Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 2

A double portion of Elijah’s spirit

2 Kings 2:9-10

There were many people in Israel whom Elijah had taught to serve God. Elijah considered them all to be like his sons, his children. He had visited the groups of them in Gilgal, Bethel and Jericho on this last day.

However, only Elisha had remained constantly with Elijah. Elisha had become like the first and oldest son in the family to Elijah. It was Elisha who would continue Elijah’s work from this time on (1 Kings 19:16).

So, Elijah wanted to give a special gift to Elisha to help him in that work. Elijah was probably too poor to have any possessions to give to Elisha. Elijah’s greatness was only in his relationship with God. So probably, Elijah expected that Elisha would want him to bless him with a special message from God (compare Genesis 27:19-40).

Elijah asked Elisha about this, and Elisha’s answer seemed to surprise Elijah. By God’s law, the first son in a family received a double part (or portion) of his father’s possessions after the father’s death (Deuteronomy 21:17). God’s Spirit had been present and active in Elijah’s life in great power. That was what Elisha wanted. He wanted to serve God in the power of the Holy Spirit, as Elijah had done.

Elijah considered that a difficult request, because only God could give it to Elisha. So Elijah could not himself give it to Elisha. However, Elisha had stayed with Elijah until then because he wanted to serve God in that way. God, who made that possible, was able to complete it.

God showed Elijah that Elisha was right to want to remain with him. In fact, God wanted Elisha to remain with him until Elijah rose up into heaven. So, God’s test for Elisha was whether he remained to see that wonderful event. If so, then the power of God’s Spirit would come upon Elisha. Then Elisha could begin his own special work for God.

Next part: Elijah rises to heaven with a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11-12)

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