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The Greats of the Old Testament

Elijah Taken Up in Fire

Heaven sent a chariot of fire, and a blessing fell with the cloak.

2 Kings 2:1–15

There appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2 Kings 2:11

What is happening

The LORD is about to take Elijah up into heaven. Elisha will not leave his side, and they cross the Jordan on dry ground when Elijah strikes the water with his cloak. Elisha asks for a double portion of his spirit. As they walk and talk, a chariot of fire with horses of fire separates them, and Elijah goes up in a whirlwind. Elisha cries "My father, my father," and picks up the cloak that fell. He strikes the Jordan, and it parts.

Why it matters

Elijah's story does not end in death. What he carried does not end either: it passes to the one who did not leave him.

Scales

  • Small, 12 × 16 in — More intimate. The work sits within the room rather than leading it.
  • Classic, 18 × 24 in — Our natural starting point: present enough to hold the wall, with room to breathe around it.
  • Large, 24 × 32 in — More presence across the room. The work becomes a stronger architectural element.

Presented in the SIGNATURE BLACK FRAME.