2 Kings 2

1. Gilgal.** Not the Gilgal in the valley of the Jordan (Josh. v. 9), but in the hill country of Gilgal. Here was a college of the prophets (iv. 38), also at Bethel and at Jericho. Elijah makes his final visitation to the three.

3 sons. Disciples.

7 stood to view. More literally, “stood opposite them.” So in ver. 15.

8 mantle. The outward badge of the prophetic office and power (see 1 Kings xix. 19) is used here as Moses used his rod in dividing the Red Sea.

9 a double portion of thy spirit. Literally, “a double share in thy spirit.” Apparently in allusion to the “double portion” which the first-born received in his father’s inheritance (see Deut. xxi. 17). Elisha asks for himself, as inheriting Elijah’s office and work, the share of a first-born in his spirit: i.e., twice as much as any other “son of the prophets.”

10 a hard thing. “Hard,” not because of any limitation of the power and grace of God, but because of the spiritual attainments it required in the recipient: see Matt. xvii. 21.

If thou see me. This would keep Elisha’s attention awake to every word and action of his departing master.

11. And it came to pass, etc. This triumphant departure (so different from what the prophet had once passionately desired, 1 Kings xix. 4) testified God’s approval of Elijah’s singular and devoted piety; and, like the ascension of Enoch, must have greatly helped to revive and confirm a faith in the resurrection and future glory of the saints.

12 the chariot of Israel, etc. The war chariot and its riders, which were deemed the strength of earthly kingdoms, are an emblem of the protection which God had afforded to Israel by Elijah. Elisha rightly regarded the courage, watchfulness, prayers, and Divine gifts of his predecessor as a better defence to Israel than any military force.

13 the mantle of Elijah. The prophet’s mantle, transferred to his successor, becomes a pledge to Elisha of the granting of his request (10), and a visible sign to others that he was endued with the spirit, and called to the office of Elijah.

14. Where is the Lord God? etc. Literally, “Where is the Eternal, the God of Elijah?” A confident appeal to God to show His presence with him. By this miracle Elisha’s commission as Elijah’s successor was made known.

16 seek thy master. See 1 Kings xviii. 12. They had expected Elijah’s removal; yet, remembering his sudden appearances and disappearances, they were unwilling to believe that he was really gone until they had done all they could to find him.

21 cast the salt in. In this, as in other cases, the action was only symbolical; the power being wholly in the word of the Eternal.

23 there came forth little children, etc. Rather, as R.V. marg., “young lads.” The Hebrew word rendered “children” is used with an extended meaning; being applied to the reapers of Boaz (Ruth ii. 15), and to Absalom (2 Sam. xviii. 5).