2 Kings 2:11

as they still went on, and talked Elisha is to remain to the last. And now that the silence has been broken, and the request made, we can understand how much Elijah would find of exhortation and encouragement to bestow as parting counsels on his successor.

a chariot of fire, and horses of fire Compare with this description the notice of the sight which Elisha's servant (2 Kings 6:17) was permitted to behold, when he was terrified by the king of Syria's hosts. -The mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." There it was in answer to Elisha's prayer, -Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see", that the encouraging enlightenment was vouchsafed. And here we may well think that it was of God's grace and as an assurance that Elisha should receive his petition, that his eyes were opened to behold the glory which carried away his master. Henceforth he was sure that that power was constantly near God's servants, and could say with firm assurance, -They that be with us are more than they which be with them". The vision was a source of strength and encouragement in the labours which were before him with no master at his head. He learnt the source of his master's spirit.