Topical Bible: Agriculture: Practiced by Elisha

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Agriculture in the biblical context is a significant theme, reflecting both the sustenance of life and the spiritual lessons derived from the land and its produce. The prophet Elisha, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is associated with several agricultural miracles and events that underscore the importance of divine intervention in the agrarian lifestyle of ancient Israel.

Elisha's Call and Agricultural Background

Elisha's initial introduction in the Scriptures is closely tied to agriculture. Before his prophetic ministry, Elisha was a farmer. In 1 Kings 19:19, we read about the moment when the prophet Elijah calls Elisha to follow him: "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him." . This passage highlights Elisha's involvement in farming, indicating his familiarity with the agricultural practices of his time.

Miracles Involving Agriculture

Elisha's ministry is marked by several miracles that directly relate to agriculture, demonstrating God's provision and power over the natural world.

1. The Healing of the Waters: In 2 Kings 2:19-22, the men of Jericho approached Elisha, complaining about the poor quality of their water, which affected the land's fertility. Elisha performed a miracle by throwing salt into the spring, declaring, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.'" . The healing of the waters restored the land's productivity, emphasizing the connection between divine intervention and agricultural prosperity.

2. The Multiplication of Oil: In 2 Kings 4:1-7, Elisha aids a widow by miraculously multiplying her small amount of oil, allowing her to pay her debts and live off the surplus. While not directly an agricultural miracle, this event underscores the theme of God's provision, which is central to the agrarian society of Israel.

3. The Feeding of a Hundred Men: Another significant miracle is found in 2 Kings 4:42-44, where Elisha feeds a hundred men with twenty loaves of barley and some ears of grain. Elisha instructs his servant, "Give it to the people to eat," and despite the servant's doubts, the food is sufficient for all, with leftovers remaining. This miracle parallels the agricultural cycle of sowing and reaping, highlighting God's ability to multiply resources.

4. The Floating Axe Head: In 2 Kings 6:1-7, Elisha recovers a borrowed axe head that had fallen into the Jordan River. While this miracle is not directly related to agriculture, the axe is a tool essential for clearing land and building, both critical components of agricultural life.

Elisha's Influence on Agricultural Practices

Elisha's life and miracles reflect the deep interconnection between faith and agriculture in ancient Israel. His actions demonstrate that while human effort is necessary in farming, ultimate success and provision come from God. The miracles associated with Elisha serve as reminders of God's sovereignty over creation and His care for His people, particularly in their daily sustenance and agricultural endeavors.

Through Elisha's ministry, the biblical narrative reinforces the idea that agriculture is not merely a human endeavor but a divine partnership, where God's blessings are integral to the land's fertility and the people's well-being.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 19:19
So he departed there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle on him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Agriculture, a necessary art, [76]354; yet vain without that of ruling, [77]355;
a sort of ... contrary to all signs, [423]18; type of it in time of Elisha, [424]ib ...
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