2 Kings 2:11,12

B. THE EXODUS OF ELIJAH 2:11-12

TRANSLATION

(11) And it came to pass as they were going, walking and talking, that behold a chariot of fire and horses of fire came between the two of them, and Elijah went up in a storm into the heavens.
(12) Now Elisha was observing this, and he was crying, My father! My father! The chariot of Israel and its horses! And he did not see him anymore, And he took hold of his garments and tore them into two pieces.

COMMENTS

In God's own good time the conversation of these two men of God was interrupted by the appearance of a chariot of fire pulled by horses of fire. Literal fire is probably not intended, but rather the celestial glory that resembles earthly fire or at least brings the concept of fire to mind. The atmosphere was in turbulence at the moment the chariot whisked Elijah away up into the heavens where he was lost from sight (2 Kings 2:11). Elisha saw this stupendous sight and knew that his request for a double portion had been granted. At first sight of that heavenly chariot, Elisha had cried out in dazed wonder, My father, My father! The chariot of Israel and its horses! Because Elisha was the pupil of Elijah, and possibly because he regarded himself as the adopted son of this great prophet, Elisha addressed Elijah as father. Elijah himself was the chariot of Israel and its horsemen. He was the great protector of the nation. Later this same figurative form of address would be used of Elisha (cf. 2 Kings 13:14). When his friend and spiritual father disappeared into the clouds, Elisha tore his clothes in grief (2 Kings 2:12).