And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father - i:e., spiritual father, as the pupils of the prophets are called their sons.
The chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof - i:e., that is, as earthly kingdoms are dependent for their defense and glory upon warlike preparations, there a single prophet had done more for the preservation and prosperity of Israel than all her chariots and horsemen.
Took hold of his own clothes, and rent them - in token of his grief for his loss.