Olney Hymns · Chapter
Elijah's Mantle explained
The poem reflects on Elisha's receipt of Elijah's mantle and the Spirit's power, lamenting the perceived absence of such divine power in the present age and praying for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, especially upon the youth.
What happens
The poem reflects on Elisha's receipt of Elijah's mantle and the Spirit's power, lamenting the perceived absence of such divine power in the present age and praying for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, especially upon the youth.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and Guidance
The poem highlights God's continued guidance and power through the Spirit, as seen in Elisha's miracles and the prayer for a fresh outpouring.
Spiritual Warfare
The prayer to 'break the bonds of sin and Satan' underscores the ongoing spiritual conflict and the need for divine intervention.
Characters to notice
- Elisha
Grieves at Elijah's departure, catches the mantle, and performs miracles through the Spirit.
- Elijah
Taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot, leaving his mantle to Elisha.
- Peter
Mentioned as one who wielded the gospel's power effectively, melting hearts of steel.
- God
Invoked as 'Elijah's God,' the source of hope and power, asked to reveal His arm and confirm His word.
Key passages
“I Elisha, struck with grief and awe, Cried, Ah! where now is Isr'el's stay?””
Elisha, overwhelmed with sorrow and reverence, lamented the loss of Israel's support and guide.
The opening lines express Elisha's despair at losing Elijah.
“His mantle, as it fell, he caught; The Spirit rested on him too, And equal miracles he wrought.”
He caught the falling mantle, and the Spirit came upon him, enabling him to perform the same miracles as Elijah.
The transfer of prophetic power is symbolized by the mantle.
“The wonder-working gospel thus From hand to hand has been convey'd; We have the mantle still with us, But where, O where's the Spirit's aid?”
The gospel has been passed down through generations, but although we have the scriptures and the church, we lack the evident power of the Spirit.
The poem contrasts the past power with the present perceived weakness.
“When Peter first his mantle waved, How soon it melted hearts of steel! Sinners, by thousands, then were saved, But now how few its virtues feel!”
When Peter preached the gospel, it had a powerful effect, converting thousands, but now few are affected by it.
Peter's ministry is cited as an example of the gospel's power.