The Mantle of Elijah

by David Wilkerson | January 17, 2000

Second Kings 2 contains one of the most spectacular passages in all of the Old Testament. This chapter tells the miraculous story of the aging prophet Elijah and his servant Elisha. When we pick up the tale, God has informed Elijah that his ministry on earth is over. Now he is to cross the Jordan River and go to a certain place, where a heavenly chariot will pick him up and translate him to glory.

As the old prophet pondered his last day on earth, he decided to visit the towns of Bethel and Jericho. He invited his servant, Elisha, to go along with him, and the pair set off for what I see as a "teaching journey." After visiting both towns, they arrived at the bank of the Jordan River. Elijah took off his mantle - a wide, loose-fitting garment or gown - and he smote the water with it. Supernaturally, the waters parted, and the two men crossed over on dry ground (see 2 Kings 2:8).

When they reached the other side, Elijah turned to his servant and said: "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee" (verse 9). Without hesitation, the younger man answered, "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me" (same verse).

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