Topical Bible: Servant: Good: Elisha

◄ Servant: Good: Elisha ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Elisha, the son of Shaphat, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his role as a prophet and servant of God. He is introduced in 1 Kings 19:16-21, where God instructs the prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor. Elisha's life and ministry are primarily recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Kings, where he is depicted as a faithful servant of God, performing miracles and providing guidance to the people of Israel.

Calling and Commissioning

Elisha's calling is marked by his immediate and wholehearted response to Elijah's invitation. When Elijah casts his cloak upon Elisha, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority, Elisha leaves his oxen and runs after Elijah, saying, "Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you" (1 Kings 19:20). This act demonstrates Elisha's readiness to forsake his former life and dedicate himself to God's service.

Ministry and Miracles

Elisha's ministry is characterized by numerous miracles, which serve as signs of God's power and presence among His people. One of his first acts as a prophet is the parting of the Jordan River, mirroring Elijah's earlier miracle and confirming Elisha's role as his legitimate successor (2 Kings 2:14). Elisha's miracles often address the immediate needs of individuals and communities, reflecting God's compassion and care.

Among his notable miracles is the purification of the waters of Jericho, where he throws salt into the spring, declaring, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness'" (2 Kings 2:21). This act not only restores the land but also symbolizes spiritual renewal.

Elisha also demonstrates God's provision through the multiplication of oil for a widow in debt (2 Kings 4:1-7) and the feeding of a hundred men with twenty loaves of barley (2 Kings 4:42-44). These miracles prefigure the New Testament accounts of Jesus' miraculous feedings, highlighting God's ability to provide abundantly for His people.

Role as a Prophet

Elisha serves as a counselor and advisor to the kings of Israel, often intervening in matters of national importance. His prophetic insight is evident in his interactions with the king of Israel during the Aramean wars. In one instance, Elisha warns the king of Israel about the ambushes set by the Arameans, thus saving the nation from disaster (2 Kings 6:8-12).

Elisha's role as a prophet is further emphasized in his encounter with Naaman, the commander of the Aramean army. Naaman, afflicted with leprosy, seeks healing from Elisha, who instructs him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman's subsequent healing (2 Kings 5:1-14) not only demonstrates God's power but also serves as a testament to the universality of God's grace, extending beyond the borders of Israel.

Legacy and Influence

Elisha's influence extends beyond his lifetime, as evidenced by the respect and reverence he commands among the people of Israel. His faithfulness as a servant of God is highlighted in the account of his death, where even in his final moments, he continues to provide guidance and assurance to the king of Israel (2 Kings 13:14-19).

Elisha's life exemplifies the qualities of a good servant: obedience, faithfulness, and a deep commitment to God's purposes. His ministry serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His desire to work through His chosen servants to accomplish His will on earth.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 2:1-6
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Elisha Healing the Sick Boy
... new moon nor the sabbath?" She said, "I have good reason ... she saddled an ass and said
to her servant, "Drive on ... But when Elisha saw her at a distance, he said to ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/elisha healing the sick boy.htm

Gehazi
... And because he did not like Elisha's manner nor his prescription, he ... The expedition
had been suggested by a servant who generously paid good for evil ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/gehazi.htm

Familiarity with Good Men is Very Advantageous to All...
... God spoke with Moses, he stood as a trusty servant beside him ... has not in so many
words stated that Elisha was a ... An unspotted life is the due of a good old age. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xx familiarity with good.htm

A Slave Girl who Helped Her Master
... for your servant will from this time on offer burnt-offering and sacrifice to no
other god but Jehovah." And Elisha said to him, "Go, and may good fortune ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a slave girl who helped.htm

Elisha's Closing Ministry
... chariots of fire round about Elisha." Between the servant of God ... well: this day is
a day of good tidings, and ... a shekel," as had been foretold by Elisha the day ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 21 elishas closing ministry.htm

Naaman's Imperfect Faith
... Elisha would not see Naaman before, for he needed to be ... to attract is to repel, and
the true servant of God ... not his own dignity, but others' good, whichever he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/naamans imperfect faith.htm

Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ...
... So the king's servant was troubled to hear it; and Elisha wept also ... So when Hazael
was come to Benhadad, he told him good news concerning his distemper [12 ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 jehoram succeeds jehoshaphat.htm

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
... The servant angels did not need to surround Him, but, clad ... although, on the whole,
not reliable nor good, came down ... as we know, it was only to Elisha that the ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/elijahs translation and elishas deathbed.htm

Grace for Living.
... It is very different with a servant, who perhaps does not ... Elisha told her to go home
and borrow all the ... No doubt there were a good many of the neighbors who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter vi grace for living.htm

The Story of Hazael
... took a present with him, even of every good thing of ... And Elisha said unto him, Go,
say unto him, Thou mayest ... But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the story of hazael.htm