A Journey Through The Old Testament - Elmer Towns

Rather than call for the surrender of the prophet, he pleaded with Elijah to preserve his life and
his men. Elijah agreed to go with the captain and appeared before the dying king to deliver the
same message. In accordance with the prophecy, Ahaziah died. Because he had no heir, his
younger brother Jehoram assumed the throne (2 Kings 2:1-15).
THE TRANSLATION OF ELIJAH
(2 Kings 2:1-15)
But despite the major world events of that era involving the various kings and kingdoms
of the world, the man who changed history was the prophet of God, Elijah. But even when the
prophet was no longer needed in his own generation, God was not through with him. Centuries
later Elijah would appear with Moses and Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. Still centuries
later, he will preach in the streets of Jerusalem during the Tribulation where he will finally face
death. When the time came to remove the mighty prophet from the world, God chose a way more
spectacular than the fire of Mount Carmel or the display of God’s power on Mount Sinai.
As the day of Elijah’s departure drew near, other prophets were acutely aware what was
about to happen. It was the sort of thing everybody knew but no one wanted to discuss with the
prophet himself. As Elijah and Elisha passed from city to city, those in the school of the prophets
(ministerial students) knew the day had come, but only young Elisha followed the aging prophet,
despite Elijah’s apparent willingness to let him remain behind. When they came to the Jordan
River, there would be one more miracle to be performed by the prophet of power. Taking his
mantle, he struck the water and the two passed over on dry ground.
Young Elisha was to be rewarded for his faithfulness. As he had requested, he would
receive “a double portion” of the spirit of Elijah, i.e. the right of prophetic succession, but only if
he were there when Elijah departed. “Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that
suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah
went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11). All that remained of Elijah on earth was his
mantle, which had fallen to the ground. Since the mantle was symbolic of the office, young
Elisha picked it up.
Elisha made his way back to the river, bearing the prophet’s mantle. As he came to the
riverbank, “he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said,
`Where is the Lord God of Elijah?’ “ (v. 14) For the second time that day, a path was cleared in
the river, allowing the prophet to pass over. Those in the school of the prophets who witnessed
this miracle had no difficulty discerning its meaning. “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha” (v.
15).
PERSPECTIVE
Many Christians today would be enamored of the appearance of a spokesman for God
with the power of God so evident in his life, as was the case of the Prophet Elijah. Some would
even secretly long for that spiritual reality in their own Christian life. Such a longing is not
beyond the realm of possibility. The New Testament describes this mighty prophet of power as
“a man with a nature like ours” (James 5:17). But through prayer and personal yielding to God,
Elijah attained power with God and was able to pray the prayer of faith. Years ago, young
Dwight L. Moody heard another preacher claim, “The world has yet to see what God can do
through a young man wholly committed to Christ.” Though Moody accomplished much for God
during his life and ministry, toward the end of his life he suggested the world had still not seen
what God could do through such a dedicated life.