and wrapt it together] Making thus a sort of roll or rod, and remind-
ing us by his action of Moses, who smote with his rod the waters of the
Nile (Exod. vii. 17, 10) when they were to be turned into blood.
9. when they were gone over] Or, with margin of R. V., 'as they
went over '• There was now no other place to visit, and the end was
felt to be close at hand. Both probably thought how near they were
coming to the spot where the earlier prophet Moses had been taken from
the earth. In crossing the Jordan Elijah stood again on the slopes of
his native Gilead. Was he impelled by that strong desire which so
often makes men wish to die among the scenes of their childhood ?

before I be taken away from thee] R. V. omits * away ', rather incon-
sistently, for 'take away is kept as the rendering of the same verb in
verses 3 and 5.
The subject which had been filling both their hearts, the approaching
separation, is at last mentioned. The master would help in whatever
way he could the disciple who has been chosen to fill his place ; and the
question tests the character of Elisha. It shews that he felt that he
must act with the same undaunted courage and boldness, and that he
knew the needs of the times.
