Israel. These he visited at Gilgal, at Beth-el, and at Jericho, to strengthen and encourage all the students previous to his final departure from them — — — How blessed, how suitable an employment! Thus did Paul go about “confirming the churches,” and exert himself with all fidelity for the good of the Ephesian church, when he knew that they were about to “see his face no more [Note: Acts 20:17.].” Thus did Peter also, when he knew that his departure was at hand [Note: 2 Peter 1:12.]: and thus did our blessed Lord himself just previous to his crucifixion. What encouraging discourses were those which he delivered to his disciples [Note: John 14; John 15; John 16.]: and how wonderfully sublime his parting prayer [Note: John 17.]! Thus too should every servant of God exert himself as long as his Divine Master shall see fit to continue him on earth. To train up others for the same glorious service is the most acceptable office he can perform for God, and the most profitable work he can execute for man.

Nor was the prophet inattentive to the welfare of his private friends. “What shall I do for thee before I go?” was the question which he put to his servant Elisha. He knew that after his departure he could benefit his friends no longer; and therefore he would improve the present moment to the utmost of his power. How worthy of his high character was such conduct as this! How carefully should every minister, yea and every private Christian, put to himself this question, ‘What more can I do, for my country? for my friends? for my very enemies? What can I do as a parent, for my children? as a master, for my family? as a friend, for my most endeared companions? as a minister, for the people committed to my charge? Is there no one who particularly needs from me a word of reproof, of consolation, of encouragement?’

The Lord grant that at whatever hour we shall be called hence, we may be found thus labouring in the way most suited to our respective spheres, and our several capacities!]

2. How he was removed—

[“A fiery chariot and horses of fire,” that is, angels under that appearance, were sent to convey him to heaven, without his ever tasting the bitterness of death. What a blessed change did he then experience! — — — But such is indeed the change which every saint experiences at his departure hence. The body, it is true, must die, and be consigned to the grave; but the soul shall be carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the body itself, after returning to its native dust, shall at the last day be re-united to the soul, and enjoy all that Elijah now enjoys, in the presence of its God — — — This was by the exaltation of Elijah assured to men: for the honour conferred on him was not that he alone should have a glorified body, but that he should possess it now, whilst others must wait for it till the resurrection of the just.]
We cannot wonder that the removal of such a man should call forth,

II.

The lamentation of Elisha—

So deep and unfeigned was his grief, that he rent his clothes as the accustomed expression of it. He lamented the departure of Elijah,

1. As a private loss—

[“My father, my father!” cried this afflicted saint. He regarded the departed prophet with all the reverence and affection due to a beloved parent. Indeed the prophet was his spiritual father; for it was by him that Elisha was first called to the service of his God: and to such there is an affection due, as much as to a natural parent: for to our natural parent we owe the existence of our bodies only; but to our spiritual parent, the salvation of our souls [Note: Philem. ver. 19]. And how great is the loss of one who has opened our eyes to eternal things, and by his watchful care and salutary advice has led us forward toward the possession of everlasting bliss!

It might have seemed indeed, that, as Elisha expected to receive the benefit he had asked, he needed not to have laid so much to heart the loss he had sustained: but no considerations of personal benefit ought to divest us of the finer feelings of our nature. The benefit, it is true, was exceeding great: he had asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit; that is, (regarding Elijah as his father,) he desired to have the portion of his eldest son, which was double that of the younger children [Note: Deuteronomy 21:17 with Numbers 11:17; Numbers 11:25. As for his asking for twice as much as Elijah himself possessed, and actually doing by virtue of it twice as much good as Elijah did, it is all fanciful and absurd.]: but still he had been ungrateful in the extreme, if he had not bewailed the loss of so faithful a master, and so dear a friend.].

2. As a public loss—

[Horses and chariots composed the chief strength of armies in that day: hence Elisha, judging that now the best friend and most efficient protector of his country was gone, exclaims, “The chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof!” And true indeed it is, that the faithful servants of God do deserve the character here given them. Look at Moses, and see how often he preserved the whole nation of Israel from ruin. Had there been ten pious men found in Sodom, all the cities of the plain should have been spared for their sake. Little do the world imagine how much they are indebted to the very men whom they revile and persecute: but God has declared that even one single individual who humbly intercedes for his country, may be the means of preserving it from utter destruction [Note: Jeremiah 5:1; Ezekiel 22:30.]. Well then may such persons be honoured while they live, and deeply deplored when removed to a better world.]

Address,
1.

Those who are more advanced in life—

[The time is shortly coming when you must be taken into the presence of your God. Should you not then inquire, Whether “the good work be yet begun in you; or, if begun, whether it be proceeding towards its perfect accomplishment?” Should you not ask, What is there more that I can do for God, my neighbour, or myself? O “work while it is day, because the night cometh wherein no man can work.” “There is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither ye go;” and therefore “whatever your hand findeth to do, ye should do it with all your might.”
To ministers who are drawing near the close of their labours, this subject applies itself with peculiar force. If you see young Elishas coming forward to enter into your labours, be thankful for it; and labour, whilst yet an opportunity is afforded you, to raise up a succession of faithful ministers, who shall continue after your decease to advance the Redeemer’s interests in the world.]

2. To those who are entering into life—

[Learn of Elisha to appreciate rightly the privileges you enjoy. The world will often endeavour to draw you from Christ and his faithful servants; and will say, “Tarry here, I pray thee:” but let your answer always be, ‘As the Lord liveth, I will not leave either my God himself, or the ministry of his word:’ in all places, and under all circumstances, I will “cleave unto my Lord with full purpose of heart.” “If you have the light, then believe in the light, and walk in it, that ye may be the children of the light.” Above all, take care that your eye be single, and that spiritual blessings have their due preponderance in your hearts. If God should say to you, as in truth he does, What shall I do for thee [Note: John 14:13.]? then let your soul be ever ready to reply, “Grant that a double portion of thy Spirit be given to me.” Yes; let spiritual blessings be the one object of your desires; and “covet earnestly the best gifts.”]