The Danger of Receiving Prophecy

When it becomes known to the prophets that Eliyahu (Elijah) will be leaving the world on that day, Eliyahu’s talmid (student) Elisha follows him, despite Eliyahu’s request that everyone stay behind, and his specific concern for Elisha.  Accepting the gift of prophecy seems to be a double-edged sword, which can burn the person receiving it if he is unready, hence Eliyahu’s reticence to hand it over to Elisha, and the other prophet’s decision to remain at a safe distance as it happened.