Topical Encyclopedia Elisha, the son of Shaphat, is a prominent prophet in the Hebrew Bible, known for his close association with Elijah, one of the most significant prophets of Israel. Elisha's ministry begins with his calling and subsequent service to Elijah, which is a pivotal period in his life and sets the stage for his own prophetic ministry.Calling and Commissioning Elisha's introduction in the biblical narrative occurs in 1 Kings 19:19-21. Elijah, following God's command, finds Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. Elijah approaches him and throws his cloak over Elisha, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority and the call to follow him. Elisha's response is immediate and decisive; he leaves his oxen, bids farewell to his family, and follows Elijah. This act of leaving everything behind signifies Elisha's total commitment to his new calling. The Berean Standard Bible records this moment: "So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, 'Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.' 'Go on back,' Elijah replied, 'for what have I done to you?' So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. With the oxen’s equipment, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant" (1 Kings 19:20-21). Service and Training Elisha's role as a minister to Elijah is characterized by faithful service and learning. He is often referred to as Elijah's attendant or servant, indicating a position of humility and dedication. This period of service is crucial for Elisha's development as a prophet, as he witnesses firsthand the power and authority of God working through Elijah. Elisha's loyalty and commitment are evident throughout their time together, as he remains with Elijah until the latter's departure from this world. The Transition of Prophetic Authority The culmination of Elisha's service to Elijah occurs in 2 Kings 2, where the transition of prophetic authority is vividly described. As Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha requests a double portion of Elijah's spirit, signifying his desire to carry on the prophetic mission with even greater power. Elijah responds, "You have requested a difficult thing," but assures Elisha that if he sees him taken up, his request will be granted (2 Kings 2:10). Elisha's persistence and faith are rewarded as he witnesses Elijah's ascension and receives the mantle of prophetic leadership. Significance of Elisha's Ministry to Elijah Elisha's ministry to Elijah is a testament to the importance of mentorship and discipleship in the biblical tradition. Through his service, Elisha learns the ways of God, the responsibilities of a prophet, and the necessity of unwavering faith. This period of preparation equips Elisha to continue the work of Elijah, performing miracles and guiding the people of Israel in the ways of the Lord. Elisha's relationship with Elijah exemplifies the biblical principle of passing on spiritual leadership and wisdom from one generation to the next. His faithful service and eventual succession highlight the continuity of God's work through His chosen servants, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled across the ages. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 19:21And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered to him. Nave's Topical Index Library A Prophet of Peace John who was a Torch, Laid Bare and Rebuked the Wanton Ones: they ... Definiteness of Purpose in Christian Work Power "In" and "Upon. " Agency of Evil Spirits. Agency of Evil Spirits The Spirit and Power of Elias. Effectual Calling The Life of Mr. John Dickson. 2 Kings iv. 25, 26. 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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