The Mantle Of Elijah

When Jehovah took up Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind, he was going with

Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, for Jehovah

has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as Jehovah

lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to

Bethel.



Then the followers of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and

said, "Do you know that to-day Jehovah will take awa your master from

you?" He said, "Yes, I know it; say no more." And Elijah said to him,

"Elisha, stay here, for Jehovah has sent me to Jericho." But he said,

"As surely as Jehovah lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So

they came to Jericho.



Then the followers of the prophets at Jericho came near to Elisha and

said, "Do you know that to-day Jehovah will take your master from you?"

He answered, "Yes, I know it; say no more." And Elijah said to him,

"Stay here, for Jehovah has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As

surely as Jehovah lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they

both went on.



Fifty followers of the prophets stood opposite them at a distance, while

they two stood by the Jordan. Then Elijah rolled up his mantle and with

it struck the waters; and they were divided, so that they two went over

on dry ground. When they had gone over, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what

I shall do for you before I am taken from you." Elisha said, "Let a

double portion of your spirit be upon me." He replied, "You have asked

what is difficult; but if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall

come to you; but if you do not, it shall not come."



As they were going on their way talking, a fiery chariot with horses of

fire suddenly came and separated the two; and Elijah went up in a

whirlwind to heaven. When Elisha saw it, he cried, "My father, my

father! the chariots and the horsemen of Israel!" And he saw Elijah no

more, but he took hold of his own robes and tore them in two. Then he

took up the mantle that had fallen from Elijah.