The proposed paper would deal with Elijah’s ascension into heaven as recorded in 2 Kings 2. My thesis statement is that this event was instructive for the people of Elijah’s and Elisha’s day, and that it is instructive for us today. On the basis of the prophet’s assumption there will be discussion of the following:
– the relationship between Elijah and Elisha (“My father, my father!,” 2:12);
– the importance of Elijah for Israel (“The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!,” 2:12);
– how this event, as did God’s taking Enoch (Gen 5:21-24; Heb 11:5), supported the belief in life with God beyond existence here on earth;
– how the ascent of Enoch and Elijah pointed to a bodily existence with God after earthly life;
– how Elijah’s being taken to heaven showed the total rule and complete control of Yahweh, and that he works for the good of those who believe in him (Rom 8:28);
– how Elijah’s ascension vindicated the prophet’s ministry, and gave great encouragement to Elisha and other true prophets;
– how Elijah’s going up to heaven was a polemic against Baal worship (thus Elijah’s assumption is a bookend, the other bookend appearing at the beginning of the account of his ministry, 1 Ki 17:1, in which Elijah burst onto the scene as God’s fierce opponent of Baal worship).
The paper will cite a number of authors and commentators, including Long, Omanson and Ellington, Leithart, Jones, Wood, Beck, Fretheim, Bugenhagen, Keil, and Kaiser.
The account of Elijah’s ascension gives believers today hope (Rom 15:4) and confidence.