2 Kings 2:13
Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.
He picked up the cloak
The phrase "He picked up the cloak" refers to Elisha's action of taking up Elijah's mantle after Elijah was taken up to heaven. The cloak, or mantle, is significant as it symbolizes the prophetic authority and the spiritual power that Elijah had. In Hebrew, the word for cloak is "adderet," which can also mean a garment of splendor or glory. This act of picking up the cloak signifies Elisha's acceptance of the prophetic office and the responsibilities that come with it. Historically, the passing of a mantle was a common way to signify the transfer of authority or responsibility, and in this context, it marks the continuation of God's work through Elisha.

that had fallen from Elijah
The cloak "that had fallen from Elijah" emphasizes the divine nature of the prophetic calling. Elijah did not hand the cloak to Elisha; it fell from him as he was taken up to heaven, indicating that the transfer of prophetic authority was orchestrated by God, not by human decision. This falling of the cloak can be seen as a divine appointment, where God chooses Elisha to carry on the mission. The historical context of prophets in Israel shows that they were often chosen by God rather than by succession or human appointment, underscoring the divine will in leadership.

and went back and stood
The phrase "and went back and stood" indicates Elisha's return to the Jordan River, the place where Elijah had performed his last miracle. This action shows Elisha's readiness to begin his ministry and to test the power and presence of God with him. The act of standing is significant in the Hebrew context, as it often denotes readiness, authority, and the beginning of a mission. Elisha's standing at the Jordan is a symbolic gesture of his new role and the beginning of his journey as a prophet.

on the bank of the Jordan
"On the bank of the Jordan" situates the event geographically and spiritually. The Jordan River is a significant location in Israel's history, representing a place of transition and new beginnings. It was the river that the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, and it is now the place where Elisha begins his prophetic ministry. The Jordan River serves as a boundary between the past and the future, symbolizing the crossing over into a new phase of God's work through Elisha. The historical and spiritual significance of the Jordan River adds depth to Elisha's actions, as it is a place where God's power and presence have been demonstrated repeatedly in Israel's history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elisha
A prophet and the successor of Elijah. He is known for his faithfulness and dedication to God's calling.

2. Elijah
A major prophet in Israel who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. His cloak symbolizes his prophetic authority and power.

3. The Cloak (Mantle)
Represents the transfer of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha.

4. The Jordan River
A significant location in Israel's history, often associated with miraculous events and transitions.

5. The Event of Transition
The moment when Elisha takes up Elijah's mantle, signifying the continuation of God's work through a new leader.
Teaching Points
The Significance of the Mantle
The mantle represents God's calling and empowerment. Just as Elisha received Elijah's mantle, believers are called to take up the responsibilities and ministries God has prepared for them.

Faithfulness in Transition
Elisha's acceptance of the mantle demonstrates faithfulness and readiness to step into God's plan. Believers should be prepared to embrace new roles and responsibilities as God leads.

The Power of God in Continuity
The transfer of the mantle shows that God's work continues through different individuals. God's purposes are not limited to one person but are carried on through willing servants.

Symbolism of the Jordan River
The Jordan River is a place of transition and new beginnings. Believers can find encouragement in knowing that God often uses significant moments to usher in new phases of life and ministry.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the act of Elisha picking up Elijah's cloak symbolize in terms of spiritual leadership and responsibility?

2. How can we apply the concept of "taking up the mantle" in our own lives and ministries today?

3. In what ways does the Jordan River serve as a symbol of transition in both the Old and New Testaments?

4. How does the account of Elisha and Elijah encourage us to be faithful in times of change and uncertainty?

5. What other biblical figures experienced a significant transition in their ministry, and how did they respond to God's call?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 19:19-21
This passage describes Elijah's initial call to Elisha, where Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha, symbolizing the call to prophetic ministry.

Matthew 3:13-17
The Jordan River is also where Jesus is baptized, marking the beginning of His public ministry, similar to Elisha's new beginning.

