Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice how it's Elijah's cloak, not some special staff, that’s used for this miraculous parting of the Jordan River. This simple garment, probably worn day in and day out, becomes an instrument of God's power, showing that the extraordinary often arises from the ordinary in God's hands. It's a reminder that God can use any of us, just as we are, for His amazing purposes.
Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elijah is preparing for his imminent departure to heaven, and Elisha is determined not to be left behind. Following their journey from Gilgal, Elijah has just performed this miracle of parting the Jordan River, enabling them to cross on dry land. This act sets the stage for Elijah's fiery ascension and Elisha's subsequent inheritance of his prophetic mantle.
Elijah’s cloak seems ordinary, yet it performs an extraordinary miracle. What’s the secret behind this powerful garment?
In this dramatic moment, Elijah uses his cloak not just as a piece of clothing, but as a symbol and instrument of God's power. This act mirrors Moses parting the Red Sea, a foundational event in Israel's history. Elijah is demonstrating that God's power is still active, ready to intervene for His people. The cloak, perhaps passed down or imbued with spiritual significance, becomes the conduit through which God’s mighty power is displayed, splitting the Jordan River.
The Jordan River wasn't just water; it was a significant boundary. What does crossing it on dry ground signify?
The Jordan River marked the edge of the Promised Land for ancient Israel. Crossing it meant entering into God's provision and promises. For Elijah and Elisha, this crossing signifies a transition – Elijah’s departure and Elisha’s new, intensified spiritual inheritance. It’s a boundary they cross not by their own strength, but by the direct intervention of God. This act blesses Elisha, preparing him for the greater work to come, and assures him that God is with him as he steps into a prophetic double portion.
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addereth · Hebrew Noun
An outer garment worn by prophets, often symbolizing their authority, identity, and the divine call upon their lives.
This event echoes the parting of the Red Sea by Moses, showcasing God's consistent power to deliver His people through extraordinary means and demonstrating the passing of prophetic authority through a miraculous sign.
c. 875 BC
Elijah's Ministry Begins
Elijah, a prophet from Tishbe in Gilead, boldly confronts King Ahab and the worship of Baal in Israel. His ministry is marked by dramatic displays of God's power.
c. 870 BC
Confrontation on Mount Carmel
Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal to a contest, demonstrating the power of Yahweh and leading to the slaughter of the prophets of Baal. This solidifies Elijah's prophetic authority.
c. 853 BC
Elijah Anoints Successors
God instructs Elijah to anoint Hazael as king of Syria and Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as a prophet in his place. This signifies the transition of leadership.
c. 853 BC— this verse
Elijah Taken to Heaven
Elijah and his disciple Elisha are at the Jordan River when a chariot of fire separates them. Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, a singular event in Scripture.
c. 853 BC
Elisha Parts the Jordan
Receiving Elijah's fallen cloak, Elisha strikes the Jordan River, mirroring Elijah's earlier miracle and proving his authority as Elijah's successor.
c. 853-841 BC
Elisha's Ministry in Israel
Elisha performs numerous miracles, continuing Elijah's work and confronting the corruptions of Israel's kings, often involving political and social turmoil.
This passage describes Moses stretching out his hand over the Red Sea, and the Lord causing the waters to part by a strong east wind, mirroring Elijah's powerful act with his cloak.
Joshua 3:15-17Similar to Elijah's crossing, the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant step into the Jordan River, and the waters stop flowing, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.
1 Kings 19:19This verse shows Elijah calling Elisha to follow him, setting the stage for Elisha to inherit a double portion of Elijah's spirit, which would empower him for similar miraculous deeds.
2 Kings 13:14When Elisha is dying, King Joash asks for help, and Elisha's prophetic words about striking the ground three times recall Elijah's striking of the water, linking their prophetic authority.
Notice how it's Elijah's cloak, not some special staff, that’s used for this miraculous parting of the Jordan River. This simple garment, probably worn day in and day out, becomes an instrument of God's power, showing that the extraordinary often arises from the ordinary in God's hands. It's a reminder that God can use any of us, just as we are, for His amazing purposes.
Elijah is preparing for his imminent departure to heaven, and Elisha is determined not to be left behind. Following their journey from Gilgal, Elijah has just performed this miracle of parting the Jordan River, enabling them to cross on dry land. This act sets the stage for Elijah's fiery ascension and Elisha's subsequent inheritance of his prophetic mantle.
Elijah is preparing for his imminent departure to heaven, and Elisha is determined not to be left behind. Following their journey from Gilgal, Elijah has just performed this miracle of parting the Jordan River, enabling them to cross on dry land. This act sets the stage for Elijah's fiery ascension and Elisha's subsequent inheritance of his prophetic mantle.
"Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground." — Notice how it's Elijah's cloak, not some special staff, that’s used for this miraculous parting of the Jordan River. This simple garment, probably worn day in and day out, becomes an instrument of…
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Last reviewed October 2026