And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
Ver. 1. When the Lord would raise up Elijah into heaven.] Into the third heaven, not into the sky only - as some have conceited - till our Saviour's ascension.
That Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.] Which is commonly held to have been a school or college of prophets - as was also Bethel - of whom be was the father or chief instructor. For a meet farewell to the earth, Elijah will go visit these places before his departure: these were in his way. Of any part of the earth, these were nearest unto heaven.