2 Kings 2 · Grade 4
The Chariot of Fire
Read and Think
The Lord was about to take Elijah up by a whirlwind. Elijah and Elisha set out from Gilgal. At Gilgal, at Bethel, and at Jericho, Elijah told Elisha to stay. Each time Elisha said he would not leave him. Fifty sons of the prophets watched from a distance.
Elijah rolled up his mantle and struck the water, and it divided so they crossed on dry ground, as Israel had crossed long before. Elijah asked what Elisha wanted before he was taken. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, the share an heir received. Elijah said it was a hard thing, but if Elisha saw him taken, it would be granted.
A chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha cried, my father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen! He took up the mantle, struck the water, and asked where the Lord, the God of Elijah, was. The water parted. Elisha healed Jericho's water with salt. Near Bethel, some youths mocked him. He cursed them in the Lord's name, and two bears came out of the woods and attacked forty-two of them. It was a warning not to mock God's prophet.
Show What You Know
Who watched from a distance?
Why did Elisha ask for a double portion?
What did Elisha ask when he struck the water?
What did the youths do near Bethel?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- The Lord was about to take up by a whirlwind.
- Elijah and set out from Gilgal.
- Elijah rolled up his and struck the water, and it divided so they crossed on dry ground, as Israel had crossed long before.
- A chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them, and Elijah went up by a into heaven.
- He took up the mantle, struck the water, and asked where the Lord, the of Elijah, was.
Think About It
Elisha would not leave Elijah. How can you stay faithful to God and to the people He has given you?
Elisha asked for spiritual power, not riches. What would you ask God for if you could ask for anything?
Memory Verse
“As they continued on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
2 Kings 2:11 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for Your Spirit. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you keep going when friends tell you to stop?
- How can you be ready for new work God gives you?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.