Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Elisha

Bible > Topical > Answers To Prayer

◄ Answers To Prayer: Elisha ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament known for his powerful ministry and the miraculous answers to prayer that marked his life. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 and 2 Kings, where he is depicted as a man of deep faith and a conduit of God's power.

Miraculous Provision and Healing

One of the most notable instances of answered prayer in Elisha's life is the miracle of the widow's oil. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, a widow of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha for help, as her creditors were coming to take her two sons as slaves. Elisha instructed her to borrow empty vessels from her neighbors and pour her small amount of oil into them. Through divine intervention, the oil multiplied until all the vessels were filled, providing enough resources for the widow to pay her debts and live on the remainder. This event demonstrates God's provision in response to faith and obedience.

Elisha's ministry also included miraculous healings, such as the healing of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram. In 2 Kings 5:1-14, Naaman, who suffered from leprosy, was instructed by Elisha to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Despite initial reluctance, Naaman obeyed and was completely healed, showcasing God's power to heal and the importance of humility and obedience in receiving answers to prayer.

Resurrection Power

Elisha's prayers were also instrumental in raising the dead. In 2 Kings 4:32-35, the Shunammite woman's son, who had died suddenly, was brought back to life through Elisha's intercession. Elisha prayed to the Lord and stretched himself upon the child, and the child was restored to life. This miracle highlights the power of prayer and God's authority over life and death.

Protection and Deliverance

Elisha's prayers also brought about divine protection and deliverance. In 2 Kings 6:15-17, when the city of Dothan was surrounded by the Aramean army, Elisha's servant was fearful. Elisha prayed, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." The Lord opened the servant's eyes, revealing the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha, signifying God's protection. This event underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the assurance of God's presence and protection in response to prayer.

Provision in Famine

During a time of famine, Elisha's prayers led to miraculous provision. In 2 Kings 4:42-44, a man brought Elisha twenty loaves of barley bread and fresh grain. Elisha instructed his servant to give it to the people to eat. Despite the small amount, the food was multiplied to feed a hundred men, with leftovers remaining, as Elisha had prophesied. This miracle is reminiscent of God's provision in the wilderness and foreshadows the miracles of Jesus in the New Testament.

Conclusion

Elisha's life and ministry are a testament to the power of prayer and God's willingness to intervene in the lives of His people. Through Elisha, God demonstrated His ability to provide, heal, protect, and even raise the dead, affirming His sovereignty and faithfulness. Elisha's account encourages believers to trust in God's power and to seek Him earnestly in prayer, knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 4:33-35
He went in therefore, and shut the door on them two, and prayed to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Elijah, the Praying Prophet
... It was no wonder that Elisha cried out as he saw this fiery prophet of the Lord
enter the chariot ... The proof of God and of His being is that He answers prayer. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/v elijah the praying prophet.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... pray, and hear no voice, but stay till God answers. ... as she was, in answer to the
prayer of Zacharias ... Elisha's praying brought famine or harvest to Israel; as he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... converted man knows from this experience that God answers prayer. ... Does the prayer,
"Give us this day our ... is noticeable that the prophet Elisha, whose prayers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

Lives of Faith and Trust
... Elisha works a miracle to produce a temporal mercy when he healed the barren ... who
was rich in faith, and upon whom God showered abundant answers to prayer. ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/lives of faith and trust.htm

That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ...
... and cried in vain for the answers that could ... Their favoured dispensation of prayer
was forgotten; they knew ... power working through Elijah and Elisha in answer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ii that we ought.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Jerome answers the second, third, and fourth propositions of Jovinianus. ... the Passion,
we certainly say after the Passion, in the Lord's prayer, [4675] "Forgive ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Suggestions for Teaching.
... to ask all the questions, and have the answers given by ... and Absalom; XXX The Temple;
XXXVI Elisha and Jonah ... XVI The Mothers Prayer; XX The Good Shepherd; XXIII ...
/.../hurlbut/hurlbuts bible lessons/suggestions for teaching.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... 1. And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the embassages, and had disposed
of the places of power justly ... 14] This excellent prayer of Elisha is wanting ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm

The Awakening of Zion
... The prayer of Zion is heard and answered ... So He answers the Church's cry by stimulating
us to quickened ... Then, if I may so say, Elisha's miracle will be repeated ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the awakening of zion.htm

In Order that no one through Observing the Outward Part Should ...
... Again, at the prophet's prayer the blood ceased, and ... who had lost the iron asked
Elisha, who cast ... Lord also, delighted with their fertility, answers: "I have ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix in order that.htm