2 Kings 2:14

KJV

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took {H3947} the mantle {H155} of Elijah {H452} that fell {H5307} from him, and smote {H5221} the waters {H4325}, and said {H559}, Where is the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Elijah {H452}? and when he also had smitten {H5221} the waters {H4325}, they parted {H2673} hither and thither: and Elisha {H477} went over {H5674}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he took the cloak that had fallen off Eliyahu, struck the water and said, "Where is ADONAI, the God of Eliyahu?" But when he actually did strike the water, it divided itself to the left and to the right; then Elisha crossed over.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. “Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.

American Standard Version

And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is Jehovah, the God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they were divided hither and thither; and Elisha went over.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 2:14 records Elisha's inaugural prophetic act, a dramatic moment confirming the transfer of divine authority from Elijah to his successor. By taking Elijah's fallen mantle and striking the Jordan River, Elisha invoked the power of "the LORD God of Elijah," causing the waters to part. This public miracle validated Elisha's calling before the sons of the prophets, establishing him as the new spiritual leader in Israel, empowered by the same God who had worked through Elijah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the extraordinary ascension of Elijah into heaven in a whirlwind, a spectacle witnessed by Elisha alone ([2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension")). Elisha had previously made a bold request for a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit, a request contingent upon his witnessing this very departure ([2 Kings 2:9-10](/2_kings/2-9 "2 Kings 2:9-10 - Elisha's Request")). The mantle, a tangible symbol of Elijah's prophetic office and authority, fell from him during his ascent, and Elisha dutifully picked it up ([2 Kings 2:13](/2_kings/2-13 "2 Kings 2:13 - Elisha Takes the Mantle")). Elisha's immediate challenge was to cross the Jordan River, which Elijah had just previously parted with the same mantle ([2 Kings 2:8](/2_kings/2-8 "2 Kings 2:8 - Elijah Parts the Jordan")). This act was performed before the watchful eyes of the "sons of the prophets" who observed from a distance ([2 Kings 2:7](/2_kings/2-7 "2 Kings 2:7 - The Sons of the Prophets Observe")), making Elisha's success an undeniable public validation of his divine appointment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Jordan River valley, a significant geographical and historical landmark in Israel's history, notably associated with the nation's entry into the Promised Land under Joshua ([Joshua 3:14-17](/joshua/3-14 "Joshua 3:14-17 - Israel Crosses the Jordan")). The "mantle" (Hebrew: _adderet_) was a distinctive outer garment worn by prophets, symbolizing their office and authority. Its transfer from Elijah to Elisha was a powerful visual and symbolic act of succession, akin to passing on a royal scepter or a priestly vestment. The "sons of the prophets" were a recognized guild or community of prophets, likely disciples or students, who would have understood the significance of such a transfer of power and were present to witness and confirm Elisha's legitimacy. Elisha's action of striking the water, mirroring Elijah's earlier act, was not merely imitative but a public demonstration of the continuity of God's power through His chosen servants in a culture that highly valued direct divine intervention and authentication of leadership.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes within 2 Kings and the broader prophetic narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Succession and Authority**, demonstrating that God Himself orchestrates the transfer of spiritual leadership. Elisha's ability to replicate Elijah's miracle immediately confirms that the prophetic anointing has genuinely passed to him, not by human will alone, but by divine decree. Secondly, it emphasizes **Faith and Expectation** in the face of daunting challenges. Elisha's cry, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?", is not a question born of doubt but a bold, expectant appeal for God to manifest His presence and power as He had consistently done through Elijah. It is a declaration of reliance on God's faithfulness, rather than on his own strength or the mere possession of the mantle. Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **Continuity of God's Work** across generations. By parting the Jordan, Elisha echoes not only Elijah's recent miracle but also the foundational acts of Moses parting the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Moses Parts the Red Sea")) and Joshua parting the Jordan ([Joshua 3:16](/joshua/3-16 "Joshua 3:16 - Joshua Parts the Jordan")). This repetition of miracles reinforces the enduring nature of God's power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people through His chosen instruments, ensuring His purposes continue to unfold.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mantle (Hebrew, _adderet_):** This word refers to a distinctive, often hairy, outer garment worn by prophets, symbolizing their office and authority. In this context, it is more than just a piece of clothing; it is a tangible representation of Elijah's prophetic anointing and the spiritual authority vested in him by God. Elisha picking it up and using it signifies his inheritance of that very authority and the divine power associated with it.
* **Where (Hebrew, _'ayyeh_):** While literally meaning "where?", in this specific context, Elisha's cry "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" is not a geographical inquiry or an expression of doubt. Instead, it functions as an emphatic appeal or a bold challenge to God to manifest His presence and power. It is a prayer of faith, a public declaration of reliance on the same God who empowered Elijah, and an expectation that God will confirm His presence and Elisha's new role through a miraculous act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him":** Elisha's deliberate action of retrieving the mantle signifies his acceptance of the prophetic inheritance. The mantle, having literally "fallen from" Elijah, serves as the physical link to the departed prophet and the symbolic conduit of the divine authority now resting upon Elisha.
* **"and smote the waters":** This action mirrors Elijah's earlier act in [2 Kings 2:8](/2_kings/2-8 "2 Kings 2:8 - Elijah Parts the Jordan"), demonstrating Elisha's active faith and his immediate stepping into the prophetic role. It is a decisive, public gesture, indicating his readiness to wield the power of God.
* **"and said, Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah?":** This is the crucial verbal component of Elisha's act. It is not a question of uncertainty but a powerful, faith-filled invocation. Elisha is not asking if God is present, but rather appealing for God to demonstrate His presence and power *through him* as He had through Elijah, thereby validating Elisha's succession before all witnesses.
* **"and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither:":** This clause describes God's immediate and miraculous response to Elisha's faith and invocation. The parting of the waters is the divine confirmation, a clear sign that the "LORD God of Elijah" is indeed with Elisha, empowering him just as He had empowered his predecessor. The repetition of the miracle underscores the continuity of God's work.
* **"and Elisha went over.":** The successful crossing of the Jordan River marks the completion of the miracle and the public affirmation of Elisha's prophetic authority. He has now literally and symbolically stepped into Elijah's shoes, validated by God's power and the witnessing "sons of the prophets."

