9. You were taken up to heaven in a fiery whirlwind, a chariot drawn by fiery horses.
10. The scripture says that you are ready to appear at the designated time, to cool God's anger before it breaks out in fury; that you “will bring parents and children together again,” and restore the tribes of Israel.
11. Fortunate are those who live to see you come, as well as those who have already died in love, for we too shall live.
12. When Elijah was hidden by the whirlwind, Elisha was filled with his Spirit. As long as he lived, he was not afraid of rulers, and they could not make him do as they wished.
13. Nothing was too hard for him. Even when he was dead, his body worked a miracle.
14. In life and in death he performed amazing miracles.
15. But in spite of all this, the people did not abandon their sinful ways until they were taken from their land as prisoners and scattered all over the world. This left the nation few in number, but those who remained were still ruled by the descendants of David.
16. Some of the people did what was pleasing to the Lord, but others committed sin after sin.