An extraordinary chapter narrates the stunning conclusion of Elijah’s career and the beginning of Elisha’s as a public figure. One aspect that emerges early in the narrative (2:1–8) is the tenacity of Elisha, in dealing with both his master and the persistent questions from the “company of the prophets” (literally “sons of the prophets”). Elijah’s upcoming experience is evidently common knowledge in prophetic circles, and yet Elisha’s tenacity early in the chapter foreshadows his difficult request in verse 10. Furthermore, the parting of the waters of the Jordan is reminiscent of the wilderness years, carrying the implication that Elisha (“God is salvation”) will be the new Joshua (“the Lord is salvation”) for these times. As Elijah and Elisha cross the river (2:9–…