Charles Ellicott Commentary 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." — 2 Kings 2:8 (ASV)

His mantle. —This refers to the hairy ’addèreth, which characterized him as a prophet. According to Zechariah 13:4, this is the ’addèreth sç‘âr, or mantle of hair. The Syriac and Arabic translations rendering it as “head-dress” are incorrect.

Wrapped it together. — This means Rolled it up, a term used here only. (Compare my substance, or mass, from Psalms 139:16, and blue mantles, from Ezekiel 27:24; these terms are from the same root.) The Septuagint uses εἵλησεν; the Vulgate, involvit; and the Syriac, rolled it up.

Smote the waters. —This was a symbolical action, similar to Moses smiting the rock or stretching out his rod over the sea. (Compare also the use of Elisha’s staff, as recorded in 2 Kings 4:29.) In all these cases, the outward and visible sign is made the channel of the invisible and spiritual force of faith.

They were divided to one side and the other. — See Exodus 14:16; Exodus 14:21–22; and Joshua 4:22 and following verses.

So that. — And.