According to 2 Kings, the prophet taken to heaven in a whirlwind was Elijah. The account describes Elijah and his successor Elisha traveling together before a fiery chariot and horses of fire separated them.
A whirlwind then carried Elijah upward, while Elisha watched and tore his clothes in grief. Elijah’s mantle fell to Elisha, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority. Elisha subsequently performed miracles and became the leading prophet in the narrative of Israel’s northern kingdom.
Elijah had earlier confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, opposed the worship of Baal, and was associated with the dramatic contest on Mount Carmel. His departure therefore marks a major transition in the prophetic stories of 1 and 2 Kings.
Elijah is sometimes confused with Elisha because their names are similar and Elisha followed him as disciple and successor. The whirlwind episode belongs to Elijah; Elisha remained on earth and continued the prophetic mission.