The answer is: Elijah

2 Kings 2:13-14 - As Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, his cloak (mantle) fell to Elisha, signifying the transfer of prophetic authority. Elisha immediately used it to part the Jordan River, confirming his divine calling.

Isn’t it amazing how necessary items, like Elijah’s cloak, can carry deep symbolic meaning in biblical stories? Elijah’s mantle, often seen as just an outer garment, becomes a vessel for divine power! When he handed it over to Elisha, it wasn’t just a coat; it was a potent emblem of prophetic inheritance.

Have you ever considered how imaginations in this part of the Bible extend beyond mere transitions? The whirlwind that swept Elijah away is an intriguing reflection of God’s mysterious and awe-inspiring ways! This “Armageddon-style” exit emphasizes that God’s presence can profoundly alter lives and narratives.

Elisha, receiving that cloak, instantly became the torchbearer for Israel's prophetic voice. By using it to part the Jordan River, he mirrored the much earlier crossing of the Israelites into the Promised Land under Joshua—a noteworthy echo that packs a punch.

Did you know that some traditions affirm that this cloak was considered a sign of great power? It starts this trend of prophetic gadgets! Examples include Moses’ staff and Aaron’s garments—over time, coats and staffs became such symbols in their respective narratives that readers could almost feel the historical crowd gathering, chanting for divine action!

These stories are packed with lessons in succession and legacy. Each prophet illuminates a distinct trait of the divine, leading us to ponder our connection to sacred inheritance throughout generations. Isn’t that thought just as powerful as the whirlwind itself?