2 Kings 2:8

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This verse describes a powerful moment in the final earthly journey of the prophet Elijah, immediately before his ascension into heaven.

Context

Just prior to this event in 2 Kings 2:8, Elijah and his successor, Elisha, are traveling from Gilgal towards the Jordan River. Elijah has attempted to get Elisha to stay behind, but Elisha steadfastly refuses to leave him. They are accompanied by a group of prophets from Jericho, who witness their approach to the river. The Jordan River was a significant geographical and symbolic boundary, famously crossed by the Israelites under Joshua to enter the Promised Land, an event echoed here.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power Manifested Through the Prophet: The central theme is God's miraculous power working through Elijah. The division of the river is a clear demonstration of divine intervention, enabling safe passage.
  • Prophetic Authority: Elijah's use of his mantle (outer garment), a symbol of his prophetic office and authority, to perform this miracle underscores his status as God's chosen messenger.
  • Echoes of Past Miracles: This event intentionally mirrors earlier foundational miracles in Israel's history, particularly the crossing of the Red Sea under Moses (Exodus 14:21) and the crossing of the Jordan under Joshua (Joshua 3:16). This connection emphasizes the continuity of God's power and faithfulness across generations and highlights Elijah's role as a figure comparable to Moses and Joshua.
  • God Making a Way: The miracle signifies God's ability to overcome natural obstacles and provide a way forward for His servants, even in seemingly impossible situations.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "mantle" is the Hebrew *'adderet*, which can mean a magnificent or wide robe, often associated with authority or high status, and specifically with prophetic office in this context. The phrase "smote the waters" indicates a decisive, authoritative action taken by Elijah, empowered by God.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that God's power is not limited by physical barriers. Just as He made a way through the Red Sea and the Jordan for His people in the past, and for Elijah and Elisha here, He is capable of overcoming obstacles in our lives today. It also highlights the significance of God's chosen instruments (like His prophets) and the authority He vests in them to accomplish His purposes. This miracle serves as a powerful sign to Elisha and the watching prophets that Elijah is indeed a man of God, and that the prophetic mantle is about to be passed on, carrying with it divine power.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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