Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on 2 Kings 2:12

12. Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father--that is, spiritual father, as the pupils of the prophets are called their sons.

the chariot of Israel, and the horseman thereof--that is, that as earthly kingdoms are dependent for their defense and glory upon warlike preparations, there a single prophet had done more for the preservation and prosperity of Israel than all her chariots and horsemen.

took hold of his own clothes and rent them--in token of his grief for his loss.