(Please read the passage above before reading the commentary.)
Moses named his successor, then he died on Mt Nebo. Elijah likewise chose his successor, Elisha. Although he is not said to have died, Elijah was taken up to heaven near where Moses died. The Scriptures see many parallels between Moses and Elijah. The two crystalize the Law and the Prophets. This is why, at the transfiguration of Jesus, Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus.
Elijah makes his way to the Jordan River, accompanied by Elisha. What would Elisha like to have from Elijah when Elijah is taken way? Elisha would like to be Elijah’s firstborn and inherit a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. According to the law of the firstborn, the firstborn would receive an extra portion of the father’s estate. The Scriptures describes for Elisha twice the miracles they describe for Elijah.
Elisha takes Elijah’s cloak and uses it to split the waters of the Jordan so that he can cross the river dry-shod as Elijah had done earlier.
We can conclude, then, that Elisha did receive a double portion of the spirit of Elijah, and that he did carry on the work of Elijah. The spirit of prophecy did not end with Elisha. Jesus fulfilled the work of the prophets and has passed it on to us, the new Elishas. So, we are sent out to continue the work of Jesus with a full portion of Jesus’ Spirit.