After talking about what led up to a key event in 2 Kings 2, and then discussing some final conversation between Elijah and Elisha, we get to the “big event” in verses 11-12: the “chariot of fire” (or chariots, depending on the verse and translation).
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 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 garment and tore it in two.
2 Kings 2:11-12 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2ki.2.11-12.NIV
By the way, as I read it, this passage doesn’t actually say that Elijah traveled in the chariot of fire itself. It says that a chariot and horses of fire appeared, separating the two men, and Elijah went up in (or “by”, per NASB) a whirlwind or – per NASB footnote – a windstorm. Maybe the chariot(s) and horses were commanded by angelic escorts for Elijah’s ascension, but that’s just a guess. Still, even if there was a whirlwind, there was also a chariot and it makes sense that a chariot would carry someone, so I’m not saying that those who describe Elijah as being taken up in that chariot are necessarily wrong. I’m just proposing another possible interpretation.
While I’ve gotten this discussion off-track, this might be a good time to mention a couple of things about Elijah.
For one thing, he is one of only two historical figures who are recorded in the Bible as not having died. (Even Moses died, although his body was hidden. More about him in a bit.) The other person in this category was named Enoch, mentioned in Genesis 5, but also given a shout-out in Hebrews 11 (which some call the “faith chapter”, for good reason). Thanks to the power of a God who raises people from the dead, death is not the end (although if we are still walking this earth when Jesus returns, it would be great to step directly into eternity with Him). Still, for whatever reason, God allowed Elijah and Enoch to skip this step after they walked this earth.
The other thing about Elijah is that not only is he mentioned in the New Testament, but he also appears – along with Moses – at Jesus’ transfiguration. (See Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36.) Here, it seems like Moses and Elijah are either in new bodies, or perhaps are in glory because of having been in the presence of God.
Regardless, these chariot(s) of fire are the main point that many people recognize about this chapter, and it is indeed a significant event. However, while others have taught a lot about that, I think that we can pick up a lot from what happened before and after, too.
For instance, consider that there are some commentators who find fault with some of Elijah’s choices, suggesting that Elijah may have been a little too self-seeking, and that Elijah added his own comments to what God instructed him to tell others.
Of course, Elijah was human, and had his own imperfections, just as other prophets (and we) have our own challenges. Elijah’s humanity might be more on display in the Bible than some of the other prophets, both in his choices and in his struggles, but the human condition is pervasive. However, the fact that Jesus spoke with Elijah at the Transfiguration tells me that – despite Elijah’s issues – God used Elijah for significant things.
I hope that this is encouraging to you, too, since God doesn’t need people to always make perfect decisions to make a big difference in His kingdom. God doesn’t need us to be perfectly healthy – in body, mind, and spirit – in order to make a positive impact on history (with His help). God takes us as we are, helps us achieve His goals for us, and has prepared ultimate healing for us with Him in eternity.
The goal is not for Christians to become superhuman or divine. Instead, we are justified (through Jesus’ sacrifice) and we are made right by God (through His power). That way, it should be clear that our achievements are thanks to Him, and not because we’re “all that”.
In the end, the more that we understand that God’s servants (including prophets like Elijah and Elisha) were merely human beings, the more that I hope we realize their accomplishments weren’t due to them individually being exceptional people on their own. Instead, they made a big difference in God’s kingdom because of their relationship with God, and because they allowed God to work through them. As far as I know, Elijah didn’t call up chariots of fire like someone might call a taxi or car service. That was God’s doing, provided in spite of Elijah’s humanity.
May we be the same this week: not perfect or amazing in our own skills, but instead yielding to the far, far greater direction and power of God, and letting Him work through and around us.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for June 1, 2025
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – 1 & 2 Kings, by Jesse C. Long, Jr. © 2002 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 