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Portrait of ElishaPortrait · Elisha

Kings & Prophets · Old Testament

Elisha

Miracle-Working Prophet and Successor

Name meaning
My God is salvation
Name origin
Hebrew: אֱלִישָׁע (Elisha), meaning "my God is salvation"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Prophet
  • Farmer (early)
  • Advisor to kings
Birthplace
Abel-meholah
Modern-day location
The Jordan Valley, possibly near Tell Abu Sus; the site’s identification is uncertain.
Family
  • Son of Shaphat
  • Spiritual son and successor of Elijah
First mention
1 Kings 19:16-19
Last mention
2 Kings 13:20-21
Key artifacts
  • Elijah's mantle
  • Staff
  • Jar of oil

Key verses

  • “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”

    2 Kings 2:9

  • “He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.”

    2 Kings 4:33

  • “Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again.”

    2 Kings 5:14

Biography

Early Life

Elisha was plowing with oxen when Elijah cast his mantle upon him. He left his work immediately to follow and serve Elijah.

Defining Biblical Moments

Elisha parted the Jordan with Elijah's mantle, purified water, multiplied oil for a widow, raised the Shunammite's son, healed Naaman of leprosy, and made an iron axe head float. He advised kings and remained influential until his death.

Strengths

Elisha is portrayed as compassionate, accessible to ordinary people, and consistently dependent on God for miraculous help.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His curse of mocking youths and the Gehazi incident show the complexity of prophetic authority and the need for integrity in those who serve the prophet.

Life Lessons for Today

Faithful service often begins with humble apprenticeship; availability to both great and small needs reflects God's concern for everyday struggles.

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Elisha appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #25 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

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