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Kings 2:14 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. **Symbolism** is paramount, with Elijah's mantle serving as the primary symbol of prophetic authority and the transfer of divine anointing. The Jordan River itself functions as a potent symbol, representing a threshold or transition, echoing the historical crossings of Israel under Joshua and Elijah himself. The **Parallelism** between Elisha's act and Elijah's earlier parting of the Jordan, as well as the broader biblical echoes of Moses and Joshua, emphasizes the continuity of God's power and His faithfulness across generations. This **Narrative Repetition** of the miracle reinforces Elisha's legitimacy and God's consistent method of empowering His chosen servants. Furthermore, Elisha's rhetorical question, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?", employs **Rhetorical Question** to express not doubt, but a profound and expectant plea for divine intervention, inviting the reader to witness God's immediate and powerful response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 2:14 serves as a profound theological statement about divine sovereignty, the nature of spiritual authority, and the continuity of God's redemptive plan. It demonstrates that God is not limited by the departure of His chosen servants but faithfully raises up new leaders, empowering them with the same Spirit and authority to carry on His work. Elisha's reliance on "the LORD God of Elijah" underscores that true spiritual power originates solely from God, not from human ability or even inherited office, but from a living relationship with the Almighty. This moment highlights God's commitment to His covenant with Israel and His ongoing communication through prophets, ensuring His voice continues to be heard and His will enacted in the world. It is a testament to God's faithfulness to His people, providing leadership and miraculous intervention as needed.

