2 Kings 2:8

KJV

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elijah {H452} took {H3947} his mantle {H155}, and wrapped it together {H1563}, and smote {H5221} the waters {H4325}, and they were divided {H2673} hither and thither, so that they two {H8147} went over {H5674} on dry {H2724} ground.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Eliyahu took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it; and the water divided itself to the left and to the right; so that they crossed on dry ground.

Berean Standard Bible

And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

American Standard Version

And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse details the miraculous parting of the Jordan River by the prophet Elijah, using his prophetic mantle, allowing him and his successor, Elisha, to cross on dry ground. This extraordinary event serves as a powerful demonstration of divine power, a confirmation of Elijah's prophetic authority, and a significant precursor to his imminent ascension, echoing earlier foundational miracles in Israel's history and setting the stage for the transfer of the prophetic anointing to Elisha.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The narrative of [2 Kings 2](/2_kings/2 "2 Kings 2 - Elijah's Ascension and Elisha's Succession") is a profound transition point in Israel's prophetic history, marking the end of Elijah's earthly ministry and the beginning of Elisha's. Prior to this verse, Elijah has been leading Elisha on a final journey from Gilgal to Bethel, then to Jericho, and now to the Jordan River. At each stop, Elijah attempts to dissuade Elisha from following, but Elisha's unwavering loyalty and determination to receive a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit are evident ([2 Kings 2:2-6](/2_kings/2-2 "2 Kings 2:2-6 - Elisha's Steadfastness")). The "sons of the prophets" from Jericho observe their approach to the river, indicating that this event is not a private affair but a public demonstration of God's power and the legitimacy of the prophetic succession. The crossing itself immediately precedes Elijah's dramatic ascension into heaven in a whirlwind ([2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah Taken Up to Heaven")), making the Jordan crossing a final, powerful act of God through Elijah before his departure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jordan River was a significant geographical and symbolic boundary in ancient Israel, marking the eastern border of the Promised Land. Its crossing held immense historical and theological weight, most notably with the Israelites' entry into Canaan under Joshua ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Jordan River Crossing")). This earlier event, where the waters miraculously stood up in a heap, established the Jordan as a place where God intervenes to make a way for His people. Culturally, the "mantle" (Hebrew: *'adderet*) was an outer garment worn by prophets, symbolizing their office, authority, and divine commission. Its use in performing miracles, as seen here and later by Elisha ([2 Kings 2:13-14](/2_kings/2-13 "2 Kings 2:13-14 - Elisha Takes Elijah's Mantle")), underscored the tangible nature of prophetic power and its transfer. The presence of the "sons of the prophets" highlights the existence of prophetic guilds or schools, who recognized and followed key figures like Elijah and Elisha, serving as witnesses to divine acts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader Old Testament narrative. The most prominent is the **Continuity of Divine Power and Faithfulness**, as God demonstrates His unwavering ability to act miraculously, mirroring His interventions during the Exodus ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")) and the initial entry into the Promised Land ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Jordan River Crossing")). It also emphasizes **Prophetic Authority and Succession**, showcasing Elijah's divinely vested power just before its transfer to Elisha. The mantle's role underscores the **Symbolism of Prophetic Office**, acting as a tangible instrument through which God's power is channeled. Furthermore, the event highlights **God Making a Way**, illustrating His capacity to overcome natural barriers to fulfill His purposes and guide His servants, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mantle (Hebrew, _'adderet'_):** This term refers to a wide, magnificent, or splendid outer garment, often made of animal skin or wool. In the context of prophets, it served as a distinctive symbol of their office and authority, indicating their divine commission and separation for God's service. Its use by Elijah to perform a miracle signifies that the power is not inherent in the garment itself, but rather flows through the prophet as God's chosen instrument, validating his role as God's representative.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** This verb implies a forceful, decisive striking or hitting. When applied to the waters, it denotes an authoritative and intentional action, not a mere touch. This deliberate "smiting" underscores the prophet's active role in channeling God's power, reminiscent of Moses striking the rock ([Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Moses Strikes the Rock at Horeb")) or the Red Sea with his staff ([Exodus 14:16](/exodus/14-16 "Exodus 14:16 - Moses Raises His Staff Over the Red Sea")), highlighting the divine command behind the human action.
