2 New Sheqalim Elijah in the Whirlwind

Reverse

Elijah going up to heaven in a chariot of fire drawn by horses of fire. Below left is Elisha, who is to take over Elijah's prophetic role, astounded at the parting of Elijah.

Engravers: Yaacov Enyedi, Tidhar Dagan

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Elijah the Prophet, about whom we are told in the Book of Kings I and II, ascends to heaven in the whirlwind, in a chariot of fire drawn by horses of fire. This is one of the most famous Biblical scenes, which has been an inspiration for artists throughout the ages. Elijah was weary of his relentless and unsuccessful efforts to correct the ways of the people. He understood that his role as a prophet was destined to end; He was to leave this world and Elisha, his disciple, was to take over his mission. Elisha refuses to accept that his beloved master was to leave him and the moving parting between Elisha and Elijah is an integral part of the dramatic scene. As Elijah and Elisha walked and talked together "behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them from one another, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried "My Father, My Father…And he saw him no more and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him …" (Kings II, 2:11-13). Elijah had not died but he had been taken up to heaven, to reappear as a harbinger of the Messiah to come.

Interesting fact

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
5772 (2012) מ	2800	-	-	-	-	-	-

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 2 New Sheqalim (Elijah in the Whirlwind) 5772 (2012) coin.