That he went up to Heaven in a whirlwind" just like you quoted.
The example of Elijah is often given to show that such an honor being bestowed upon a mere human does not make them equal to God.
Also presented as evidence, or rather "negative evidence" is that there is no "tomb of Mary" nor are there any relics or artifacts in existence. You know we like to keep saints' bones and whatnot around. Yet, we somehow forgot where Mary was buried and failed to use the Mother of God for relics.
SD
I hope I do not offend anyone here if I suggest that it would be silly to believe that scripture indicates that Elijah -- who went bodily into Heaven -- became equal to God because he entered Heaven in his physical body.
I think that it shows that Elijah was a very special man -- a faithful man honored by a God great in His faithfulness.