at the Sea of Reeds, they cross over on dry land (vv. 7–8; cf. Exod. 14:15–31, esp. vv. 21–2). Elisha then requests what an eldest son would expect of a father (cf. v. 12) as his inheritance: a double portion (cf. Deut. 21:15–17). In this case it is not land that he has in mind, but spirit, for Elisha has already left normal life and normal rules of inheritance behind (cf. 1 Kgs. 19:19–21). Elijah promises that Elisha will indeed receive this gift if he sees his departure—which Elisha duly does (vv.