Elisha was the prophet chosen by God to succeed Elijah. His call came while he was plowing in the field. Elijah threw his mantle on him, and Elisha left everything to follow him (1 Kings 19:19-21). He served Elijah faithfully until the moment Elijah was taken to heaven. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, and his request was granted (2 Kings 2:9-10).
Elisha’s ministry was marked by numerous miracles, even more than Elijah’s. He parted the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:14), healed the waters of Jericho (2 Kings 2:21), and called down judgment on mockers (2 Kings 2:24). He multiplied a widow’s oil (2 Kings 4:6), raised a Shunammite woman’s son from the dead (2 Kings 4:35), and purified poisoned stew (2 Kings 4:41).
He also healed Naaman the Syrian of leprosy (2 Kings 5:14) and made an axe head float in water (2 Kings 6:6). Elisha often gave prophetic counsel to the kings of Israel and exposed the plans of their enemies, showing God’s intimate involvement in the affairs of the nation.
Elisha was a prophet of compassion and power, ministering to the common people and the mighty alike. Even in death, his anointing remained. 2 Kings 13:21 records that a dead man revived after touching Elisha’s bones, a final testimony of the Spirit’s power through him.
His life exemplifies faithfulness, service, and the enduring presence of God with those He calls.