Wesley Corpus

Chapter II Elisha keeps close to Elijah, and walks with him through Jordan, ver. 1 - 8. Elijah is taken up, and Elisha laments the loss of him, ver. 9 - 12. He divides Jordan, ver. 13, 14. Is acknowledged by the sons of the prophets, ver. 15. Who send to seek Elijah, ver. 16 - 18. Elisha heals the unwholesome waters, ver. 19 - 22. Destroys the mocking children, ver. 23 - 25 About to take, &c. - It is supposed, (tho' not expressly revealed) that Elijah flourished about twenty years, before he was translated, body and soul, to heaven, only undergoing such a change, as was necessary to qualify him for being an inhabitant in that world of Spirits. By translating him, God gave in that dark and degenerate age, a very sensible proof of another life, together with a type of the ascension of Christ, and the opening of the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Tarry here - This he desires, either, That being left alone, he might better prepare himself for his great change. Or, Out of indulgence to Elisha, that he might not be overwhelmed with grief at so sad a sight. That he might try his love, and whet his desire to accompany him; it being highly convenient for God's honour, that there should be witnesses of so glorious a translation.