ELISHA The Prophet: Successor of Elisha the prophet Article

Elisha The Prophet

The Remarkable Story of Prophet Elisha

Elisha the prophet is one of the most prominent figures in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. His story is rich with miracles, prophecies, and interactions with kings and common people alike. Below is a detailed account of Elisha's life and journey, with references from the Bible.

Early Life and Call to Prophecy

Elisha's story begins with his call to follow the prophet Elijah. This event is recorded in 1 Kings 19:19-21:

Elijah journeyed forth and encountered Elisha, son of Shaphat, laboring with twelve yoke of oxen. Elisha himself was guiding the twelfth pair. With a decisive gesture, Elijah draped his cloak over Elisha, marking a profound moment of calling. Instantly, Elisha abandoned his oxen, racing after Elijah. "Allow me to bid my parents farewell," he implored. Elijah, enigmatic, responded, "Return; consider what I have imparted to you."

Elisha returned briefly, not to delay, but to signify his new path. He slaughtered his oxen, using the plowing equipment to cook their meat, which he then shared with the people in a communal feast. This act of finality marked his departure from his past life. Resolute, he set forth to follow Elijah, embracing his new role as servant and disciple.

Elisha's instantaneous acceptance of Elijah's summons highlights his profound dedication and readiness to abandon all he knew in order to serve God wholeheartedly. The act of burning his plowing equipment symbolizes his complete break from his former life.

Transition from Elijah to Elisha

Elisha's ministry began in earnest after Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. This significant event is detailed in 2 Kings 2:1-18. Before Elijah's departure, Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, which Elijah grants if Elisha sees him being taken up.

"When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?' 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied. "Elijah responded, 'You've made a tough request. However, if you witness my departure, it shall be granted to you—if not, then it won't.' While they strolled and conversed, a dramatic scene unfolded: a fiery chariot with blazing horses materialized, parting them, and Elijah ascended to the heavens in a whirlwind." Elisha saw this and cried out, 'My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!' And Elisha saw him no more. With a dramatic gesture, he tore his garment in two, leaving a lasting symbol of his profound sorrow. Elisha, now standing alone, saw Elijah's cloak lying where it had fallen and picked it up with a sense of purpose. He returned to the banks of the Jordan, the cloak in hand, and struck the water with it, calling out, "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" Miraculously, the waters parted, flowing to the right and left, allowing Elisha to cross over on dry ground. (2 Kings 2:9-14)

The passing of Elijah's mantle signifies the transfer of prophetic authority to Elisha. The parting of the Jordan River as his first miracle attests that the spirit of Elijah now resides within him.

Early Miracles and Ministry

Elisha's ministry is marked by numerous miracles, demonstrating God's power and care for His people. Some of the early miracles include purifying the water of Jericho and calling down a curse on mocking youths, resulting in their death by bears (2 Kings 2:19-25).

The Widow's Oil

"In a remarkable display of compassion and divine power, Elisha performed a miracle that transformed the life of a destitute widow, as recorded in the scriptures." 2 Kings 4:1-7:

In a time of great distress, a widow from among the followers of the prophets approached Elisha with a desperate plea: "My husband, your servant, has died. You know he feared the Lord, but now his creditor is coming to enslave my two sons." Elisha, with calm and wisdom, asked her, "How can I assist you? What do you have in your house?" She responded, "I have nothing there except a small jar of olive oil."

Elisha then instructed her, "Go to all your neighbors and collect empty jars. Don't just ask for a few. Then go inside with your sons, close the door, and pour oil into all the jars, setting each one aside when it's full." Following his advice, she shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought her the jars, and she poured oil into each one. When all the jars were filled, she asked her son for another, but he told her, "There are no jars left." At that moment, the oil stopped flowing.

The widow went back to Elisha to tell him what happened. He told her, "Sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what remains." This miraculous event not only saved her sons from bondage but also provided them with a means to sustain themselves.

This extraordinary act not only highlights Elisha's deep compassion but also showcases God's boundless provision for the needy.

The Shunammite Woman

Elisha formed a unique bond with a wealthy Shunammite woman, who generously offered him a room in her home each time he traveled through her town. In gratitude, Elisha promises her a son, which God grants (2 Kings 4:8-17). When the child later dies, Elisha raises him from the dead, further solidifying his role as a prophet of God (2 Kings 4:18-37).

Miracles and Interactions with Kings

Elisha's ministry extended to interactions with kings and leaders, often providing counsel and performing miracles.

The Healing of Naaman

One of the most famous stories involving Elisha is the healing of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram. Description given  in 2 Kings 5:1-19:

Naaman, a distinguished commander of the army of the king of Aram, was highly esteemed by his master for the victories the Lord had granted through him. Despite his valor, Naaman suffered from leprosy. During a raid, Aramean soldiers captured a young girl from Israel who became a servant to Naaman's wife. The girl mentioned to her mistress that if Naaman could visit the prophet in Samaria, he would be healed of his leprosy.

Upon hearing this, Naaman approached his master, the king of Aram, who encouraged him to go, even providing a letter of introduction to the king of Israel. Naaman set off with generous gifts: ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of clothing. The letter he carried requested the king of Israel to cure Naaman's leprosy. The king of Israel, upon reading the letter, was distressed and tore his robes, exclaiming, "Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this man send someone to me to be healed? He's looking for a reason to quarrel!"

