Children's Bible

<h3>THE MANTLE OF ELIJAH</h3> <p>When Jehovah took up Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind, he was going with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, for Jehovah has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as Jehovah lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.</p> <p>Then the followers of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, "Do you know that to-day Jehovah will take away your master from you?" He said, "Yes, I know it; say no more." And Elijah said to him, "Elisha, stay here, for Jehovah has sent me to Jericho." But he said, "As surely as Jehovah lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho.</p> <div class="figleft"> <ANTIMG src="images/illus171.jpg" width-obs="330" height-obs="400" alt="The Parting of Elijah and Elisha Painted by W. T. Taylor" title="The Parting of Elijah and Elisha Painted by W. T. Taylor" /><br/><small>&copy; <i>Curtis Publishing Company</i></small><br/> <span class="caption"><i>The Parting of Elijah and Elisha</i><br/> <small>Painted by W. T. Taylor</small></span></div> <p>Then the followers of the prophets at Jericho came near to Elisha and said, "Do you know that to-day Jehovah will take your master from you?" He answered, "Yes, I know it; say no more." And Elijah said to him, "Stay here, for Jehovah has sent me to the Jordan." But he said, "As surely as Jehovah lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So they both went on.</p> <p>Fifty followers of the prophets stood opposite them at a distance, while they two stood by the Jordan. Then Elijah rolled up his mantle and with it struck the waters; and they were divided, so that they two went over on dry ground. When they had gone over, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." Elisha said, "Let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." He replied, "You have asked what is difficult; but if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall come to you; but if you do not, it shall not come."</p> <p>As they were going on their way talking, a fiery chariot with horses of fire sudd<span class="pagenum"><SPAN name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</SPAN></span>enly came and separated the two; and Elijah went up in a whirlwind to heaven. When Elisha saw it, he cried, "My father, my father! the chariots and the horsemen of Israel!" And he saw Elijah no more, but he took hold of his own robes and tore them in two. Then he took up the mantle that had fallen from Elijah.</p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />