Elisha

Lore & Background

Elisha is called by Elijah while plowing with twelve yoke of oxen (1 Kings 19:19). He follows Elijah from Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho and across the Jordan, refusing to leave him (2 Kings 2:2, 2 Kings 2:4). When Elijah is taken by a whirlwind, Elisha picks up Elijah's fallen mantle and parts the Jordan River, demonstrating that the spirit of Elijah rests on him (2 Kings 2:12, 2 Kings 2:14, 2 Kings 2:15). Elisha performs several miracles. He heals the waters of Jericho, making them wholesome (2 Kings 2:19, 2 Kings 2:22). He multiplies a widow's pot of oil to pay her debts and prevent her sons from being taken as bondmen (2 Kings 4:1-2). He prophesies that a Shunammite woman will bear a son, which comes to pass (2 Kings 4:8, 2 Kings 4:17), and later raises that child from the dead (2 Kings 4:32). During a dearth, he instructs his servant to prepare pottage for the sons of the prophets (2 Kings 4:38). Elisha also interacts with kings and foreign officials. He rebukes the king of Israel but assists King Jehoshaphat of Judah (2 Kings 3:13-14). He instructs Naaman, a Syrian commander, to wash in the Jordan seven times to be cleansed of leprosy (2 Kings 5:9-10). His servant Gehazi later lies about his whereabouts after secretly taking gifts from Naaman, and Elisha confronts him (2 Kings 5:20, 2 Kings 5:25).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Elisha as a devoted disciple who transitions into a powerful prophet. His calling is abrupt and physical—Elijah casts his mantle on him while he works (1 Kings 19:19). Elisha's loyalty is emphasized as he repeatedly refuses to leave Elijah, even when the sons of prophets warn of Elijah's impending departure (2 Kings 2:2-5). His request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit (2 Kings 2:9) shows ambition for prophetic authority, which is confirmed when he parts the Jordan with Elijah's mantle (2 Kings 2:14). Elisha's miracles demonstrate divine power over nature and life: healing water (2 Kings 2:22), multiplying oil (2 Kings 4:2-7), and raising a child (2 Kings 4:32). He is a figure of moral authority, rebuking the king of Israel (2 Kings 3:13-14) and commanding Naaman (2 Kings 5:10). His servant Gehazi's deception (2 Kings 5:20-25) highlights Elisha's discernment. The passages consistently present Elisha as a man of God whose words and actions carry divine weight, though they do not explain his death or later traditions.

Did You Know?

• Elisha was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen when Elijah called him (1 Kings 19:19).
• He requested a double portion of Elijah's spirit before Elijah was taken (2 Kings 2:9).
• Elisha healed the waters of Jericho, which had been causing barrenness (2 Kings 2:19, 2 Kings 2:22).
• His servant Gehazi lied about his whereabouts after taking gifts from Naaman (2 Kings 5:20, 2 Kings 5:25).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Elisha was, according to the Hebrew Bible, a Jewish prophet and a wonder-worker." — Elisha "(To Elijah, who had asked him what he could do for him before he was taken up into Heaven) Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." — Elisha "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" — Elisha