2Ki 2:11-18 | JFB | STEP | 11. behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire-- some bright effulgence, which, in the eyes of the spectators, resembled those objects. went up by a whirlwind-- a tempest or storm wind accompanied with vivid flashes of fire, figuratively used for the divine judgments ( ).

‏ 2 Kings 2:11-18

11. behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire--some bright effulgence, which, in the eyes of the spectators, resembled those objects.

went up by a whirlwind--a tempest or storm wind accompanied with vivid flashes of fire, figuratively used for the divine judgments (Is 29:6).

12. Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father--that is, spiritual father, as the pupils of the prophets are called their sons.

the chariot of Israel, and the horseman thereof--that is, that as earthly kingdoms are dependent for their defense and glory upon warlike preparations, there a single prophet had done more for the preservation and prosperity of Israel than all her chariots and horsemen.

took hold of his own clothes and rent them--in token of his grief for his loss.

13. He took up also the mantle of Elijah--The transference of this prophetic cloak was, to himself, a pledge of his being appointed successor, and it was an outward token to others of the spirit of Elijah resting upon him.

14-18. smote the waters--The waving of the mantle on the river, and the miraculous division of the waters consequent upon it, was an evidence that the Lord God of Elijah was with him, and as this miracle was witnessed by the scholars of the prophets from Jericho, they forthwith recognized the pre-eminence of Elisha, as now the prophet of Israel.