Elisha
Israelite / Jew Hebrew, of Abel-meholah · Divided Kingdom · Old Testament
- Also called
- Eliseus
- Name means
- God is salvation
- Role
- Prophet; successor of Elijah
- When
- 9th century BC (traditional)
What they did
Left his oxen to follow Elijah and asked for a double portion of his spirit. He performed many miracles, healed Naaman, and prayed that his servant's eyes would be opened to see God's army.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His ministry showed God's power and compassion to Israel and to Gentiles; Jesus cited the cleansing of Naaman the Syrian (Luke 4:27).
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17 (KJV)
Bible references
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. 1 Kings 19:16 (KJV)
So he departed thence, 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 upon him. 1 Kings 19:19 (KJV)
And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 2 Kings 2:9 (KJV)
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17 (KJV)
And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. Luke 4:27 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Shaphat