Topical Bible: Fire: At Elijah's Translation

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The event of Elijah's translation is a significant moment in the biblical narrative, marked by the presence of fire, which symbolizes divine power and presence. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 2:1-14, where the prophet Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot and horses of fire.

Biblical Account

The account begins with Elijah and his protégé, Elisha, traveling from Gilgal. Elijah, aware that the Lord is about to take him up to heaven, visits several locations, including Bethel and Jericho, with Elisha steadfastly refusing to leave his side. As they reach the Jordan River, Elijah strikes the water with his cloak, and the river parts, allowing them to cross on dry ground.

In 2 Kings 2:11 , the narrative describes the climactic moment: "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." The imagery of fire here is significant, representing God's presence and the divine approval of Elijah's prophetic ministry.

Symbolism of Fire

Fire in the Bible often symbolizes God's holiness, judgment, and power. In the context of Elijah's translation, the chariot and horses of fire serve as a divine escort, emphasizing the honor and glory bestowed upon Elijah. This fiery manifestation underscores the supernatural nature of Elijah's departure from the earth, distinguishing it from a natural death and highlighting his unique role as a prophet.

Elijah's Role and Legacy

Elijah's translation is a testament to his faithfulness and the power of God working through him. Throughout his ministry, Elijah confronted idolatry and called the people of Israel back to the worship of Yahweh. His dramatic departure in a chariot of fire serves as a divine seal on his prophetic mission, affirming his role as a forerunner to the coming of the Messiah, as later referenced in Malachi 4:5-6.

Elisha's Inheritance

Following Elijah's ascension, Elisha inherits his mantle, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority. In 2 Kings 2:13-14 , Elisha picks up Elijah's cloak and strikes the Jordan River, which parts once again, demonstrating that the spirit of Elijah now rests upon him. This act confirms Elisha as Elijah's successor and the continuation of God's work through the prophets.

Theological Implications

Elijah's translation prefigures the ascension of Christ and the promise of eternal life for believers. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the hope of being taken into His presence. The fiery chariot and horses are a powerful image of God's intervention in human history, assuring believers of His ultimate control and the fulfillment of His promises.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 2:11
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
... far as we know, it was only to Elisha that the vision had been granted of that chariot
of fire and horses of fire. We read that at Elijah's translation on the ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/elijahs translation and elishas deathbed.htm

The Chariot of Fire
... of Elijah's translation is its parallel and contrast with Christ's Ascension. The
one was by outward means; the other by inward energy. Storm and fire bore ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the chariot of fire.htm

The Translation of Elijah and the Ascension of Christ
... a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah
went up ... These two events, the translation of Elijah and the Ascension of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the translation of elijah and.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... UNPOSSESSED POSSESSIONS. AHAB AND MICAIAH. THE CHARIOT OF FIRE. THE TRANSLATION
OF ELIJAH AND THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST. ELIJAH'S TRANSLATION AND ELISHA'S DEATHBED ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/

Contents
... THE CHARIOT OF FIRE (2 Kings 2:1-11) THE TRANSLATION OF ELIJAH AND THE ASCENSION
OF CHRIST (2 Kings 2:11; Luke 24:51) ELIJAH'S TRANSLATION AND ELISHA'S ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/contents 2.htm

Elijah's Appeal to the Undecided
... I think a good translation is a very different one from that of the authorized version ...
When Elijah says, that "the God that answereth by fire let him be God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/elijahs appeal to the undecided.htm

Preparing to Depart
... of the college, and there took up Elijah's work ... is not thitherward"not with horses
of fire to heaven ... nearly seventeen years after his own translation to heaven ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/preparing to depart.htm

Sight and Blindness
... the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about ... he saw that same
fiery host that had attended Elijah in his translation, now enclosing the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/sight and blindness.htm

The Call of Elisha
... upon the one about to be honored with translation. ... In response to this request, Elijah
said, "Thou hast ... behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

Kings
... 3. But besides the probable inaccuracy of this translation,[1] it ... companies of fifty
men are consumed by fire from heaven at the word of Elijah, is very ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/kings.htm