Why did Elisha request a double portion of Elijah’s spirit?

Answer

The concept of a double portion in the Bible represents a double blessing. It was commonly mentioned in the Old Testament concerning the birthright, which was the inheritance granted to the eldest son. For instance, Deuteronomy 21:17 states, “He shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.”

Hannah’s husband bestowed upon her a double portion out of love for her and due to her inability to conceive children «but unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. », (1 Samuel 1:5). Isaiah 61:7 pledges a double portion of blessings to Israel. Following his trials, Job received twice as much as he had previously «And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. », (Job 42:10). Revelation 18:6 portrays a negative aspect of a double portion, referring to judgment.

When Elisha requested a double portion of Elijah’s spirit in 2 Kings 2, it symbolized seeking a twofold blessing in his life and ministry. Interestingly, Scripture documents exactly twice the number of miracles performed through Elisha (28 miracles) compared to Elijah (14 miracles).

Upon Elisha’s initial request, Elijah responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so” «And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. », (2 Kings 2:10). AfteAfter Elisha witnessed Elijah being taken up to heaven, he picked up Elijah’s cloak. Upon returning to the Jordan River, he called out to the Lord and struck the water with the cloak. The water parted, allowing Elisha to walk across on dry ground. This event confirmed the transfer of the prophetic role from Elijah to Elisha and the fulfillment of Elisha’s wish.

The remarkable crossing of the Jordan was observed by men from the group of prophets. “Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him opposite them, they said, ‘The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.’ And they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him” «And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him. », (2 Kings 2:15). From that moment on, these men seemed to have followed Elisha as their spiritual guide (2 Kings 4:38-41).

Two more miracles quickly followed the parting of the Jordan River to conclude this portion of Scripture. Firstly, Elisha transformed bad water into clean water (2 Kings 2:19-22). Secondly, he cursed a group of young men who mocked him, and two bears emerged from the woods and attacked them (verses 23–24).

The ascension of Elijah to heaven, the splitting of the water, the reaction of the group of prophets, and the two additional miracles that were immediately documented all confirm that Elisha’s plea for a double portion was both respectable and granted by the Lord. Elisha’s ministry was one of the most impactful in the Bible and continues to be commemorated today.