(2 Kings 2:10)

1^ST CATEGORY OT

QUESTION 26. DID ELISHA GET WHAT HE ASKED INDISCREETLY FOR ELIJAH? — Elisha eagerly desired the spirit and the gift of miracles; seduced by the example of his master who allowed him to ask him anything he wished, and greedy of the good he could obtain, he asked for a double portion of the spirit that Elijah had. The man of God answered him: "You asked me a very difficult thing." An intense desire made him forget that the disciple is not above the master. (Matt. 10:24) However, Elijah, knowing well that it was not by the ambition of the glory of this world that he had made this request, replied: "Nevertheless, if you see me when I will be removed from you, you will have what you asked for.” The meaning of these words requires serious attention. Elijah, whose dissatisfaction pierces in these words: "You ask me a very difficult thing," does not fail to add: "If, however, you see me when I am taken away from you, you will have what you have asked for." He had not refused him an absolute refusal, he only taught him that he would obtain according to his merit rather than according to his request. Scripture, in fact, means that many things must be understood so that the meaning which results from the expressions is not contrary to the principles of religion. This indiscreet request must have had no effect; but because Elisha reads it only by the desire of good, God, who knows what he ought to give to each, would not be deprived of the goods which he was worthy of receiving. Let us now see if Elijah deserved to have Elisha receive a double portion of the spirit that he himself had. The Holy Spirit made known to Zechariah what would be the greatness and merit of John. "He will come," said he, "in the spirit and virtue of Elijah. (Luke 1:17) He tells him that John will be the equal of Elijah, and Our Lord says on his side: "No one has risen from the children of women greater than John the Baptist. (Matt. 11:11.) He does not say, He is greater than all, but: "No one is greater than he;” That is, one can be his equal, one cannot be superior to him. Elijah is therefore equal to him, and is not inferior to anyone; How can Elisha be greater than he, since John, who has no one above him, is equal to Elijah? For when he arrived on the banks of the Jordan, the waters would not yield to his word to give him passage, if he had not invoked the name of Elijah (2 Kgs. 2:14), God not wanting to let him believe that he had received the effect of his indiscreet request, because the measure of the spirit which had been accorded to Elijah was not sufficient for the time he lived.