690. 2KI 2:12. ELIJAH’S TRANSLATION

2Ki_2:12. Elijah’s Translation

"And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces."’972Ki_2:12.

Elijah was one of the most illustrious of Old Testament saints. He was preeminently distinguished for his stern and austere mode of life’97his unswerving fidelity’97noble moral heroism’97prayerful and believing spirit. He was largely endowed with the spirit of miracles and prophecy. He began his public ministry 914 years, and he finished it about 896 years before Christ; so that, his labors seem to be comprised within about eighteen years. Of his parentage, &c., Scripture is silent. Notwithstanding the distinguished characteristics of Elijah, he was but a man, and as such, had his moral infirmities. He failed in that for which he was most celebrated’97courage; and hence, in fear, he fled, and sought death in the bitterness of his soul. His ministry was rather that of terror; and it does not appear to have been signally successful. But to his removal, we have now particularly to refer. He had with him a devoted contemporary, and one who was to be his successor. We see them together on the day of his exit from earth. Both knew the wondrous event, as well also as the sons of the prophets; 2Ki_2:3. Elijah seemed anxious to be alone, and entreats Elisha to leave him; 2Ki_2:2, 2Ki_2:4, and 2Ki_2:6. A splendid miracle is then performed; 2Ki_2:8. An affectionate question presented; 2Ki_2:9. A pious answer given; 2Ki_2:10. The grand scene now takes place, and the exclamation of the text is uttered; 2Ki_2:12.

Observe,

I. What Elisha beheld.

II. What he exclaimed. And,

III. What he received.

I. What he beheld.

1. The termination of a saints career and labors on earth.

This must be the case with all. The day will end’97the probation terminate.

2. A distinguished honor and felicity, conferred on a faithful servant.

All such shall be honored and rewarded. Many are so in the circumstances of their death. In having,

(1.) Ecstasy; or,

(2.) Peace.

"The last end of that man is peace." But in this case there was something extraordinary; not death, but a Translation. Only one such instance previously, and none since. World’s three grand epochs, are seen connected with

Enoch’97Elijah’97and the Lord Jesus.

This event taught two great doctrines:

The soul’s immortality; and the body’s final resurrection, &c. He beheld,

3. Earth and heaven in marvellous communion.

Doubtless the messengers were angels. The form assumed horses and chariots. See the same symbolical reference; chap. 2Ki_6:12, &c. Psa_68:15-17. The commission is given, and is executed with promptness and delight. Let me turn to the dying moments of the beggar Lazarus. He died, and was carried by angels, &c. The highway to glory we imagine is crowded by descending angels, and attending saints.

II. What he exclaimed.

"My father," &c. Observe,

1. The title he gave the prophet. "Father," so they were often designated.

As a term of reverence, &c. As a father, he instructed, prayed for, reproved. Gave the example, the care of a father. Paul adopts it; 1Th_2:11. He was so to Elisha and the nation. A public blessing, &c. He repeats it, indicating his. great reverence and deep love.

2. His reference to the celestial convoy. Here was surprise and astonishment. The sublime scene. "The chariot of Israel." Of Israel’s God! For Israel’s prophet! As Israel’s defence. Or the exclamation might refer to Elijah, as being, by his ministry, a defence to the nation, and now removed. The chariot and horsemen are going. Israel is bereaved. Hence his grief, &c. Rent his clothes, &c.

Notice,

II. What he received.

1. The official costume of the prophet.

The mantle,’97the sign of his office’97by which miracles had been performed; 2Ki_2:13. He took it not to worship it, but to wear it. God provides successors to his public servants. What was better in this case,

2. He imparted to him a double measure of the spirit of Elijah.

2Ki_2:9, 2Ki_2:10.

How vain the mantle without the spirit! He had both. So ought the vaunted successors of the apostles; or give up their absurd pretensions. He soon works a miracle; 2Ki_2:14. Of Elisha it is said, he wrought twice the number of miracles that Elijah had done.

Application

Learn,

1. What ministers and people should expect.

The removal of the best and most talented of the Lord’s servants. They should live and labor in reference to it.

2. What they who labor should anticipate. The better world, &c.

3. What should cheer the Church. The raising up of Elishas, &c.

4. What such should seek.

A double portion of the spirit of their predecessors. The world and the times increasingly need more of the spirit of piety, zeal, and devotedness.

No man should be content with the measure of knowledge, or the amount of influence possessed by his predecessors.

Every age should be in moral advance of the past, as every age has had, in reality, the benefit of those which have preceded it.

Progression should be the rule; and thus all should forget the things which are behind, and press forward to those things which are before.

The mental and spiritual career of the Church should be higher and higher, until the days of heaven should be enjoyed on the earth.

All this would be attained, if every pious servant of God sought and obtained a double portion of the spirit of holiness and zeal, which was enjoyed by their predecessors. There can be no doubt that divine knowledge is increasing, and spiritual truth progressing in the earth.

To meet this more elevated phase of the Church and the world, the teachers of mankind must be richly endowed with the spirit of sanctified emulation.

The great desire to be useful and efficient, in the spheres to which we have been called by divine providence, should ever inspire the prayer’97"Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me."

Forget not, that in proportion as we possess the blessed spirit, we shall be fitted for exerting a hallowed influence on mankind’97extending the empire of Jesus’97and glorifying our Father in heaven.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS