Definition: And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage together. It's a really interesting and dramatic part of the Book of 2 Kings! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes from a story about a powerful prophet named Elijah. Elijah was experiencing a significant period of distress – he had been struck by God, and his spirit was falling to the ground. He's essentially lost and confused. What’s Happening: “And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him…” : The “mantle” is a fancy name for Elijah’s special robes and symbols. This part describes something being taken away – perhaps a symbol of his power or guidance. “…and smote the waters…” : Elijah was trying to communicate with God, and he was making a powerful plea. He was commanding the water to move. “And said, Where [is] the LORD God of Elijah?” : This is the crucial part! Elijah was asking a really important question – “Where is the Lord of Elijah?” He realized that this powerful figure wasn’t just any god; he was being called by a specific deity. “and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither:” : This is where things get really strange. As Elijah spoke, the water started to move . It flowed from one side to the other – it split apart! It was like a powerful, unstoppable current. “and Elisha went over.” : Elijah’s servant, Elisha, watched this incredible event unfold. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse is about a moment of divine intervention and a dramatic display of power. It suggests that God was actively involved in something – perhaps a significant event or a test – and he was using Elijah as an instrument. Important Note: The exact details of what happened are somewhat mysterious and have been interpreted in different ways throughout history. It's a powerful image meant to convey awe and the presence of a divine force. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., its significance in the Bible, how it relates to other stories?) Are you curious about what "Elisha" might have done with this event?