Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 2:3
3. take away thy master from they head—an allusion to the custom of scholars sitting at the feet of their master, the latter being over their heads ( :-). read more
2 Kings 2:2-6 Niv
Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown
Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Kings 2:4
1-7. when the Lord would take up Elijah—A revelation of this event had been made to the prophet; but, unknown to him, it had also been revealed to his disciples, and to Elisha in particular, who kept constantly beside him. Gilgal—This Gilgal (Jiljil) was near Ebal and Gerizim; a school of the prophets was established there. At Beth-el there was also a school of the prophets, which Elijah had founded, notwithstanding that place was the headquarters of the calf-worship; and at Jericho there was... read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Kings 2:1-14
The transfer of prophetic power 2:1-14The Gilgal in view may have been the one between Jericho and the Jordan, or it may have been one about seven miles north of Bethel since Elijah and Elisha went down to Bethel (2 Kings 2:2). [Note: Wiseman, p. 195.] This account presupposes previous revelation, not in Scripture, that this day was to be Elijah’s last on earth (2 Kings 2:3). By granting Elisha permission to remain behind (2 Kings 2:2, et al.), Elijah was testing Elisha’s commitment to himself... read more
Thomas Constable
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Kings 2:1-15
4. Jehoram’s evil reign in Israel 2:1-8:15Jehoram reigned 12 years in Israel (852-841 B.C.). His reign overlapped with Jehoshaphat and Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram’s coregency (853-848 B.C.) as well as Jehoram of Judah’s sole reign (848-841 B.C.). During these 12 years Elisha, whose name means "my God is salvation," was very active in Israel. In keeping with his theological purpose, the writer of Kings again emphasized incidents of spiritual significance that took place at this time (cf. 1 Kings... read more
John Dummelow
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 2:1-25
Elijah’s Translation to HeavenThe great service rendered to Israel by the prophet whose life is here closed was the stand which he made for the religion of Jehovah when its supremacy was threatened by the worship of the Zidonian Baal introduced by Jezebel. In view of such a crisis, the degradation of Jehovah’s worship by the association with it of the golden calves set up by Jeroboam could for a while be ignored, a superstitious form of the true faith being preferable to total apostasy; though... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Kings 2:2
(2) Said.—Not spake, as throughout the account in 2 Kings 1:2-16; a mark of different origin.Tarry here, I pray thee.—This was said, not to test Elisha’s affection, nor from a motive of humility, that Elisha might not witness his glorious ascension, but because Elijah was uncertain whether it was God’s will that Elisha should go with him. (Comp. 2 Kings 2:10.) Elisha’s threefold refusal to leave him settled the doubt. (Comp. John 21:15, seq.)The Lord hath sent me to Beth-el.—Why? Not merely to... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Kings 2:3
(3) The sons of the prophets.—See Notes on 1 Kings 20:35; 1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Samuel 19:20. There was a guild of prophets at Beth-el.Came forth to Elisha.—Who probably walked a little way before his master, to announce his approach.And said unto him.—The prophetic college had been divinely forewarned of Elijah’s departure.The Lord will take away . . . to day.—“To day” is emphatic. “Knowest thou that this day Jehovah is about to take away thy lord from beside thee?” The word “head” may signify... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Kings 2:4
(4) And Elijah said.—The exact repetition of the language of 2 Kings 2:2-3 in this and the next two verses, appears to indicate that the narrative had originally been handed on by oral tradition, probably in the prophetic guilds at the local sanctuaries. read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Kings 2:5
(5) Came.—Drew near.Answered—Said. read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Kings 2:3
2 Kings 2:3. Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to-day?— Houbigant renders this, the Lord will elevate thy master above thy head to-day, alluding to Elijah's being carried up into heaven. read more