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Elisha gives vivid expression here to his sense of his own and his nation's loss at Elijah's departure. His view of the situation was unselfish and patriotic; and yet it was the man who spoke rather than the Christian. Elijah had wrought wonders in Israel, and yet he was a man of like passions with others, as some acts of his life painfully show. Besides, he was simply God's instrument, as Washington was. Israel's true reliance was Jehovah Himself, and there was no occasion for the prophet's despair. Nations are prone to make a similar mistake:

1. In the way of false reliance for deliverance and abiding prosperity.

2. In looking to the outward instrument rather" than the unseen guiding Power.

3. In magnifying natural laws rather than looking to supernatural forces.

4. In deploring their dangers and losses instead of falling upon their knees before God in prayer.

(Homiletic Monthly.)

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KJV: 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.

WEB: It happened, as they still went on, and talked, that behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.