Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Kings 2:9-12

"And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I am taken from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: [nevertheless], if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariots 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." — 2 Kings 2:9-12 (ASV)

That fullness, from which prophets and apostles had all their supply, still exists as before, and we are told to ask for large supplies from it. Diligent attendance on Elijah, particularly in his last hours, would be a proper means for Elisha to obtain much of his spirit. The comforts of departing saints, and their experiences, help both to adorn our comforts and to strengthen our resolutions. Elijah was carried to heaven in a fiery chariot.

Many questions might be asked about this that could not be answered. Let it be enough that we are told what his Lord found him doing when He came. He was engaged in serious discussion, encouraging and directing Elisha about the kingdom of God among men. We are mistaken if we think preparation for heaven is accomplished only by contemplation and acts of devotion. The chariot and horses appeared like fire—something very glorious, not for burning, but brightness.

By the manner in which Elijah and Enoch were taken from this world, God gave a glimpse of the eternal life brought to light by the gospel, of the glory reserved for the bodies of the saints, and of the opening of the kingdom of heaven to all believers. It was also a figure of Christ's ascension. Although Elijah had gone triumphantly to heaven, this world could hardly spare him.

Surely, their hearts are hard who do not feel sorrow when God, by taking away faithful, useful men, calls for weeping and mourning. Elijah was to Israel, through his counsels, reproofs, and prayers, better than the strongest force of chariot and horse, and he averted the judgments of God. Christ bequeathed His precious gospel to His disciples, like Elijah's mantle—a token of the Divine power being exerted to overturn the empire of Satan and to establish the kingdom of God in the world. The same gospel remains with us, even though the miraculous powers have been withdrawn, and it possesses divine strength for the conversion and salvation of sinners.