and cried: “My father! my father! The chariot of Israel and the driver thereof!’' When he saw Elias no longer, he rent his garments in grief; then taking the mantle which Elias had dropped, he went back and struck with it the waters of the Jordan. They were divided, and Eliseus passed over. The other disciples[1] of Elias seeing this said: “The spirit of Elias hath rested upon Eliseus.”[2] And coming to meet him, they worshipped him, falling to the ground.
After Elias had been taken up into heaven, Eliseus arose and exhorted the Israelites to remain faithful to the Lord. God also favoured him with the gift of miracles[3]. When he came to Jericho, the men of the city said to him: “The situation of this city is very good, but the waters are very bad.” Eliseus answered: “Bring me a new vessel and put salt into it.” When they had brought it, he went out to the spring (Fig. 50, p. 280)[4], cast the salt into it, and the waters were healed.
One day when Eliseus was going up to Bethel[5], where the golden calf was worshipped, some boys came out of the city and mocked him, saying: “Go up, thou bald head.” Eliseus, knowing that in dishonouring him they dishonoured God, turned back and cursed them[6] in the name of the Lord. Immediately two bears came out of the wood that was near by, and killed forty-two of the boys.
- ↑ Other disciples. Elias’ disciples had stayed on the other side of the Jordan, and from thence had seen his marvellous translation.
- ↑ Upon Eliseus. They knew by the testimony of this great miracle that the gifts of prophecy and working miracles had passed from Elias to Eliseus.
- ↑ The gift of miracles. God worked a great many miracles through him, in order that the people might believe that God had sent him.
- ↑ The spring. To the well outside the town from which the water was conducted to the city. This well, like all those in the neighbourhood of the Dead Sea, had a briny taste. Therefore when Eliseus threw salt into it, it was not by the salt itself that the water was turned sweet, but by the power of God, invoked by Eliseus. The spring is still running : it is known by the name of the Sultan’s spring or Eliseus’ spring, and its water is very good.
- ↑ Bethel. Bethel was the head centre of idolatry. It is probable that the boys were set on to mock Eliseus by their impious parents, who very likely recognised him by the mantle of Elias.
- ↑ Cursed them. He foretold to them as well as to their wicked parents that God would punish them, which He did by means of the two bears.
