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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 2:1 Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/2-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/12_2Ki_02_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 2:1 - Elijah Taken to Heaven" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal, <a href="/hcsb/2_kings/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The time had come for the LORD to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal, <a href="/asv/2_kings/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, when Jehovah would take up Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. <a href="/cev/2_kings/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Not long before the LORD took Elijah up into heaven in a strong wind, Elijah and Elisha were leaving Gilgal. <a href="/erv/2_kings/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. <a href="/gwt/2_kings/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the LORD was going to take Elijah to heaven in a windstorm, Elijah and Elisha left Gilgal. <a href="/gnt/2_kings/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> The time came for the LORD to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah and Elisha set out from Gilgal, <a href="/isv/2_kings/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> As the time drew near when the LORD was about to take Elijah to heaven in a wind storm, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. <a href="/msb/2_kings/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal, <a href="/net/2_kings/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Just before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a windstorm, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal. <a href="/nheb/2_kings/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, when the LORD would take up Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. <a href="/wbt/2_kings/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. <a href="/web/2_kings/2.htm">World English Bible</a> When Yahweh was about to take Elijah up by a whirlwind into heaven, Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_kings/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass, at YHWH’s taking up Elijah to the heavens in a whirlwind, that Elijah goes, and Elisha, from Gilgal, <a href="/ylt/2_kings/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass, at Jehovah's taking up Elijah in a whirlwind to the heavens, that Elijah goeth, and Elisha, from Gilgal, <a href="/slt/2_kings/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be in Jehovah bringing up Elijah in a tempest to the heavens, and Elijah went up, and Elisha, from Gilgal.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_kings/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elias into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elias and Eliseus were going from Galgal. <a href="/cpdv/2_kings/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now it happened that, when the Lord willed to lift up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were going out of Gilgal. <a href="/nabre/2_kings/2.htm">New American Bible</a> When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. <a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND it came to pass, when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha had departed from Gilgal. <a href="/hpbt/2_kings/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was that when LORD JEHOVAH would take up Elyah in a whirlwind to Heaven, Elyah and Elisha also went from Galgala.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_kings/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. <a href="/sep/2_kings/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass, when the Lord was going to take Eliu with a whirlwind as it were into heaven, that Eliu and Elisaie went out of Galgala. <a href="/parallel/2_kings/2-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=260" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_kings/2.htm">Elijah Taken to Heaven</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Shortly before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: bə·ha·‘ă·lō·wṯ (Prep-b:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">took</a> <a href="/hebrew/452.htm" title="452: ’ê·lî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or prolonged teliyahuw; from 'el and Yahh; God of Jehovah; Elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other Israelites.">Elijah</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·mā·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">up to heaven</a> <a href="/hebrew/5591.htm" title="5591: bas·‘ā·rāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A hurricane. Or ctarah; from ca'ar; a hurricane.">in a whirlwind,</a> <a href="/hebrew/452.htm" title="452: ’ê·lî·yā·hū (N-proper-ms) -- Or prolonged teliyahuw; from 'el and Yahh; God of Jehovah; Elijah, the name of the famous prophet and of two other Israelites.">Elijah</a> <a href="/hebrew/477.htm" title="477: we·’ĕ·lî·šā‘ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- God is salvation, a well-known Isr. prophet. Contracted for Eliyshuwa'. Elisha, the famous prophet.">and Elisha</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">were on their way</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/1537.htm" title="1537: hag·gil·gāl (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Circle (of stones), the name of several places in Pal. The same as gilgal; Gilgal, the name of three places in Palestine.">Gilgal,</a> 2and Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_kings/19-16.htm">1 Kings 19:16</a> You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet. <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19-21</a> So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah. <a href="/2_kings/1-15.htm">2 Kings 1:15-16</a> Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him. Do not be afraid of him.” So Elijah got up and went down with him to the king. / And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, “This is what the LORD says: Is there really no God in Israel for you to inquire of His word? Is that why you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.” <a href="/2_kings/3-11.htm">2 Kings 3:11</a> But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a> Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” <a href="/2_kings/6-1.htm">2 Kings 6:1-7</a> Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please take note that the place where we meet with you is too small for us. / Please let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a log so we can build ourselves a place to live there.” “Go,” said Elisha. / Then one of them said, “Please come with your servants.” “I will come,” he replied. ... <a href="/2_kings/13-14.htm">2 Kings 13:14</a> When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” <a href="/1_samuel/28-11.htm">1 Samuel 28:11-14</a> “Whom shall I bring up for you?” the woman asked. “Bring up Samuel,” he replied. / But when the woman saw Samuel, she cried out in a loud voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!” / “Do not be afraid,” the king replied. “What do you see?” “I see a god coming up out of the earth,” the woman answered. ... <a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">Matthew 