Elisha's somewhat obscure exclamation about chariots and horsemen when Elijah is taken up to heaven in the whirlwind has produced much scholarship and speculation. Especially since this is the exact greeting that the king Jehoash cried when he visited at Elisha's deathbed. Is it a prophetic title? A reference to trusting God rather than chariots and horses? I love the mystery of it.
Elisha had a unique and deeply personaly connection with one of the mightiest prophets, and truly his grief was heartfelt when the time came for them to part. Sometimes we must grieve the good things, a wise friend recently reminded me. Because in this life, all things are for a time. So Elisha braces himself for life after Elijah and becomes a prophet deeply immersed in politics and calling people back to God.
Christmas day 4. The Chariots and the Horsemen
2 Ki 2:12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart.
Walking with a giant made me see things skew:
His strides were long and hurried; I trotted to keep pace—
He walked this world so lightly, his footprints seemed erased.
A father he became to me—
And through his eyes I learned to see
That things which I thought most profound
Were not as crucial as they sound,
And smallest details might inspire
Deep reflection on heaven higher
Than temporal thoughts are trained to go.
Then Israel’s horsemen took him, so.
The chariot drew him from my sight:
My robe I tore; took his by right.
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