2 Kings 2:12
2 Kings 2:12 in Multiple Translations
As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.
¶ And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof! And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
And when Elisha saw it he gave a cry, My father, my father, the carriages of Israel and its horsemen! And he saw him no longer; and he was full of grief.
Elisha saw what happened and cried out, “My father! My father! Look! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” Then Elisha couldn't see him anymore. He took his clothes and ripped them to pieces.
And Elisha saw it, and he cryed, My father, my father, the charet of Israel, and the horsemen thereof: and he sawe him no more: and he tooke his owne clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
And Elisha is seeing, and he is crying, 'My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and its horsemen;' and he hath not seen him again; and he taketh hold on his garments, and rendeth them into two pieces.
Elisha saw it, and he cried, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” He saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
And Elisha saw it , and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
And Eliseus saw him, and cried: My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the driver thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own garments, and rent them in two pieces.
Elisha saw it. He cried out, “My father/master! My father/master! The chariots of us Israeli people and their drivers have taken my master away!” They disappeared into the sky, and Elisha never saw Elijah again. Then Elisha tore his own robe into two pieces to show that he was sad.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 2:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וֶ/אֱלִישָׁ֣ע
רֹאֶ֗ה
וְ/ה֤וּא
מְצַעֵק֙
אָבִ֣/י
אָבִ֗/י
רֶ֤כֶב
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
וּ/פָ֣רָשָׁ֔י/ו
וְ/לֹ֥א
רָאָ֖/הוּ
ע֑וֹד
וַֽ/יַּחֲזֵק֙
בִּ/בְגָדָ֔י/ו
וַ/יִּקְרָעֵ֖/ם
לִ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
קְרָעִֽים
וֶ/אֱלִישָׁ֣ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
Elisha
Conj | N-proper
רֹאֶ֗ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal
וְ/ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
מְצַעֵק֙
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
V-Piel
אָבִ֣/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
אָבִ֗/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
רֶ֤כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וּ/פָ֣רָשָׁ֔י/ו
pârâsh
H6571
horse
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
רָאָ֖/הוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
ע֑וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
וַֽ/יַּחֲזֵק֙
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּ/בְגָדָ֔י/ו
beged
H899
treachery
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וַ/יִּקְרָעֵ֖/ם
qâraʻ
H7167
to tear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לִ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Prep | Adj
קְרָעִֽים
qeraʻ
H7168
rags
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 2:12
וֶ/אֱלִישָׁ֣ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
"Elisha"
Conj | N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
רֹאֶ֗ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מְצַעֵק֙
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
V-Piel
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
אָבִ֣/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אָבִ֗/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
רֶ֤כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וּ/פָ֣רָשָׁ֔י/ו
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
רָאָ֖/הוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
ע֑וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
וַֽ/יַּחֲזֵק֙
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בִּ/בְגָדָ֔י/ו
beged
H899
"treachery"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
וַ/יִּקְרָעֵ֖/ם
qâraʻ
H7167
"to tear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.
Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.
לִ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
קְרָעִֽים
qeraʻ
H7168
"rags"
N-mp
This noun refers to rags or torn pieces of fabric, often used to describe old or worn-out clothing. In the book of Judges, the prophet Elijah uses this word to describe the state of the Israelites' garments.
Definition: rag, torn pieces of garment or fabric
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: piece, rag. See also: 1 Kings 11:30; 2 Kings 2:12; Proverbs 23:21.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 2:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 2:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:12
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 2:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
- Sermons on 2 Kings 2:12
Context — Elijah Taken Up to Heaven
10“You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.”
11As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.
12As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.
13Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 13:14 | When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” |
| 2 | Isaiah 37:21 | Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to Me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, |
| 3 | Mark 16:19 | After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. |
| 4 | Luke 2:15 | When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 30:4 | Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know! |
| 6 | Acts 1:9 | After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. |
| 7 | John 3:13 | No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 5:2 | For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, |
| 9 | Ephesians 4:8 | This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.” |
| 10 | Job 1:20–21 | Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” |
2 Kings 2:12 Summary
[This verse shows us how much Elisha loved and respected Elijah, his spiritual mentor, and how deeply he felt the loss of Elijah when he was taken away. Elisha's cry of 'My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel' expresses his sense of loss and his recognition of Elijah's important role in Israel's spiritual and military protection. As we read this verse, we can remember that it's okay to express our emotions and grieve the loss of loved ones, and we can also think about how we can continue the work of those who have gone before us, just like Elisha did when he picked up Elijah's cloak and struck the waters of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:13-14). We can also reflect on the importance of spiritual mentorship and leadership, as seen in the relationship between Elijah and Elisha, and in other parts of the Bible, such as 1 Timothy 1:2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elisha cry out 'My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel' as he watched Elijah being taken away?
Elisha was expressing his deep sense of loss and grief at the departure of his spiritual mentor, Elijah, who had been a father figure to him, and he was also acknowledging the significant role Elijah had played in Israel's spiritual and military protection, as seen in 2 Kings 2:11 where a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared to take Elijah away.
What is the significance of Elisha tearing his clothes in two after Elijah disappeared?
Tearing his clothes was a sign of Elisha's intense grief and mourning, as well as a symbol of the torn relationship between him and his mentor Elijah, and it is reminiscent of the way people in the Bible would mourn the loss of a loved one, as seen in 2 Samuel 1:11.
Why did Elisha address Elijah as 'my father'?
Elisha addressed Elijah as 'my father' because Elijah had been a spiritual father to him, guiding him and mentoring him in his prophetic ministry, much like the way Paul referred to Timothy as 'my true child in the faith' in 1 Timothy 1:2.
What can we learn from Elisha's reaction to Elijah's departure?
We can learn that it is okay to express our emotions and grieve the loss of loved ones, and that we should also be mindful of the legacy and responsibilities that are left behind, as Elisha was, and seek to continue the work of those who have gone before us, as seen in 2 Kings 2:13-14 where Elisha picks up Elijah's cloak and strikes the waters of the Jordan.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which you have experienced the loss of a spiritual mentor or leader, and how did you respond to that loss?
- How can you, like Elisha, acknowledge the significant role that spiritual leaders have played in your life and in the life of your community?
- What are some ways in which you can honor the legacy of those who have gone before you, and continue their work in your own life and ministry?
- What does it mean to you to be a spiritual father or mother to someone, and how can you fulfill that role in the lives of others?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 2:12
And Elisha saw it,.... The ascension of Elijah to heaven, the manner of it, and all relative to it, as the disciples saw the ascension of Christ, between which and this there is a great agreement,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 2:12
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
My father, my father; so he calls him for his fatherly affection to him, and for his fatherly authority which by his office he had over him, in which respect the scholars of the prophets are called their sons, as . The chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof; who by thy example, and counsels, and prayers, and power with God, didst more for the defence and preservation of Israel, than all their chariots and horses, or other warlike provisions. The expression alludes to the form of chariots and horses which he had seen.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
2 Kings 2:12 And Elisha saw [it], and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.Ver. 12. And Elisha saw it.] See on 2 Kings 2:10. The horsemen of Israel.] As thou hast been the Lord’ s faithful warrior for the safety of his Church, so now thou art carried into his kingdom of glory, as it were upon a triumphal chariot and horses. Diod.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
