Once upon a time, as God, Jehovah, had revealed his plan to take the great prophet Elijah into heaven by an astonishing whirlwind. So, Elijah and his loyal apprentice, Elisha, journeyed together from Gilgal. Along their journey, Elijah, aware of the divine purpose, kindly asked Elisha to remain in Gilgal, as he had been directed to proceed to Bethel. But Elisha, full of loyalty and devotion, refused to leave his master, vowing by the life of Jehovah and Elijah, to stay by his side. As a result, they both continued and descended into Bethel.
It was not a secret that Elijah was to be taken away by God; even the sons of the prophets residing in Bethel were aware of it. They approached Elisha, asking if he knew about the impending divine incident, to which Elisha responded affirmatively asking for their silence on the matter. The story repeated itself as Elijah and Elisha journeyed onto Jericho and later to the Jordan, with Elisha refusing to leave his master’s side at each asking.
At the Jordan, they were met by fifty sons of the prophets, who watched from afar. In an impressive feat, Elijah took his mantle, struck the waters of the Jordan, parting them and allowing him and Elisha to cross on dry ground.
Once they had crossed, Elijah, realizing his time was near, turned to Elisha and offered him a final request. Elisha, full of admiration and respect for his master, asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah responded, saying his request was difficult, but if Elisha saw him being taken away it would be granted.
Lo and behold, as they conversed, a fiery chariot drawn by horses of fire descended upon them, parting them. In a fantastic spectacle, Elijah was swept up by the whirlwind into heaven. Tears filled Elisha’s eyes as he cried out, mourning his master, his father figure. He rent his own clothes in two out of despair and grief.
But from this grief arose a renewed spirit. Elisha picked up Elijah’s fallen mantle and, like his master before him, struck the waters of the Jordan. The waters parted, a clear sign that the spirit of Elijah now rested on Elisha. This was recognized by the sons of the prophets who bowed before him with reverence, acknowledging his newfound stature.
The sons of the prophets proposed a search for Elijah, fearing perhaps that he had been cast on some mountain or into some valley. Initially refusing, Elisha eventually gave in to their persistence and sent fifty men on this task. After a futile search of three days, they returned, confirming Elisha’s original statement that the search was pointless.
In the days that followed, Elisha performed miracles in the spirit of Elijah, starting with healing the bad waters of the city using salt in a new cruse as directed by Jehovah. Thus, life flourished in the city again, a testament to Elisha’s prophetic powers.
His journey took him to Bethel, where he encountered mockery from some young lads. Disrespectful and audacious, the youths received Elisha’s curse in the name of Jehovah. As a severe consequence, two she-bears emerged from the woods, attacking and killing forty-two of them.
So, Elisha carried on his journey from Bethel to Mount Carmel, leading the people in the wake of Elijah with great strength, wisdom and the powerful spirit of his master upon him. He returned to Samaria, committed to his prophetic ministry and the continuation of Elijah’s legacy.
