The Whirlwind of God and the
Receiving of Double Portion Anointing
9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from
you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." 10 So he said, "You have asked a hard thing.
Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so." 11 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 2:9-11 NKJV)
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man,
and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:17 NKJV)
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of
healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of
miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And
yet I show you a more excellent way. (1 Cor. 12:28-31 NKJV)
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. (1 Cor. 14:1-2 NKJV)
12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do,
because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you
ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:12-14 NKJV)
I. IMMEDIATE CONTEXT (2 KINGS 2)
A. Elijah is to be taken up by the whirlwind of the Lord.
1. Elijah will be taken up – This chapter initiates the final prophetic season of Elijah’s life on the earth. The Scripture begins by
declaring that the time has come for Elijah to be taken up. The concept of being taken up carries the connotation of being raised, led up,
offered up and carried away. This root word is frequently used in the Hebrew Scripture (about 888 times). According to the biblical
account, throughout redemptive history, God took only two human beings without actually experiencing death— Enoch and Elijah (Gen. 5:
22 and 2 Kings 2:11).
2. Whirlwind of the Lord – This Hebrew word “whirlwind” was used about 24 times in the Old Testament, and it was mostly translated as
“whirlwind” in the English Bible. However, on a few occasions, it was translated as “tempest” or “stormy wind.” The Hebrew word “whirlwind”
means violent, stormy tempest-moving air or wind. It does not necessitate being in the form of a swirl. Elijah was taken up by fiery chariots
of Israel in a whirlwind to Heaven.
3. A survey of the Scripture reveals the imagery of the whirlwind of God being closely associated with the fiery chariots of God, counsel
of God, and the fury of His judgment (2 Kings 2:11, Job 38:1, Job 40:6, Isaiah 66:15, Jeremiah 4:13, 23:19, Jeremiah 30:23, Ezekiel 1:4,
Zechariah 7:14).
B. Elijah and Elisha journey from Gilgal (2 Kings 2:1b).
1. The Lord sent Elijah from Gilgal to Bethel – Elijah encouraged Elisha to remain and be separated from him as the Lord has called
him to travel to Bethel from Gilgal. By now Elisha had served Elijah for many years .
2. Elijah pleaded with Elisha to stay in Gilgal – Apparently Elijah knew he was going to be taken up to Heaven that day and requested
Elisha not to follow him. Elijah also intended to release Elisha from his duty as a servant. However, Elisha went with Elijah all the way.
3. Gilgal (Cross-road) – Gilgal means "This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you ." According to the Septuagint,
Gilgal was one of the holy sites. It was in Gilgal where the Israelites made their first camp after crossing the river of Jordan. It was in Gilgal
where the Israelites celebrated Passover and the manna from Heaven ceased. It also became a military command post during Joshua’s
initial conquest of the land. It was in Gilgal that King Saul was crowned but later lost His throne due to his disobedience. The people of
Israel came out to Gilgal to receive King David as king after his return from exile, which was caused by Absalom’s rebellion. Gilgal
represented a place of major decision to obey the Lord in fullness or to turn away to disobedience .
C. Elijah and Elisha journey to Bethel (2 Kings 2:2-3).
1. Bethel (Contending) – In Genesis 28, this geographical area is known as Luz. Jacob had a significant encounter with God there
while he was lying down to sleep. He called that place the “house of God” due to his encounter with “Jacob’s ladder.” Bethel is the place
he later wrestled with God, his hip was disjointed, and Israel was given to him as his new name.
2. Sons of the prophets at Bethel – The sons of the prophets came out to receive Elijah and Elisha. The sons of the prophets told
Elisha the prophetic reality that his master would be taken away to Heaven that day. It is amazing to note that there was a school of
prophets at that point in time. These sons of prophets knew Elijah was to be taken up as well as knew the timing.
D. Elijah and Elisha journey to Jericho (2 Kings 2:4-5).
1. The Lord sent Elijah from Bethel to Jericho – Elijah continued to travel in obedience to the Lord from Bethel to Jericho. The sons of
prophets also knew that Elijah was about to be taken up to Heaven. Elisha refused to leave Elijah, and he asked the sons of the prophets
in Jericho to be quiet about that fact.
2. Jericho (Conquest) – Jericho was near in proximity to Gilgal. It was the first Canaanite city that was conquered by Joshua after the
Israelites crossed over the Jordan. It was at Jericho that the Captain of the army of the Lord appeared to Joshua. It was a city built on the
plain.
E. Elijah and Elisha journey to Jordan (2 Kings 2:6-8).
1. The Lord sent Elijah to the Jordan – This is the third time Elijah pleaded with Elisha not to follow him, but Elisha insisted and followed
Elijah all the way as long as he lived. This exemplified Elisha’s profound faithfulness. The sons of the prophets did not follow Elijah and
Elisha, but stood at a distance to see them cross the Jordan River.
F. Elijah and Elisha cross over the Jordan (2 Kings 2:6-10).
1. Elijah and Elisha cross over the Jordan – Historically the Jordan-crossing was one of the most significant events in Israel’s sacred
history. Elijah rolled up his mantle and struck the water. Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
2. The mantle of Elijah – Elijah the Tishbite is a very unusual man of God. The characteristics of his life and ministry were not common
even among the Old Testament prophets. He was the only one who did not taste death before being taken to Heaven. In Malachi 4, the
Scripture prophesied Elijah’s return before the great Day of the Lord. Elijah’s mantle signified his authority and anointing for his ministry.
After his experience in solitude at Mount Horeb , where the voice of the Lord commanded him to anoint Elisha of Shaphat at Abel Meholah
as his successor, he obeyed the voice of the Lord and found Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. Elijah threw his mantle onto Elisha,
which was an act of anointing .