Acts 1:8-9
Just as Elisha receives power after Elijah's departure, the disciples receive the Holy Spirit after Jesus' ascension, empowering them for ministry.
Gentleness Succeeding StrengthAlexander Maclaren2 Kings 2:13
The Departure of Good MenD. Thomas 2 Kings 2:1-14
Elijah TranslatedH. Crosby, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
Elijah TranslatedMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 2:1-15
Elisha's Love for ElijahL. A. Banks, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
EvensongF. B. Meyer, B. A.2 Kings 2:1-15
Life's EventideF. S. Webster, M. A.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Ascension of ElijahCanon Hutchings, M. A.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Christian a Native of HeavenAlex. Maclaren, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
The Departure of Good MenHomilist2 Kings 2:1-15
The Translation of ElijahJ. Parker, D. D.2 Kings 2:1-15
Elijah Taken UpJ. Orr 2 Kings 2:7-15
The Mantle of ElijahL. A. Banks, D. D.2 Kings 2:13-14
The Prophet's MantleAlex. Whyte, D. D.2 Kings 2:13-14
The Beginning of Elisha's WorkC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 2:13-18
People
Elijah, Elisha
Places
Bethel, Gilgal, Jericho, Jordan River, Mount Carmel, Samaria
Topics
Bank, Cloak, Dropped, Edge, Elijah, Eli'jah, Elijah's, Fallen, Fell, Jordan, Mantle, Returned, Robe, Standeth, Stood, Taketh, Till, Turneth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 2:13-14

     1416   miracles, nature of
     1449   signs, purposes
     4260   rivers and streams
     5144   cloak

Library
The Translation of Elijah and the Ascension of Christ
'And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.'--2 KINGS ii. 11. 'And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.'--LUKE xxiv. 51. These two events, the translation of Elijah and the Ascension of our Lord, have sometimes been put side by side in order to show that the latter narrative is nothing
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS ii. 12. '...And Joash, the King of Israel, came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said. O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS xiii. U. The scenes and the speakers are strangely different in these two incidents. The one scene is that mysterious translation on the further bank of the Jordan, when a mortal was swept up to heaven in a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Chariot of Fire
'And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. 80 they went down to Beth-el 3, And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Gentleness Succeeding Strength
'He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14. And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 15. And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Preparing to Depart
"And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven."--2 Kings 2:11. IT seems to me that the departure of Elijah from the world, though of course he did not "die" at all, may furnish us with a very good type of the decease of those saints who, although taken away on a sudden, are not without some previous intimation that in such a manner they will be
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 54: 1908

Whether Hope is a Help or a Hindrance to Action?
Objection 1: It would seem that hope is not a help but a hindrance to action. Because hope implies security. But security begets negligence which hinders action. Therefore hope is a hindrance to action. Objection 2: Further, sorrow hinders action, as stated above ([1361]Q[37], A[3]). But hope sometimes causes sorrow: for it is written (Prov. 13:12): "Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul." Therefore hope hinders action. Objection 3: Further, despair is contrary to hope, as stated above [1362](A[4]).
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Jericho Itself.
We read, that this city was not only wasted by Joshua with fire and sword, but cursed also. "Cursed be he before the Lord, who shall rise up and build that city Jericho," Joshua 6:26. "Nor was another city to be built (says the Talmudists), which was to be called by the name of Jericho: nor was Jericho itself to be built, although to be called by another name." And yet I know not by what chance this city crept out of dust and rubbish, lived again, and flourished, and became the second city to Jerusalem.
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Consolations against the Fear of Death.
If in the time of thy sickness thou findest thyself fearful to die, meditate-- 1. That it argueth a dastardly mind to fear that which is not; for in the church of Christ there is no death (Isa. xxv. 7, 8), and whosoever liveth and believeth in Christ, shall never die (John xi. 26). Let them fear death who live without Christ. Christians die not; but when they please God, they are like Enoch translated unto God (Gen. v. 24;) their pains are but Elijah's fiery chariot to carry them up to heaven (2
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Baptist's Testimony.
"There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light.... John beareth witness of Him, and crieth, saying, This was He of whom I said, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for He was before me. For of His fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Epistle vii. To Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius.
To Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius. Gregory to Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius, Bishops [1688] . I rejoice exceedingly that you welcomed with great joy the ordination of the most holy Cyriacus, my brother and fellow-priest. And since we have learnt from the preaching of Paul the apostle that If one member rejoice, all the members rejoice with it (1 Cor. xii. 26), you must needs consider with how great exultation I rejoice with you in this thing, wherein not one member, but many members of Christ have
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8.
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to Christians to be Holy. By John Bunyan.
Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.'--[Psalm 93:5] London, by B. W., for Benj. Alsop, at the Angel and Bible, in the Poultrey. 1684. THE EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This is the most searching treatise that has ever fallen under our notice. It is an invaluable guide to those sincere Christians, who, under a sense of the infinite importance of the salvation of an immortal soul, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts, sigh and cry, "O Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem.
1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed of the places of power justly, [25] and according to every one's deserts, he came to Antioch, and consulting which way he had best take, he preferred to go for Rome, rather than to march to Alexandria, because he saw that Alexandria was sure to him already, but that the affairs at Rome were put into disorder by Vitellius; so he sent Mucianus to Italy, and committed a considerable army both of horsemen and footmen to
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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