Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2 Kings 2:11

Honestly, I’ve never fully understood this passage of scripture. Part of the reason is I concentrate on just this scripture, only seeing the chariots of fire and whirlwind, asking myself, “What does it all mean?”

In looking at just the miraculous taking of Elijah, I fail to see what led up to it.
As I back up and read again I begin to see something different.
I see several events before Elijah’s translation into heaven – the death of Ahab, the trip to Bethel, Jericho, and across the Jordan. Prophets telling Elisha that God is about to take Elijah.
I don’t have a full understanding yet but I’m closer than before.
So, I want to take time to meditate on His word and gain some understanding as so to pass it along to you.

Meditating on God’s word is something most Christians fail to do. They read and move one – sometimes with understanding and sometimes with questions.
Paul gave Timothy some great advise that I will take to heart and hope you do too – Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 1 Tim 4:15