Elisha was a prophet in ancient Israel and is considered one of the greatest prophets of the Hebrew Bible, succeeding Elijah. His story is primarily found in the Books of Kings (1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2-13). He is known for performing a number of miracles and for continuing the prophetic work that Elijah began.
Relationship to Elijah
Elisha was Elijah’s disciple and successor. When God told Elijah that he would be taken up to heaven, Elijah found Elisha and cast his mantle (a symbol of his prophetic authority) over him. This was an indication that Elisha was to carry on Elijah’s prophetic mission. Elisha served Elijah faithfully and, after Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha took up Elijah’s mantle, signifying his role as the new prophet of Israel.
Elisha’s Miracles
Elisha performed many miracles, and they are recorded in the Bible as acts that displayed God’s power and mercy. Some of his most famous miracles include:
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Parting the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:13-14): After Elijah was taken up, Elisha struck the Jordan River with Elijah’s mantle, and the waters parted, allowing him to cross on dry land, just as Elijah had done.
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Healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-14): Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, was healed of his leprosy after following Elisha’s instruction to wash seven times in the Jordan River.
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The Widow’s Oil (2 Kings 4:1-7): A widow in debt was able to fill many jars with oil after Elisha instructed her to borrow empty vessels from her neighbors. The oil miraculously continued to flow until there were no more jars to fill, allowing her to sell the oil and pay off her debts.
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The Shunammite’s Son (2 Kings 4:8-37): Elisha raised a young boy from the dead after he fell ill. The boy had been the son of a wealthy woman from Shunem who had shown hospitality to Elisha.
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The Floating Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1-7): A borrowed axe head fell into the water, and Elisha made it float by throwing a stick into the water, causing the axe head to rise to the surface.
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Blinding the Aramean Army (2 Kings 6:8-23): Elisha prayed for the Lord to blind the army of the Arameans who were sent to capture him. He then led them to Samaria, where their sight was restored, and the enemy army was spared.
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The Siege of Samaria (2 Kings 7:1-20): Elisha prophesied that the siege of Samaria, which had caused famine in the city, would end suddenly, and the next day, the Israelites found food supplies abandoned by the fleeing Arameans.
Famous Quotes of Elisha
While Elisha did not have many memorable speeches like some other prophets, here are some of his notable sayings:
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“As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not leave you.” (2 Kings 2:2) — Elisha said this to Elijah when Elijah tried to send him away as he was about to be taken up into heaven.
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“Get yourself ready! Go and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord says: I have anointed you king over Israel.’” (2 Kings 9:1) — Elisha sent a prophet to anoint Jehu as king of Israel.
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“This is what the Lord says: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’” (2 Kings 3:16) — Elisha prophesied to the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom that they would have water to drink by digging ditches in the valley, which God miraculously filled with water.
How Elisha Got Elijah’s Mantle
Elisha received the mantle of Elijah in a profound way. As Elijah and Elisha were walking together, Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before he was taken up to heaven. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, which symbolized Elisha’s desire to continue Elijah’s work with even greater power.
When Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha witnessed it, and Elijah’s mantle (cloak) fell to the ground. Elisha picked up the mantle, symbolizing the passing of the prophetic authority. He then used it to part the Jordan River, confirming that he had indeed received the prophetic mantle and authority.
Legacy and Significance
Elisha is remembered for his unwavering faith in God and for his role in preserving Israel’s spiritual integrity. His miracles demonstrated God’s power to provide, heal, and save, and he served as a symbol of God’s continual work through His prophets.
