Chapter 2

And it came to pass when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. (2 Kings 2:1)

It seems that the impending departure of Prophet Elijah into heaven was relatively well-known among certain individuals. Both Elijah and his successor, Elisha, as well as the group known as the sons of the prophets, were aware that Elijah's time on Earth was nearing its end, and that he would be whisked away by a divine whirlwind. This knowledge likely stemmed from a prophecy that had been revealed to at least some of those involved, making the event somewhat common knowledge within their circles.

Gilgal was a significant location for the Israelites as it represented both a rite of passage and a shift in their spiritual journey. It was here that they underwent circumcision, symbolizing the dealing with their fleshly desires and marking a spiritual transformation (Joshua 5:6-9). Additionally, Gilgal was where the miraculous provision of manna ceased, and the Israelites began to eat the produce of the Promised Land.

Entering the Promised Land marked a turning point in their faith, as they now had to rely on walking by faith rather than by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This transition was a testament to their spiritual growth and trust in God's plan.

Another interesting insight about Gilgal is that it served as a base for the Israelites during their conquest of Canaan. It was here that they set up the twelve stones from the Jordan River as a monument commemorating their miraculous crossing, further emphasizing Gilgal's importance as a site of spiritual milestones and divine intervention in their journey.

Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Jericho.” (2 Kings 2:4)

Jericho was the first city that the children of Israel took for their possession as they journeyed toward the Promised Land, Canaan. It did not just fall into their lap. They had to fight for it. In order to progress spiritually, a Christian also needs to overcome the works of the enemy. Jericho symbolically speaks of spiritual warfare.

Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.” (2 Kings 2:6)

I want you to pay careful attention to the fact that we identify with the death and burial of Christ through baptism. Since Jesus Himself was baptized in the river Jordan. His having gone down into the waters of baptism signifies death. His coming up out of the water denotes resurrection. That’s the same for us.

Jordan is also the place where you begin to hear the voice of God clearly. The Father spoke from Heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This is what happened to Jesus at Jordan as He was being baptized. 

Jordan is the place of the open heavens. This is the place Elisha saw Elijah taken up into heaven. This means Jordan is also the place of translation. It’s the place where the flesh (your senses) can’t hold you down anymore.

Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. (2 Kings 2:8)

Clearly, Prophet Elijah walked in the steps of Moses and Joshua as ones whom God used to miraculously part waters.

Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” ¹⁰ So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” (2 Kings 2:9-10)

In Scripture, spiritual blessings are closely tied to where individuals place their focus. The critical question is whether one's focus is directed toward the Lord, or if they are instead distracted by other things. Unfortunately, many miracles are overlooked or lost due to these distractions. Hebrews 12:2 highlights the importance of "looking" unto Jesus, where the term "looking" signifies considering attentively, and suggests looking away from all distractions that might divert attention from Jesus.

When Elisha made a request for the double portion, he was not asking for twice as much power; rather, he sought the double-portion blessing traditionally reserved for the firstborn. In biblical times, spiritual blessings were often associated with the status of being a firstborn. Elijah told Elisha that he had "asked a hard thing" (2 Kings 2:10). This statement did not imply that granting the double portion was difficult for God, but that it would be challenging for Elisha because obtaining the double portion depended upon his focus.

Fifty prophets witnessed the whirlwind (tornado) that accompanied Elijah's ascent into heaven. They observed the storm, its powerful force, and the destruction it left in its wake, but they did not see what Elisha saw. Their focus on the natural world prevented them from perceiving the spiritual side of the event (2 Kings 2:7).

Elisha, on the other hand, looked beyond the carnal aspects of the situation and instead saw what was transpiring within the whirlwind, where God manifested His heavenly splendour. In a divine display, God sent a fiery chariot and horses of fire to escort Elijah into His presence. Elisha's unwavering focus was rewarded when he saw God take Elijah and the mantle of Elijah descend. He caught the mantle and was at peace, as his eyes were focused on the true spiritual significance of the event, rather than being distracted by the chaos of the whirling wind.

Whirlwinds come to all of us. To some, it might be a job loss; to others, a sickness; to others spinning finances out of control. While others gaze upon the debris of the whirlwind, lift your eyes and see God, and let praise and awe come from your heart and mouth. Some of you reading this may be experiencing a whirlwind. Don’t let it distract you. Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus, knowing that He is with you and will help you navigate through the difficulties, ultimately guiding you to a place of peace and spiritual growth.