(12) And Elisha . . . cried.—Literally, And Elisha was seeing, and he (emphatic) was shouting. (Comp. 2 Kings 2:10, “If thou see me taken away.”) My father, my father.—Expresses what Elijah was to Elisha. (See Note on 2 Kings 2:9.) The chariot (chariots—rèkeb) of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.—Expressing what Elijah was to the nation. The Targum paraphrases, “My master, my master, who was better to Israel than chariots and horsemen by his prayers.” The personal work and influence of a prophet like Elijah was the truest safeguard of Israel. The force of the expression will be seen, if it is remembered that chariots and horsemen constituted, in that age, the chief military arm, and were indispensable for the struggle against the Aramean states. (Comp. 2 Kings 7:6; 2 Kings 10:2; 2 Kings 13:14; 1 Kings 20:1; Psalms 20:7.) He saw him no more.—After his outcry. He had seen him taken up. Rent them in two pieces.—From top to bottom, in token of extreme sorrow. (For the phrase, comp. 1 Kings 11:30.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
Verse 12. The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.] The Chaldee translates these words thus: 'My master, my master! who, by thy intercession, wast of more use to Israel than horses and chariots." This is probably the sense. In the Book of Ecclesiasticus 48:1, &c., the fiery horses and chariot are considered as an emblem of that burning zeal which Elijah manifested in the whole of his ministry: "Then stood up Elijah the prophet as fire, and his word burned as a lamp," &c. And rent them in two pieces.] As a sign of sorrow for having lost so good and glorious a master.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 2:12
12. My father, my father] That this title of affection was given by the younger prophets to an elder seems clear from 1 Samuel 10:12, where the question ‘Who is their father?’ appears to refer to Samuel, and the whole passage to shew that men need not be surprised at Saul being among the prophets, if they only know that he is coming from close communication with Samuel. The use of the title ‘father’ suits perfectly with the request that has just been made for the share which falls to the firstborn. the chariot [R.V. chariots] of Israel, and the horsemen thereof] These words are in apposition with the former clause, and mark the sense which Elisha had of the protection afforded to the land by the presence of Elijah. Horses and chariots might be prepared in abundance, but they who had God’s prophet as their guide, and his voice lifted to heaven for their help, were guarded by a might against which armies were powerless. Though the noun in the Hebrew is in the singular, it has a plural sense here, and signifies ‘the chariotry’, the mounted force of the nation, to which Elijah’s presence is here compared. and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them] Grief prevailing over every other feeling, and the Oriental demonstrativeness being uncontrollable even in the lonely gorges of Gilead. We may compare this ‘taking away’ with the translation of Enoch, and the Ascension of Christ, as marking the three periods of the world’s history, giving witness to each of man’s immortality, but in very different degrees.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 2:12
The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof - These difficult words are probably said of Elijah, whom Elisha addresses as “the true defense of Israel, better than either the chariots or horsemen” which he saw.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 2:12
12. Elisha saw — Saw the whole scene; the chariot, and horses, and the transfigured Elijah moving away from the earth.
Sermons on 2 Kings 2:12
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Beyond Anything in the Past by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of the transition from Elijah to Elisha, illustrating how God desires to do greater things in each generation. He highlights Elisha's re |
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Conqueror in Death by George Kulp | George Kulp delivers a sermon reflecting on the testimonies of dying saints and sinners, illustrating the stark contrast between their final moments and expressions of faith or des |
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Commentary Notes - Ii Kings by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into the Book of 2 Kings, highlighting the division of the book into two parts and the continuous history it provides of God's people. The message of the boo |
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Anointed for Battle - Reinhard Bonnke by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | Reinhard Bonnke delivers a powerful message titled 'Anointed for Battle,' emphasizing the importance of being equipped with God's anointing to face life's challenges. He draws from |
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Skyland Conference 1979-05 Elisha by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Elisha, a man who lived a life that had a lasting impact even after his death. The preacher emphasizes the importance of living a |
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Miracles of Elisha, Message 5 by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the inseparable connection between the man and the message of God. He emphasizes that the man and the message cannot be separated, yet in the |
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Satisfied to Do Little When We Should Be Doing Much by Roger Ellsworth | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Joash and the good cause that was placed before him. The sermon is divided into three parts: the good cause, the sufficien |