* **Divided (Hebrew, _chatsah'_):** This verb means to cut in half, split, or divide into two parts. Its use here precisely describes the miraculous separation of the water into two distinct sections, creating a dry path. This specific term emphasizes the supernatural nature of the event, as the natural flow of the river is supernaturally interrupted and held back, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elijah took his mantle":** This opening phrase immediately focuses on the instrument of the miracle and the agent through whom God acts. The "mantle" is not just a piece of clothing but a potent symbol of Elijah's prophetic office and the divine authority vested in him. His act of taking it is a deliberate preparation for a significant, divinely empowered action.
* **"and wrapped [it] together":** This action suggests a deliberate, perhaps ritualistic, preparation of the mantle. It implies a concentration of its symbolic power or simply a practical way to wield it effectively for the coming strike. This detail emphasizes the intentionality of Elijah's actions as he prepares to invoke God's power.
* **"and smote the waters":** This is the decisive, miraculous act. Elijah's striking of the Jordan's waters with his mantle is the visible manifestation of God's power. It is an authoritative gesture, directly mirroring Moses's actions at the Red Sea and Joshua's at the Jordan, establishing a clear link to God's past interventions and confirming the continuity of His miraculous work through His chosen servants.
* **"and they were divided hither and thither":** The immediate and dramatic consequence of Elijah's action. The waters of the Jordan are miraculously split, creating a clear pathway. "Hither and thither" vividly describes the separation, with the water standing on both sides, defying natural laws and demonstrating God's absolute control over creation.
* **"so that they two went over on dry ground":** This final clause describes the successful and safe passage of Elijah and Elisha. The emphasis on "dry ground" echoes the earlier crossings of the Red Sea and the Jordan, signifying a complete and unhindered passage, a testament to the perfection of God's miraculous intervention. It confirms the purpose of the division and highlights the divine provision for their journey.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with **Symbolism**, particularly in the use of Elijah's **mantle**. This garment is not merely clothing but a potent symbol of his prophetic office, divine authority, and the very power of God working through him. Its use in performing the miracle underscores the tangible nature of spiritual authority. The entire event is a profound **Allusion** and **Typology**, intentionally mirroring and echoing the earlier, foundational miracles of the [Red Sea crossing under Moses](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing") ([Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - Red Sea Divided")) and the [Jordan River crossing under Joshua](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Jordan River Crossing") ([Joshua 3:16](/joshua/3-16 "Joshua 3:16 - Jordan River Divided")). This **Repetition** of divine intervention at a significant boundary highlights the continuity of God's faithfulness and power across generations, positioning Elijah as a figure of comparable stature to Moses and Joshua. The **Dramatic Irony** is also present, as the "sons of the prophets" watch from a distance, witnessing the miracle but not fully comprehending the imminent ascension, which only Elisha is privy to.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This miraculous crossing of the Jordan River serves as a powerful theological statement about God's sovereignty over creation and His active involvement in the lives of His chosen servants. It underscores the theme of divine enablement, demonstrating that no natural barrier can hinder God's purposes or His people when He chooses to act. The event also functions as a final, public validation of Elijah's prophetic authority before his departure, and crucially, as a preparatory act for the transfer of that authority to Elisha. By performing a miracle reminiscent of Moses and Joshua, Elijah is affirmed as a true prophet in the lineage of Israel's greatest leaders, and the stage is set for Elisha to inherit this powerful legacy, ensuring the continuity of prophetic ministry in Israel.

