Theological Commentary: Click Here
In this
chapter we say goodbye to Elijah and watch as Elisha takes over. Elijah is considered the chief of the prophets
according to the Hebrew scholars, but I personally find that many of Elisha’s
stories are more intriguing. I have to
admit, though, that Elijah’s ascent into heaven while escaping death does make
for a very cool ending to a very unusual life putting God’s power on display.
Elisha does
something really cool when he sees Elijah leave. Elisha tears his own cloak, picks u the
mantle of Elijah, and puts it on.
Symbolically, there is something really neat here. Elisha tears his own clothing and dons the
clothing for Elijah as a symbol that he is becoming the prophet to take Elijah’s
place. He isn’t becoming Elijah, but he
is taking Elijah’s place. By tearing his
clothes and putting on Elijah’s he’s making it clear to himself and others who
knew what Elijah looked like.
Before we
leave this point, lets also look at what this means for Elijah. I’m not implying that he went to heaven nude (although
one might make that inference). What I
am saying is that Elijah gives up all of the trappings of this world when going
to be with God. He doesn’t need
clothing, status symbols, or signs of God’s power. When Elijah goes to be with God, the things
of this world stay here – as it should be.
Once Elisha takes
over, we see miraculous demonstrations of God’s power come through him as
well. Bad water is turned clean. People who mock him find themselves in dire
circumstances. God is with Elisha just
as much as He was with Elijah.
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