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2 Kings 2:7

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 2:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood over against them afar off: and they two stood by the Jordan.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood over against them afar off: and they two stood by the Jordan.
2 Kings 2:7 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for Jehovah hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.
5And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came near to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that Jehovah will take away thy master from thy head to-day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.
6And Elijah said unto him, Tarry here, I pray thee; for Jehovah hath sent me to the Jordan. And he said, As Jehovah liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
7And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood over against them afar off: and they two stood by the Jordan.
8And 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.
9And 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.
10And 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.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off, etc.] To have a view, if they could, of the assumption of Elijah to heaven, and be witnesses of it: and they two stood by Jordan; on the banks of it, even Elijah and Elisha.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Fifty men of the sons of the prophets - We see by this how large were the prophetical schools. It is implied that the “fifty” were only a portion of the school of Jericho. They ascended the abrupt heights behind the town, from where they would command a view of the whole course of the river and of the opposite bank for many miles. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“To view - To observe this great event, Elijah's translation to heaven, which they expected every moment: and whereof they desired to be spectators, not to satisfy their own curiosity, but that they might be witnesses of it to others. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 2:8”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“fifty men: Kg2 2:17; Kg1 18:4, Kg1 18:13 to view afar off: Heb. in sight, or over against 4 Kings (2 Kings) 2:8”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification