2 Kings 2:12

My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof!— He calls him his father, as being his master and instructor; and the expression, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof, most probably alludes to the chariot and horses which he had just then beheld, and seems to imply that Elijah, by his example, counsel, prayers, and power with God, did more for the defence and preservation of Israel, than all their chariots, and horses, and other warlike preparations. All good men, but especially men of extraordinary wisdom and piety, are the guard and defence of their country; they are better than an army. See Hosea 12:3.