What were the miracles of the prophet Elisha?

Elisha, the prophet, stands as a significant figure in the Old Testament. His life and ministry are chronicled in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Following in the footsteps of his mentor, Elijah, Elisha carried on the prophetic mission with zeal and dedication.

This study will explore who this prophet was, his calling, his role as a prophet, his relationships with other figures, and his legacy, all without focusing solely on his miracles. References will be drawn from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

The Prophet Elisha

Elisha’s calling to the prophetic office is one of the most significant events in his life. He was chosen by God to be the successor of Elijah, and his calling marks the beginning of his prophetic journey. This divine selection not only set the course for Elisha’s life but also had profound implications for the nation of Israel.

The Initial Call

Elisha’s calling is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16 and then detailed in 1 Kings 19:19-21. The moment of his anointing was pivotal, as it signified the transition of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha.

“Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place” (1 Kings 19:16). This verse highlights that Elisha’s calling was divinely orchestrated, with God instructing Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor.

“So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, ‘Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.’ And he said to him, ‘Go back again, for what have I done to you?'”

“So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant” (1 Kings 19:19-21). Elisha’s response to Elijah’s call was immediate and decisive. He left his livelihood and family to follow Elijah, signifying his complete commitment to God’s call.

Role as a Prophet

As a prophet, Elisha played a crucial role in guiding and admonishing the people of Israel. His ministry spanned several decades and involved interactions with kings, common people, and other prophets. His prophetic voice was essential during a time of moral and spiritual decline in Israel.

His Mentorship Under Elijah

Elisha’s early years were spent under the mentorship of Elijah, learning the ways of a prophet and preparing for his future ministry. This period of apprenticeship was crucial for his development and understanding of his prophetic duties. Elijah’s guidance helped shape Elisha into a powerful prophet.

“And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. Then Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!’ So they went down to Bethel” (2 Kings 2:1-2). Elisha’s unwavering commitment to Elijah until the very end of Elijah’s ministry demonstrates his loyalty and dedication to his mentor and to God’s calling.

Prophetic Authority

After Elijah’s departure, Elisha assumed full prophetic authority. His role involved advising and confronting kings, providing counsel, and leading the prophetic community. Elisha’s authority was recognized by those around him, establishing him as a key spiritual leader in Israel.

“Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, ‘The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.’ And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him” (2 Kings 2:15). This acknowledgment from the prophetic community signifies Elisha’s recognized authority and the continuity of Elijah’s prophetic spirit in him.

Interactions with Kings

Elisha’s ministry often brought him into contact with the kings of Israel and Judah. His interactions with these rulers were marked by both confrontation and counsel, showcasing his role as a spiritual advisor and a moral compass during turbulent times.

King Jehoram

One of the notable kings Elisha interacted with was Jehoram, the king of Israel. His relationship with Jehoram was complex, involving both rebuke and assistance. Elisha did not shy away from confronting the king about his sins.

“Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, ‘What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother.’ But the king of Israel said to him, ‘No, for the Lord has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.’ And Elisha said, ‘As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you, nor see you'” (2 Kings 3:13-14).

In this passage, the prophet rebukes Jehoram for his idolatry but agrees to help because of his respect for Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. This interaction highlights the prophet’s willingness to confront unrighteousness while still fulfilling his prophetic duties.

King of Aram

Elisha also had significant interactions with the foreign king of Aram, demonstrating his role as a prophet to the nations. His influence extended beyond Israel, showcasing the universal relevance of his prophetic ministry.

“And one of his servants said, ‘None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom'” (2 Kings 6:12). This verse indicates the prophet’s ability to provide critical intelligence to the king of Israel, thereby influencing international relations and demonstrating the far-reaching impact of his prophetic ministry.

Leadership of the Prophetic Community

Elisha’s role extended beyond his interactions with kings to include leadership of the prophetic community. He provided guidance, instruction, and support to other prophets and their disciples. His leadership was vital in maintaining the prophetic tradition in Israel during a time of spiritual crisis.

The Sons of the Prophets

Elisha was a central figure among the sons of the prophets, a group of prophetic disciples who looked to him for guidance and mentorship. He played a significant role in training the next generation of prophets, ensuring the continuation of God’s message in Israel.

Through his interactions with these young prophets, Elisha instilled in them the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. He was not just a miracle worker but also a teacher and a leader, shaping the spiritual landscape of his time.

Miracles of Elisha

According to the NKJV, Elisha performed many miracles during his prophetic ministry. The Bible records at least 18 distinct miracles, though some count slightly differently depending on whether related events are combined or separated.

Parting the Jordan River – Elisha struck the Jordan with Elijah’s mantle, and the waters divided. 2 Kings 2:13-14
Healing the Waters of Jericho – He purified the poisoned spring with salt. 2 Kings 2:19-22
Judgment on the Mocking Youths – Two female bears mauled forty-two youths who mocked God’s prophet. 2 Kings 2:23-25
Providing Water for Three Armies – God miraculously filled the dry valley with water. 2 Kings 3:16-20
Moabites Deceived by the Appearance of Blood – God caused the water to appear like blood, leading the Moabites into defeat. 2 Kings 3:21-24
Multiplying the Widow’s Oil – A widow’s small jar of oil filled many vessels, paying her debts. 2 Kings 4:1-7
Promising the Shunammite a Son – God granted a son to the previously barren woman. 2 Kings 4:14-17
Raising the Shunammite’s Son – Elisha restored the child to life. 2 Kings 4:32-37
Purifying the Poisonous Stew – Flour was added, and the deadly stew became safe to eat. 2 Kings 4:38-41
Multiplying Twenty Loaves – One hundred men were fed with food left over. 2 Kings 4:42-44
Healing Naaman’s Leprosy – Naaman was cleansed after washing seven times in the Jordan. 2 Kings 5:1-14
Judgment on Gehazi with Leprosy – Gehazi was struck with Naaman’s leprosy for his deceit. 2 Kings 5:20-27
Making the Iron Ax Head Float – A borrowed iron ax head floated after Elisha threw in a stick. 2 Kings 6:1-7
Revealing the Syrian Army’s Plans – God repeatedly revealed the king of Syria’s secret plans to Elisha. 2 Kings 6:8-12
Opening His Servant’s Eyes – God enabled the servant to see the heavenly army protecting Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17
Blinding and Restoring the Syrian Army’s Sight – Elisha prayed that the soldiers be struck with blindness and later restored their sight. 2 Kings 6:18-23
Prophecy of Samaria’s Deliverance from Famine – God fulfilled Elisha’s prophecy by causing the Syrians to flee. 2 Kings 7:1-20
A Dead Man Raised by Touching Elisha’s Bones – After Elisha’s death, a man revived when his body touched Elisha’s bones. 2 Kings 13:20-21

Additional Prophetic Signs (sometimes included)

Some lists also include these supernatural acts, although they are primarily prophetic revelations rather than physical miracles:

Foretelling Ben-Hadad’s death and Hazael’s rise. 2 Kings 8:7-15
Directing the anointing of Jehu. 2 Kings 9:1-10
Predicting Joash’s victories over Syria. 2 Kings 13:14-19

Many Bible scholars note the interesting parallel that Elijah performed about eight major miracles, while Elisha performed about twice as many, corresponding to Elisha’s request for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit:

“Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” (2 Kings 2:9, NKJV)

This “double portion” refers primarily to the inheritance and authority of a firstborn heir, but it is striking that Scripture records approximately twice as many miracles through Elisha as through Elijah.