* [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Moses Divides the Red Sea")
* [Joshua 3:16](/joshua/3-16 "Joshua Divides the Jordan River")
* [2 Kings 2:14](/2_kings/2-14 "Elisha Divides the Jordan with Elijah's Mantle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at the Jordan River is a profound reminder that God's power is not constrained by the limitations of the natural world. Just as He made a way through the Red Sea for a nation and through the Jordan for His leaders, He is capable of overcoming the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our own lives. This passage invites us to trust in God's ability to provide a path forward even when our way seems blocked or impossible. It also highlights the significance of divine calling and the authority God vests in His chosen instruments. For us, this means recognizing that God still works through people, empowering them for His purposes. The steadfastness of Elisha in following Elijah, desiring a double portion of his spirit, challenges us to pursue God's anointing and presence with similar devotion, understanding that God equips those He calls for the tasks He sets before them. This miracle serves as a powerful sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant and His people, assuring us that He will always make a way for those who walk in obedience and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jordan Rivers" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life today, and how does this passage encourage you to trust in God's power to make a way?**
* **How does Elijah's use of the mantle, and the subsequent division of the waters, speak to the nature of divine authority and its manifestation through human instruments?**
* **In what ways can we, like Elisha, demonstrate a steadfast pursuit of God's presence and anointing in our own lives?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Jordan River chosen for this miracle, and what is its significance?**

Answer: The Jordan River holds immense historical and symbolic significance in Israel's history. It was the final barrier the Israelites crossed under Joshua to enter the Promised Land ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Jordan River Crossing")), an event that itself was a miraculous act of God. By performing a similar miracle at the Jordan, Elijah's crossing serves as a powerful echo of these foundational events. It links Elijah's ministry directly to the great acts of God through Moses and Joshua, affirming his status as a true prophet in that lineage. The Jordan also marks a geographical and spiritual boundary, and its division signifies God's complete control over creation and His ability to make a way where there seems to be none, particularly as Elijah is about to depart the earthly realm.

**What is the significance of Elijah's mantle in this verse and in the broader narrative?**

Answer: The mantle (Hebrew: *'adderet*) was more than just a piece of clothing; it was a potent symbol of Elijah's prophetic office, authority, and the divine anointing upon him. Prophets often wore distinctive garments to signify their calling. When Elijah uses his mantle to strike the waters, it is not the garment itself that possesses power, but rather God's power channeled through His chosen instrument. The mantle's role here foreshadows its crucial significance immediately after Elijah's ascension, when Elisha picks it up and uses it to perform the same miracle, thereby demonstrating that the prophetic anointing and authority have been transferred to him ([2 Kings 2:13-14](/2_kings/2-13 "2 Kings 2:13-14 - Elisha Takes and Uses Elijah's Mantle")). It represents the tangible inheritance of spiritual power and the continuity of God's work through His prophets.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous parting of the Jordan by Elijah, immediately preceding his ascension, powerfully foreshadows the work and person of Jesus Christ. Just as Elijah's departure marked a transition in prophetic ministry, Christ's ascension to the Father ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus Ascends to Heaven")) signified the completion of His earthly redemptive work and the inauguration of a new covenant. Elijah's mantle, symbolizing his authority and the double portion of the Spirit passed to Elisha, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - Promise of the Holy Spirit"); [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")). The Spirit, poured out at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")), empowers believers with a "double portion" of divine presence and authority, enabling them to carry on Christ's mission with even greater works than He performed ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")). The Jordan crossing, a symbol of God making a way, points to Jesus as the ultimate "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), who, through His death and resurrection, has opened a new and living way for humanity to access God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")).

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

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Exodus 14:22

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

1 Kings 19:19

¶ So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who [was] plowing [with] twelve yoke [of oxen] before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

Joshua 3:14

¶ And it came to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people;

Joshua 3:17

And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.

2 Kings 2:14

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.

Isaiah 11:15

And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make [men] go over dryshod.