3. The water of the Jordan parted – The parting of the Jordan River and being able to cross it on dry ground (Joshua 3:16) were
supernatural events that signified God’s presence and power to fulfill His own word and promise by covenant. The word of the Lord to
Elijah was that he would be taken to Heaven that day by the whirlwind, and his crossing to the east side of Jordan signified the completion
of his earthly journey.
G. Elijah was taken by a whirlwind to Heaven (2 Kings 2:11-12).
1. Elisha requested the double portion of the Spirit that was upon Elijah. Elijah mentioned that Elisha’s petition was beyond his ability
to grant. However, if Elisha was allowed by the Lord to see and experience the chariot of fire, then God had granted Elisha’s request for
the double portion anointing. Elisha saw the chariot of fire that came like a whirlwind. This chariot of fire separated Elijah from Elisha and
took Elijah up to heaven.
H. Elisha receives the mantle of Elijah (2 Kings 2:13-14a).
1. Elisha receives the mantle of Elijah – This is the second time the mantle of Elijah falls on Elisha. Elisha did not hesitate to tear his
own clothes when he was awestruck as he witnessed Elijah being taken by the fiery chariots and horsemen in the whirlwind to Heaven. He
did not hesitate to take on the mantle of Elijah, as he knew that it was an answer to his final request to receive the double portion of the
spirit of Elijah. Even the sons of prophets in Jericho recognized the spirit of Elijah had fallen upon Elisha when they saw the mantle of Elijah
on Elisha.
II. EXEGETICAL STUDY (2 KINGS 2:9-11)
A. OUTLINE OF 2 KINGS 2:9-11
1. Elijah asked Elisha, “What can I do for you when I am taken from you?” (v. 9a).
2. Please let the double portion of your spirit be upon me (v.9b).
3. If you see me when I am taken away, then it shall be so (v.10).
4. Elijah and Elisha were separated by the chariots of fire (v.11a).
5. Elijah was taken by the whirlwind of God (v.11b).
B. Please let the double portion of your spirit be upon me (v.9).
1. Elisha, having lived and ministered alongside Elijah for many years, has acquired a vision of supernatural life in God. While all
anointed vessels are set apart as holy for the purposes of God, Elisha pressed in to be set apart even beyond just regular sons of
prophets. He pressed in to follow Elijah all the way beyond the Jordan where the water separated them from the rest of the people and the
sons of prophets.
2. Finally, he witnessed the fiery chariots of Israel and the whirlwind of fire that takes Elijah up. Although he was not personally taken
by the chariots of fire, he was marked permanently. In 2 Kings 6:17, Elisha was surrounded by chariots of fire in large numbers.
C. Greater works than these will you do (John 14:12).
1. Jesus encouraged his disciples about their future life and ministry after His departure to the Father and the coming of the
“paraclete” – the Holy Spirit. Jesus has supreme joy to see His body walking out this promise of “greater works than these will you do…”
D. Pursue love, earnestly desire spiritual gifts for the edification of all (1 Cor. 14:1).
1. The Apostle Paul clearly expounded on God’s heart for us to walk in the more excellent way of love, while earnestly desiring spiritual
gifts - especially greater gifts.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second
prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all
prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31
But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. (1 Cor. 12:27-31 NKJV)
E. Receiving the mantle and perseverance in using the mantle - releasing the miracles of God under the anointing (v. 14).
1. On the second attempt, the water of the Jordan River parted and Elisha crossed over to the west side of the Jordan on dry ground.
A miracle of God was released through the mantle of Elisha. The Scripture went on to document the extent of Elisha’s ministry having a
double portion of the miracles that Elijah performed. Elisha became the only human being in biblical account who passed through the river
of Jordan twice. God honors Elisha’s faith.
2. Spiritual authority comes by receiving the anointed mantle. Elisha performed a tangible miracle by parting the water of the Jordan
River the third time in Israel’s sacred history. The sons of the prophets in Jericho recognized the spiritual authority that now rested upon
the Prophet Elisha, and they bowed down to honor him.
III. APPLICATION – HOW TO POSTURE FOR GREATER GIFTS AND GREATER WORKS
A. Receiving the anointing and cultivating the anointing abiding in you (1 John 2:20-27).
B. Keep the sacred trust in the midst of spiritual awakening (Lev. 6:13).
1. Charles G. Finney – often withdrew to fast and pray for one or two days in between revivals as he sensed the power of the Holy
Spirit waning in his life in a particular season.
2. Evan Roberts – withdrew for seven days to fast and pray in the midst of the Welsh Revival.
3. Bill Johnson’s quote: “God starts the fire on the altar, but the priest needs to keep the fire on the altar.” We keep the fire on the
altar that was started by the Lord September 19, 1999, and we must continue to be the keeper of His sanctuary.
C. Convergence of streams and rivers (December 2009) (Psalms 46:4-7).
1. The convergence of renewal streams from Toronto (John Arnott), supernatural life and ministry (Bill Johnson), and night and day
worship and prayer in bridal paradigm and forerunner ministry (Mike Bickle) is key to enhancing divine exchange in anointing and grace
within the body of Christ. Such convergence of streams and rivers is not exclusive, but lays a ground work for further convergence, even
with other missions and evangelism rivers, such as YWAM (Mark Anderson, John Dawson and Loren Cunningham) and Every Home for
Christ (Dick Eastman), etc.
D. The wine, wind, and fire will help us to walk out 24/7 works of justice (Acts 2:1-19).
1. Healing and restoration and confidence in His love (wine).
2. Angelic ministry, physical healing, divine guidance in shifting circumstances and events, counsel of God, and helping those who are
unto salvation (wind).
3. Judgment, redemption, passion, intimacy, and seal of his fiery love (fire).