When Elisha, the prophet of God, learned of the king's distress, he sent a message to the king, asking why he had torn his robes and instructing him to send Naaman to him so that he would know there was a prophet in Israel. Naaman arrived at Elisha's house with his horses and chariots. Instead of meeting him directly, Elisha sent a messenger instructing Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed.

Angry and feeling disrespected, Naaman complained that he expected Elisha to personally come out, call on the Lord, and heal him on the spot. He questioned why he couldn't wash in the rivers of Damascus, which he believed were better than all the waters of Israel. In his rage, he turned to leave. However, his servants approached him, reasoning that if the prophet had asked him to do something difficult, he would have done it, so why not simply wash and be cleansed as instructed?

Persuaded, Naaman went to the Jordan and dipped himself seven times as Elisha had said. His flesh was restored, becoming as clean and healthy as that of a young boy.

This tale illuminates how Elisha's impact extended far beyond Israel's borders, showcasing God's boundless power and mercy to all who earnestly seek Him, no matter their nationality.

Further Miracles and Prophecies

Elisha's ministry continued with numerous other miracles and prophecies, each showcasing different aspects of God's character and power.

The Floating Axe Head

In 2 Kings 6:1-7, Elisha performs a miracle to recover a lost axe head, demonstrating God's concern for even the smallest needs of His people:

In a bustling assembly, the prophets approached Elisha with a concern: "The space where we gather is becoming too cramped. Let us venture to the Jordan, where we can each take a pole and construct a new meeting place." Elisha agreed, saying, "Go ahead." One of the prophets added, "Would you accompany us?" "I will," Elisha responded, and he joined them. Upon reaching the Jordan, they began felling trees. During the task, the iron head of an axe plunged into the river, prompting a distressed cry from one prophet: "Alas, it was borrowed!" Elisha inquired about the location of the mishap. Guided to the spot, he took a stick, cast it into the water, and miraculously, the iron axe head floated to the surface. "Retrieve it," he instructed, and the prophet reached in to recover the tool.

The Blinding of the Arameans

Elisha's prophetic ministry extended beyond spiritual guidance, as he actively shielded Israel from adversarial incursions. In 2 Kings 6:8-23, Elisha reveals the movements of the Aramean army to the king of Israel, frustrating their plans. When the Arameans come to capture Elisha, he prays for them to be struck with blindness, leading them to Samaria where their sight is restored, and they are treated with kindness, resulting in peace:

As dawn's light broke, the servant of the man of God stepped outside only to find the city encircled by a vast army of horses and chariots. Fear gripped him as he exclaimed, "What shall we do, my lord?" The prophet responded with calm reassurance, "Do not fear, for those who are with us outnumber those against us." Elisha then prayed, "Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Instantly, the servant’s vision was transformed, revealing hills alive with fiery horses and chariots encircling Elisha.

As the enemy drew closer, Elisha prayed once more, "Strike this army with blindness." His prayer was answered, and the troops were struck blind. Elisha then guided them, saying, "This is not the way or the city you seek. Follow me, and I’ll take you to the man you’re searching for." He led them straight into Samaria.

Once inside the city, Elisha prayed again, "Lord, restore their sight." Their eyes were opened to find themselves in Samaria, surrounded by the king of Israel. The king, seeing his opportunity, asked Elisha, "Should I kill them, my father?" Elisha advised against it, saying, "Would you kill prisoners of war with your own weapons? Instead, prepare a feast for them. Let them eat and drink, and then send them back to their master." A grand feast was laid out, and after satisfying their hunger, the soldiers were sent back to their homeland. From that day, the raids from Aram ceased, as peace was restored.

Elisha's Final Days and Legacy

Elisha's prophetic journey wove through decades, marking him as a steadfast and influential force in Israel's spiritual landscape. His final recorded act is a prophecy to King Joash of Israel, encouraging him to strike the ground with arrows to symbolize victories over Aram (2 Kings 13:14-19). Elisha's death and the miraculous event that followed are recorded in 2 Kings 13:20-21:

"Elisha died and was buried. Every spring, the land would be disrupted by the relentless Moabite raiders. On one such occasion, as a group of Israelites were in the midst of laying a man to rest, their peaceful task was abruptly interrupted by the sight of an approaching raiding party. In a desperate bid to shield the deceased from the impending danger, they hastily placed the body into the tomb of Elisha. Miraculously, the moment the corpse made contact with Elisha's ancient bones, life surged back into the lifeless form, and the man stood up as though awakened from a deep slumber.

This ultimate miracle highlights the timeless strength of divine influence through Elisha, extending beyond his earthly existence.

Conclusion

Elisha's life unfolded as a dramatic narrative of divine intervention and spiritual transformation. From the humble fields of farming to the exalted heights of prophetic power, his journey vividly illustrates the profound impact of God’s calling. Miraculous acts and profound prophecies marked his ministry, revealing not only God's omnipotence and compassion but also His unwavering commitment to His people. Elisha’s legacy endures, serving as a beacon of inspiration and a source of wisdom for believers across generations.