Elijah is taken up to heaven (2 Kings 2:1-13)

The story of the prophet Elijah’s sudden departure from this world is told in the Second Book of Kings. According to the text, Elijah knew that the end of his life on earth was near. While he was walking near the River Jordan with his disciple, Elisha, he tried to send Elisha away.

The Second Book of Kings says: “As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11) In the process, Elijah’s cloak fell to the ground, which Elisha then took at his own.

The brotherhood of prophets made a three-day search for Elijah, telling Elisha: “Perhaps the Spirit of the Lord has picked him up and set him down on some mountain or in some valley.” However, they never found him. This was because Elijah had actually gone to heaven (cf Sirach 48:9; 1 Maccabees 2:58).

Pope Francis explained: “In the Bible, Elijah appears suddenly, in a mysterious way, coming from a small village that is completely marginal (cf. 1 Kings 17:1); and in the end he leaves the scene, under the eyes of the disciple Elisha, on a chariot of fire that takes him to heaven (cf. 2 Kings 2:11-12). He is therefore a man without a precise origin, and above all without an end, carried off into heaven. For this reason his return was expected before the coming of the Messiah, as a precursor. Elijah’s return was thus awaited.”

Christ explained that Elijah did eventually return, not in person, but through a successor who continued his prophetic ministry – St John the Baptist (Matthew 17:10-13). Elijah himself, along with Moses, would later appear in a vision to speak with Christ, shortly before the crucifixion (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36).

The ascent of Elijah into heaven was traditionally understood as a symbol of Christ’s own Ascension, following his Resurrection. This idea is reflected in this stained glass window, found within the Cathedral of St George and St Michael, Aldershot. Dating to 1902, the window was made by Heaton, Butler and Bayne.

It forms part of a wider scheme contrasting scenes from Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension with corresponding Old Testament stories (such as this). Here we see Elijah gesturing skywards, as he rides the chariot of fire into heavenly glory. Notice how his miraculous cloak is already in the process of falling off his shoulder, ready for Elisha to inherit.

See the full image:

Where to find this work of art
Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Aldershot

Read the relevant passage
2 Kings 2:1-13

On a similar theme

• From the Old Testament: Elijah prophesied to Israel for many years, before handing over his ministry to Elisha.
• From the New Testament: According to the gospels, Elijah appeared in glory with Moses during the Transfiguration.