17:1-3</a> After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. <a href="/mark/9-2.htm">Mark 9:2-4</a> After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. / His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them. / And Elijah and Moses appeared before them, talking with Jesus. <a href="/luke/9-28.htm">Luke 9:28-31</a> About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took with Him Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. / And as He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became radiantly white. / Suddenly two men, Moses and Elijah, began talking with Jesus. ... <a href="/john/1-21.htm">John 1:21</a> “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” <a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a> Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” <a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9-11</a> After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. / They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. / “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” <a href="/acts/8-39.htm">Acts 8:39-40</a> When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing. / But Philip appeared at Azotus and traveled through that region, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.take up<a href="/genesis/5-24.htm">Genesis 5:24</a> And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.<a href="/1_kings/19-4.htm">1 Kings 19:4</a> But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.<a href="/luke/9-51.htm">Luke 9:51</a> And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,by a whirlwind<a href="/1_kings/18-12.htm">1 Kings 18:12</a> And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.<a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm">1 Kings 19:11</a> And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:<a href="/job/38-1.htm">Job 38:1</a> Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,Elisha<a href="/1_kings/19-16.htm">1 Kings 19:16-21</a> And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room… Gilgal<a href="/joshua/4-19.htm">Joshua 4:19</a> And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.<a href="/joshua/5-9.htm">Joshua 5:9</a> And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/1-17.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-17.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-40.htm">Gilgal</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-45.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-14.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-12.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-9.htm">Jehovah's</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-53.htm">Way</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Whirlwind</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Elijah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Eli'jah</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Elisha</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm">Eli'sha</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-38.htm">Gilgal</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-17.htm">Jehovah's</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-7.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">Whirlwind</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 2</div>1. <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">Elijah, taking his leave of Elisha, with his mantle divides Jordan</a> 9. <a href="/2_kings/2-9.htm">and, granting Elisha his request, is taken up by a fiery chariot into heaven</a> 12. <a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">Elisha, dividing Jordan with Elijah's mantle, is acknowledged his successor</a> 16. <a href="/2_kings/2-16.htm">The young prophets, hardly obtaining leave to seek Elijah, cannot find him.</a> 19. <a href="/2_kings/2-19.htm">Elisha with salt heals the unwholesome waters</a> 23. <a href="/2_kings/2-23.htm">Bears destroy the children that mocked Elisha</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_kings/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Shortly before the LORD took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind This phrase sets the stage for one of the most dramatic events in the Old Testament: the ascension of Elijah. Elijah's departure is unique, as he is one of only two people in the Bible, along with Enoch (<a href="/genesis/5-24.htm">Genesis 5:24</a>), who did not experience death. The whirlwind signifies God's powerful presence, often associated with divine intervention (<a href="/job/38.htm">Job 38:1</a>, <a href="/nahum/1-3.htm">Nahum 1:3</a>). Elijah's ascension prefigures Christ's ascension into heaven (<a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9-11</a>), symbolizing victory over death and the promise of eternal life.Elijah and Elisha Elijah, a prophet known for his zeal for God and miraculous deeds, is nearing the end of his earthly ministry. Elisha, his chosen successor, has been following and learning from him. This relationship mirrors the mentor-disciple dynamic seen throughout Scripture, such as Moses and Joshua or Paul and Timothy. Elisha's commitment to Elijah reflects the call to discipleship, emphasizing loyalty and the passing of spiritual authority (<a href="/2_kings/2-9.htm">2 Kings 2:9-10</a>).were on their way from Gilgal Gilgal holds significant historical and spiritual importance. It was the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land (<a href="/joshua/4-19.htm">Joshua 4:19-20</a>). It served as a base for operations during the conquest of Canaan and was a place of covenant renewal (<a href="/joshua/5-2.htm">Joshua 5:2-9</a>). The journey from Gilgal symbolizes a transition from one phase of God's plan to another, as Elijah's ministry concludes and Elisha's begins. This movement also reflects the broader biblical theme of pilgrimage and spiritual progression.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah</a> A major prophet in Israel, known for his powerful ministry and miracles. He is about to be taken up to heaven, signifying the end of his earthly ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha</a> The successor of Elijah, who has been following and learning from him. He is about to witness a significant event that will mark the beginning of his own prophetic ministry. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The covenant God of Israel, who orchestrates the events and demonstrates His power and sovereignty by taking Elijah up to heaven. 4. <a href="/topical/h/heaven.htm">Heaven</a> The destination to which Elijah is taken, indicating a divine approval and a unique transition from earthly life. 5. <a href="/topical/w/whirlwind.htm">Whirlwind</a> The means by which Elijah is taken up, symbolizing God's power and presence, often associated with divine intervention. 6. <a href="/topical/g/gilgal.htm">Gilgal</a> A location with historical and spiritual significance in Israel's history, often associated with beginnings and transitions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_transitions.htm">God's Sovereignty in Transitions</a> God orchestrates the transitions in our lives, just as He did with Elijah and Elisha. Trust in His timing and purpose. <a href="/topical/m/mentorship_and_discipleship.htm">Mentorship and Discipleship</a> Elijah and Elisha's relationship exemplifies the importance of mentorship. Seek to be both a mentor and a mentee in your spiritual journey. <a href="/topical/d/divine_approval_and_legacy.htm">Divine Approval and Legacy</a> Elijah's ascension signifies divine approval. Consider how your life and actions reflect God's approval and what legacy you are leaving. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_presence.htm">The Power of God's Presence</a> The whirlwind represents God's powerful presence. Be aware of and seek God's presence in the midst of life's storms and transitions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 2</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'the_still_small_voice'.htm">What does 'the still small voice' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_elisha's_double_spirit.htm">What is Elisha's double portion of Elijah's spirit?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_spiritual_direction.htm">What is spiritual direction?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_mentoring.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian mentoring?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_kings/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) And it came to pass . . . whirlwind.--The compiler has prefixed this heading to the following narrative by way of connection with the general thread of the history. It seems to be indicated that the event happened in the beginning of the reign of Jehoram; but see Note on <a href="/2_chronicles/21-12.htm" title="And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus said the LORD God of David your father, Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,">2Chronicles 21:12</a>.When the Lord would take up.--When Jehovah caused Elijah to go up, or ascend. This anticipates the conclusion of the story.Into heaven.--Heb., accusative of direction, as in <a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm" title="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.">2Kings 2:11</a>. The LXX. renders, ?? ??? ??? ??????? "as into heaven," perhaps to suggest that not the visible heavens, but God, was the real goal of the prophet's ascension.By a whirlwind.--In the storm.Gilgal.--Heb., the Gilgal, i.e., the Ring (comp. <a href="/isaiah/28-28.htm" title="Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen.">Isaiah 28:28</a>, "wheel"), a descriptive name of more than one place. Here, Gilgal in Ephraim, the present Jiljilia, which stands on a hill south-west of Seil-n (Shiloh), near the road leading thence to Jericho. (See <a href="/deuteronomy/11-30.htm" title="Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goes down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the desert over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?">Deuteronomy 11:30</a>; <a href="/hosea/4-15.htm" title="Though you, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not you to Gilgal, neither go you up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD lives.">Hosea 4:15</a>; <a href="/amos/4-4.htm" title="Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years:">Amos 4:4</a>.) Hosea and Amos connect Gilgal with Bethel, as a sanctuary. It was probably marked by a ring of stones like those at Stonehenge and Avebury. From this spot the mountain land of Gilead, the Great Sea, and the snowy heights of Hermon, were all visible; so that the prophet could take from thence a last look at the whole country which had been the scene of his earthly activity. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven. The subject is introduced as one of general notoriety, the writer professing rather to give the exact details of a well-known fact, than to relate a new fact unknown to his readers. "When the time came," he means to say, "for Elijah's translation, of which you, my readers, all know, the following were the circumstances under which it took place." The fact itself was deeply impressed on the Jewish consciousness. "Elias," says the Sou of Sirach, "was taken up in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of fiery homes" (Ecclus. 48:9). He was ranked with Enoch, as not having seen death (Josephus, 'Ant. Jud.,' 9:2. § 2), and was viewed as "continuing in heaven a mysterious life, which no death had ever interrupted, whence he was ready at any time to return to earth" (Ewald, 'History of Israel,' vol. 4. p. 113). The scribes thought that he was beyond all doubt to make his appearance upon the earth in person, before the coming of the Messiah (<a href="/matthew/16-10.htm">Matthew 16:10</a>). By a whirlwind. Sa'arach is not so much an actual "whirlwind" as a storm or atmospheric disturbance (συσσεισμός, LXX.). It is a word which only occurs here in the historical Scriptures. That Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. Elisha had become to Elijah what Joshua was to Moses (<a href="/exodus/24-13.htm">Exodus 24:13</a>) - his "minister," or regular attendant, from the time of his call at Abel-meholah (<a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">1 Kings 19:21</a>). Elijah had no fixed residence, but moved from place to place as the Spirit of God suggested. His wanderings had now brought him to Gilgal (probably Jiljilieh, near Nablous), one of the most ancient sanctuaries of the land (<a href="/1_samuel/10-8.htm">1 Samuel 10:8</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/11-15.htm">1 Samuel 11:15</a>, etc.), celebrated in the history of Saul and Samuel. <a href="/commentaries/2_kings/2-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Shortly before וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel took בְּהַעֲל֤וֹת (bə·ha·‘ă·lō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively Elijah אֵ֣לִיָּ֔הוּ (’ê·lî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_452.htm">Strong's 452: </a> Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites up to heaven הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם (haš·šā·mā·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> Heaven, sky in a whirlwind, בַּֽסְעָרָ֖ה (bas·‘ā·rāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5591.htm">Strong's 5591: </a> A hurricane Elijah אֵלִיָּ֛הוּ (’ê·lî·yā·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_452.htm">Strong's 452: </a> Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites and Elisha וֶאֱלִישָׁ֖ע (we·’ĕ·lî·šā‘) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_477.htm">Strong's 477: </a> Elisha -- 'God is salvation', a well-known Israelite prophet were on their way וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk from מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of Gilgal, הַגִּלְגָּֽל׃ (hag·gil·gāl) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> Gilgal -- 'circle (of stones)', the name of several places in Palestine <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_kings/2-1.htm">2 Kings 2:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-1.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 2:1 It happened when Yahweh would take up (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/1-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 1:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 1:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/2-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 2:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 2:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>