Topical Encyclopedia Elisha, the son of Shaphat, is a prominent prophet in the Hebrew Bible, known for succeeding Elijah and continuing his prophetic ministry in the northern kingdom of Israel. His calling is a significant event that marks the transition of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha, as recorded in the First Book of Kings.The Call of Elisha The call of Elisha is detailed in 1 Kings 19:19-21. After Elijah's dramatic encounter with God on Mount Horeb, where he was instructed to anoint Elisha as his successor, Elijah finds Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. The passage reads: "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him" (1 Kings 19:19). This act of casting his cloak upon Elisha symbolizes the transfer of prophetic authority and the calling of Elisha to follow in Elijah's footsteps. Elisha's response to this call is immediate and decisive. He requests permission to bid farewell to his parents, which Elijah grants. Elisha then demonstrates his commitment by slaughtering his oxen and using the plowing equipment to cook the meat, which he gives to the people to eat. This act signifies Elisha's complete break from his former life and his dedication to his new role as a prophet. The text states: "Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant" (1 Kings 19:21). Significance of the Call Elisha's calling is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the continuity of God's prophetic work in Israel. Despite the challenges and apostasy faced during Elijah's time, God ensures that His voice will continue to be heard through Elisha. Secondly, the manner of Elisha's calling highlights the importance of obedience and sacrifice in the life of a prophet. Elisha's willingness to leave his livelihood and family demonstrates his readiness to serve God wholeheartedly. Furthermore, the call of Elisha serves as a reminder of the communal aspect of prophetic ministry. By sharing the meal with the people, Elisha acknowledges the role of the community in supporting and witnessing the work of God's prophets. This communal meal also prefigures the miracles and acts of provision that will characterize Elisha's ministry. Elisha's Ministry Following his call, Elisha becomes a devoted disciple and servant of Elijah, accompanying him until Elijah's ascension into heaven. Elisha's ministry is marked by numerous miracles and acts of compassion, reflecting God's power and mercy. His prophetic career, which is detailed in the Second Book of Kings, includes notable events such as the purification of the waters of Jericho, the multiplication of the widow's oil, and the raising of the Shunammite woman's son. Elisha's calling by Elijah is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, illustrating the divine selection and preparation of leaders to guide and instruct God's people. Through his faithful response to God's call, Elisha becomes a powerful instrument of God's will, continuing the legacy of Elijah and affirming the enduring presence of God's word in Israel. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 19:19So 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 "The Spirit and Power of Elijah" --Not the Soul --Were in the ... The Story of Elijah, the Prophet The Call of Elisha Elijah the Great Heart of Israel. The Little Chamber on the Wall. Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed Elisha Healing the Sick Boy Gentleness Succeeding Strength Elisha's Closing Ministry Of the Birth of John, and of his Alleged Identity with Elijah. Of ... Resources Who was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Elisha: Bones of, Restore a Dead Man to Life Elisha: Causes the King to Restore the Property of the Hospitable Shunammite Woman Elisha: Elijah Instructed to Anoint Elisha: Instructs That Jehu be Anointed As King of Israel Elisha: Life of, Sought by Jehoram Elisha: Miracles of Brings Blindness Upon the Army of Syria Elisha: Miracles of Divides the Jordan Elisha: Miracles of Heals Naaman the Leper Elisha: Miracles of Increases the Bread to Feed One-Hundred Men Elisha: Miracles of Increases the Oil of the Woman Whose Sons Were to be Sold for Her Debt Elisha: Miracles of Neutralizes the Poison of the Stew Elisha: Miracles of Opens the Eyes of his Servant to See the Hosts of the Lord Elisha: Miracles of Purifies the Waters of Jericho by Casting Salt Into the Fountain Elisha: Miracles of Raises the Son of the Shunammite Woman from the Dead Elisha: Miracles of Recovers the Ax That had Fallen Into a Stream by Causing It to Float Elisha: Miracles of Reveals the Counsel of the King of Syria Elisha: Miracles of Sends Naaman's Leprosy Upon Gehazi As a Judgment Elisha: Mocked by the Young Men of Beth-El Elisha: Prophecies of Bounty to the Starving People in Samaria Elisha: Prophecies of Elevation of Hazael to the Throne Elisha: Prophecies of Seven Years of Famine in the Land of Canaan Elisha: Prophecies of The Birth of a Son to the Shunammite Woman Elisha: Prophecies of The Death of Ben-Hadad, King of Syria Elisha: Prophecies of The Death of the Unbelieving Prince Elisha: Prophecies of The Victory of Jehoash Over Syria Elisha: Witnesses Elijah's Transporting, Receives a Double Portion of his Spirit Select Readings: Elisha and the Widow's Oil Related Terms |
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