A Double Share

2 Kings 2:7-10

“7 Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8 Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.” “9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” 10 He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” 

Elijah wanted to be alone with Elisha in his final moments on earth.  Fifty prophets had followed them at a distance so Elijah, with God’s help, parted the waters of the Jordan river with his mantle (cloak). 

After they crossed, and out of sight from the fifty prophets, Elijah granted Elisha one request before he was taken up.  This was similar to the request that God gave to King Solomon (1 Kings 3:5).  Solomon asked for wisdom, and  Elisha requested something similar; he asked for a double share of Elijah’s spirit.  

Elijah was one of Israel’s greatest prophets.  A double share of his spirit meant that he wanted a double portion of God’s indwelling spirit.  It meant that he recognized that Elijah was a man of God and that his power, his words, his actions and his deeds were from God.  He saw how blessed Elijah was and what a blessing he was to Israel and Elisha asked for a double share so that he too could serve God in such a powerful way.

Elijah put the granting of this request squarely in the hands of God.  Elijah did not know how God planned to take him, but if God allowed Elisha to witness it, that would be a sign that God had granted Elisha’s request.

Interestingly, scripture records exactly twice as many miracles through Elisha as took place through Elijah.

When the time comes that the mantle of leadership is passed to us, let us recognize that it is God that works in us and through us.

And let us ask for a double share of His spirit so that we may serve Him better.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)