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The Elijah Memo!

What Really Happened To Elijah?

"...and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven" (2 Kings 2:11).

At first glance this would give the impression that Elijah went to the throne of God in heaven, not having to die. But does it really say that? Not really. To find out the definition of the word heaven go to What? Elijah Didn't Go To Heaven?

Elijah went away in a whirlwind, leaving his mantel of leadership to his assistant, Elisha (2 Kings chapter 2). This happened just after King Ahaziah died (as Elijah predicted) and Jehoram took over as King (2 Kings 21:17).

Some assume that Elijah went away in a whirlwind and went to the third heaven (God's throne). However, he did not go to God's throne. How do we know? Because years later Elijah sent a memo to King Jehoram.

"And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet..." (2 Chronicles 21:12). So just as Elijah had predicted the death of King Ahaziah, he also predicted the death of King Jehoram. And King Jehoram also died as predicted by Elijah. (2 Chronicles 21:12-20). So Elijah, after going away in a whirlwind, was not in the third heaven. Less than eight years later he was still on the earth, still making predictions.

-- wilyelder