Topical Bible: Persecution of Elisha

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The persecution of Elisha, the prophet, is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating the challenges faced by God's messengers in a world often resistant to divine truth. Elisha, the successor of Elijah, served as a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BC, a time marked by widespread idolatry and moral decline.

Background and Ministry

Elisha's ministry is chronicled in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. He was called to the prophetic office while plowing in the fields, and he immediately left his work to follow Elijah (1 Kings 19:19-21). After Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha received a double portion of Elijah's spirit, signifying his role as Elijah's prophetic successor (2 Kings 2:9-15).

Instances of Persecution

1. Mocked by the Youths of Bethel: One of the earliest recorded instances of persecution against Elisha occurred in Bethel, a center of idolatrous worship. As Elisha traveled to Bethel, a group of youths came out and mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!" (2 Kings 2:23). This ridicule was not merely a personal insult but a rejection of his prophetic authority. In response, Elisha pronounced a curse in the name of the LORD, and two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths (2 Kings 2:24). This event underscores the seriousness of opposing God's appointed messengers.

2. Opposition from the Kings of Israel: Throughout his ministry, Elisha faced opposition from the kings of Israel, who were often hostile to the prophetic message. For instance, during the reign of King Joram, Elisha was consulted regarding a military campaign against Moab. Despite the king's reluctance to heed prophetic counsel, Elisha delivered God's word, which led to a miraculous victory (2 Kings 3:11-20). The tension between Elisha and the royal house highlights the broader conflict between the prophetic voice and political power.

3. Siege of Samaria: During the Aramean siege of Samaria, King Joram blamed Elisha for the dire circumstances, declaring, "May God deal with me, be it ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today!" (2 Kings 6:31). The king's threat against Elisha was a direct result of his frustration with the prophet's message and the perceived inaction of God. Despite this, Elisha prophesied the end of the siege and the provision of food, which came to pass miraculously (2 Kings 7:1-20).

4. Plot of Hazael: Elisha also faced threats from foreign powers. When he visited Damascus, he prophesied that Hazael would become king of Aram and would bring great harm to Israel (2 Kings 8:7-13). This prophecy was fulfilled, and Hazael's subsequent actions brought suffering to the Israelites, indirectly affecting Elisha's ministry.

Significance

The persecution of Elisha serves as a testament to the trials faced by those who faithfully proclaim God's truth. Despite opposition, Elisha remained steadfast, performing miracles and delivering messages that demonstrated God's power and sovereignty. His experiences foreshadow the challenges faced by later prophets and ultimately by Christ Himself, who taught that His followers would also face persecution for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:10-12). Elisha's life and ministry continue to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's ultimate justice and deliverance.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 6:31
Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Elisha was persecuted and became an exile; and Micaiah was persecuted, and cast ... in
the days of Diocletian there came great affliction and persecution to the ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

External Foes.
... Enoch did it, and Joseph, and Elisha, and Paul. God has kept such men in all ages. ...
A great many men are overcome by a little persecution. Persecution. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part iii external foes.htm

The Resurrection.
... Abraham could by it tell to a day how long his seed should be under persecution
in Egypt. Elisha by it could tell what was done in the king of Assyria's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxv the resurrection.htm

Chapter vi.
... All the more must they refuse to yield to persecution, as they have a function in
the world which is ... With it Elisha healed the unwholesome water (2 Kings 2:21 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter vi.htm

Synopsis. --The Gradual Narrowing of the Miraculous Element in the ...
... Dean Stanley, spoke thus of the miracles recorded of the prophet Elisha: "His works ...
to say as much as this then, while the storm of persecution was raging ...
/.../miracles and supernatural religion/i synopsis the gradual narrowing of.htm

Of the System of the Anchorites and Its Beginning.
... way to the desert by reason of necessity, while during the time of persecution he
was ... who passed all his life in the desert, and Elijah and Elisha and those of ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter vi of the system.htm

Historical Criticism of Medi??val Amplifications.
... and New Testaments, of the Divine dealings with Prophets and Apostles,"Elisha, Jonah,
St. ... him as resident in or near Edessa during the persecution which that ...
/.../v historical criticism of mediaeval amplifications.htm

part v.
... In the former persecution Maximian, who was then Emperor, commanded a number of
Confessors ... provide (as he did in the case of the Prophet Elisha [1644] ) that ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part v.htm

"What Doest Thou Here?"
... slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay ... Others he causes
to flee in discouragement from duty, because of opposition or persecution. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm

Early Years, 298-319.
... This must have been before 311, the date of the last persecution in Egypt under ... for
a time have visited the great hermit and ministered to him as Elisha did of ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 1 early years 298-319.htm