* [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joshua Full of the Spirit")
* [Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1-2 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Prophet")
* [John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works Through Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elisha's bold step into his prophetic calling, immediately following Elijah's departure, offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as Elisha was called to step into a new role and trust in God's power, so too are we called to embrace the unique purposes and ministries God has prepared for us. We are not to rely on our own strength, wisdom, or past experiences, but to depend entirely on "the LORD God" who empowered those who came before us and promises to empower us. Elisha's cry, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?", serves as a model for our own prayers: a fervent, expectant appeal for God's active presence and power in our lives, especially when faced with new challenges, responsibilities, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This verse reminds us that God's work continues through His people across generations, and He is faithful to equip and enable those whom He calls, demonstrating His power through their obedience and faith. Our task is to pick up the mantle of our calling, step out in faith, and trust that the same God who parted the Jordan for Elijah and Elisha will make a way for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mantle" or calling do you believe God is inviting you to pick up in your life or ministry today?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength rather than crying out, "Where is the LORD God?"**
* **How does Elisha's immediate act of faith challenge you to step out in obedience to God's call without hesitation?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper expectation for God to manifest His power and presence in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Why did Elisha ask "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" if he had just witnessed Elijah's ascension?**

Answer: Elisha's question was not an expression of doubt or a search for God's physical location. Instead, it was a profound, faith-filled invocation and a public appeal for God to manifest His power and presence. Having just seen Elijah taken up, Elisha knew God was real and active. His question was a plea for God to demonstrate that the same divine power that had worked through Elijah was now actively present with him, Elisha, confirming his succession and validating his prophetic office before the watching "sons of the prophets." It was a bold declaration of dependence on God and an expectation for a miraculous sign, mirroring Elijah's own actions ([1 Kings 18:36-37](/1_kings/18-36 "1 Kings 18:36-37 - Elijah's Prayer on Mount Carmel")).

**What is the significance of the mantle in this passage?**

Answer: The mantle (Hebrew: _adderet_) was more than just a piece of clothing; it was a powerful symbol of Elijah's prophetic office, authority, and the divine anointing that rested upon him. In ancient Israelite culture, garments often carried symbolic weight, representing identity, status, or authority (e.g., [Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Genesis 37:3 - Joseph's Coat")). When Elijah cast his mantle on Elisha earlier ([1 Kings 19:19](/1_kings/19-19 "1 Kings 19:19 - Elijah Calls Elisha")), it was a symbolic call to ministry. Here, its falling from Elijah and Elisha's act of picking it up and using it to part the Jordan River unequivocally signified the transfer of Elijah's spiritual authority and the continuity of God's prophetic work through Elisha. It was a tangible sign of an intangible spiritual inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Elisha's succession and the transfer of Elijah's spirit finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. While Elisha received a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit, Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, possessed the Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Jesus Has the Spirit Without Measure")). The Jordan River, a place of historical crossings and new beginnings, also marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry with His baptism ([Matthew 3:13-17](/matthew/3-13 "Matthew 3:13-17 - Jesus' Baptism")), where the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. Just as Elisha carried on Elijah's miraculous ministry, Jesus performed signs and wonders far surpassing any prophet, demonstrating His divine authority over creation, sickness, and death. Furthermore, Elisha's cry for "the LORD God of Elijah" foreshadows the greater promise of Jesus to His disciples: that they would do "greater works" than He did because He was going to the Father and would send the Holy Spirit ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works Through Believers")). This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on all believers, enabling the Church to carry on Christ's mission with divine power, not through a physical mantle, but through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). Thus, the continuity of God's work, symbolized by Elisha's succession, culminates in Christ, who is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, and through whom God's presence and power are made available to all who believe, empowering them to participate in His ongoing redemptive work in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 14:12

¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Psalms 42:10

[As] with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?

Joshua 1:1

¶ Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Psalms 115:2

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] now their God?

Acts 2:33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Acts 3:12

¶ And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?