Divided kingdom · around 850–800 BC
Elisha in the Bible
The prophet of the double portion. Name meaning: “God is salvation” (Hebrew Elisha)
Elisha, son of Shaphat, leaves his plow to follow Elijah, then receives his mantle and a double portion of his spirit. Over a long ministry among the kings of Israel, he performs miracles of compassion: the widow’s oil, the Shunammite’s son raised to life, the healing of Naaman the Syrian. He reveals a God who is close to ordinary distress, whose invisible armies surround his servants.
Key moments
- Elijah throws his mantle over him 1 Kings 19:19
- He asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit 2 Kings 2:9
- He heals the waters of Jericho 2 Kings 2:21
- The widow’s oil multiplies 2 Kings 4:6
- The Shunammite’s son opens his eyes 2 Kings 4:35
- Naaman is healed in the Jordan 2 Kings 5:14
- The chariots of fire around Dothan 2 Kings 6:17
- A dead man revives at the touch of his bones 2 Kings 13:21
Strengths
- A disciple’s faithfulness
- Compassion
- Persevering faith
- Selflessness
- Spiritual discernment
Weaknesses
The Bible notes no particular sin in Elisha. His curse on the mockers of Bethel shows the severity of God’s judgment, and his servant Gehazi is a reminder that one can live beside a man of God without sharing his heart (2 Kgs 2:24; 5:20-27).
Lessons for today
- Following God may mean burning your bridges, as Elisha did with his plow and his oxen (1 Kgs 19:21).
- Long for the power of the Spirit in order to serve, and persevere until you receive it (2 Kgs 2:9-10).
- God cares about ordinary distress: debts, grief, a lost tool, a spoiled meal (2 Kgs 4:1-7; 6:5-7).
- Ask that our eyes be opened: those who are with us outnumber our enemies (2 Kgs 6:16-17).
And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
People around Elisha
- Elijah — Master and predecessor
- Shaphat — Father
- Gehazi — Servant struck with leprosy for his greed
- The Shunammite — A hostess whose son he raises to life
- Naaman — Syrian army commander healed of leprosy
- Hazael — Future king of Syria whose reign he announces
Stories with Elisha
Quiz: how well do you know Elisha?
What was Elisha doing when Elijah called him?
Elijah found Elisha “plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him,” and threw his mantle over him. 1 Kings 19:19
What did Elisha ask of Elijah before he was taken up?
“I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” Elijah answered, “Thou hast asked a hard thing.” 2 Kings 2:9–10
How many times was Naaman to dip himself in the Jordan?
Elisha sent word: “Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.” 2 Kings 5:10
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.