2 Kings 2:12

“And Elisha saw it, etc.] The ascension of Elijah to heaven, the manner of it, and all relative to it, as the disciples saw the ascension of Christ, between which and this there is a great agreement, (see <440109>Acts 1:9,10), and so Elisha had the token by which he might expect to have the double portion, as the disciples after the ascension of Christ had an extraordinary effusion of the Spirit and gifts upon them: and he cried, my father, my father; or my master, my master, as the Targum; Elijah being a father to Elisha, and the rest of the prophets, in the same sense as disciples of the prophets are called sons: the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof; who was a greater defence to…”

“Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father--that is, spiritual father, as the pupils of the prophets are called their sons. the chariot of Israel, and the horseman thereof--that is, that as earthly kingdoms are dependent for their defense and glory upon warlike preparations, there a single prophet had done more for the preservation and prosperity of Israel than all her chariots and horsemen. took hold of his own clothes and rent them--in token of his grief for his loss.”

“The chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof - These difficult words are probably said of Elijah, whom Elisha addresses as “the true defense of Israel, better than either the chariots or horsemen” which he saw. Hence, his rending his clothes in token of his grief. return to 'Top of Page'”

“My father - So he calls him for his fatherly affection to him, and for his fatherly authority which he had over him, in which respect the scholars of the prophets are called their sons. He saw his own condition like that of a fatherless child, and laments it accordingly. The chariot, &c. - Who by thy example, and counsels, and prayers, and power with God, didst more for the defence and preservation of Israel than all their chariots and horses. The expression alludes to the form of chariots and horses which he had seen. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 2:13”

“2:12 Elijah was Elisha’s spiritual father and personal mentor. Cp. the tribute given him at his death, 13:14.”

“saw it: Kg2 2:10 My father: Kg2 13:14; Job 22:30; Pro 11:11; Ecc 7:19, Ecc 9:16-18; Isa 37:4, Isa 37:15, Isa 37:21; Act 27:24 he saw him: Pro 30:4; Mar 16:19; Luk 2:15, Luk 24:51; Joh 3:13; Act 1:9; Co2 5:2, Co2 5:4; Eph 4:8; Rev 11:12 rent them: Job 1:20, Job 1:21; Isa 57:1, Isa 57:2; Act 8:2 4 Kings (2 Kings) 2:13”