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 on his miracles. References will be drawn from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

Elisha’s Calling

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.

The Initial Call

Elisha’s calling is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16 and then detailed in 1 Kings 19:19-21.

1 Kings 19:16

“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.”

This verse highlights that Elisha’s calling was divinely orchestrated, with God instructing Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor.

1 Kings 19:19-21

“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.”

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 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.

2 Kings 2:1-2

“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.”

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.

2 Kings 2:15

“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.”

This acknowledgment from the prophetic community signifies this prophet’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.

King Jehoram

One of the notable kings this prophet interacted with was Jehoram, the king of Israel. His relationship with Jehoram was complex, involving both rebuke and assistance.

2 Kings 3:13-14

“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.'”

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.

2 Kings 6:12

“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.'”

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.

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 leadership.

2 Kings 4:38

“And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, ‘Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.'”

This passage illustrates Elisha’s role as a leader and provider for the prophetic community, ensuring their well-being during difficult times.

Successor

Elisha’s influence continued through his mentorship of future prophets, ensuring the continuity of the prophetic tradition.

2 Kings 13:14

“Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. Then Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, ‘O my father, my father, the chariots of Israel and their horsemen!'”

Even in his final days, Elisha’s presence and guidance were sought by the king, indicating his lasting impact and the deep respect he commanded.

The Miracles

God performed many miracles of grace through His prophet Elisha, who has moved forward in faith and in response to the divine call. Here is a list of those miracles:

1. Parting of the Jordan by the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him when he was taken alive to heaven (2 Kings 2:14).
2. Healing of the waters when Elisha cast salt in it so that there was no more death (2 Kings 2:21).
3. The curse of the she bear that mauled forty-two of the youths for their disrespect to God’s prophet (2 Kings 2:24).
4. Filling of the valley with water so that the animals may drink and not die (2 Kings 3:17).
5. Deception of the Moabites with the valley of blood so that they may loose the battle (2 Kings 3:22).
6. Filling of the vessels with oil to provide for the widow that needed money for the creditors (2 Kings 4:4).
7. Prophecy that the Shunammite woman would have a son (2 Kings 4:16).
8. Resurrection of the Shunammite’s son from death (2 Kings 4:34).
9. Healing of the gourds (2 Kings 4:41).
10. Increasing the bread to feed many (2 Kings 4:43).
11. Healing of the Naaman, commander of the Syrian army from leprosy (2 Kings 5:14).
12. Perception of Gehazi’s transgression (2 Kings 5:26).
13. Cursing Gehazi with leprosy for his sin of greed (2 Kings 5:27).
14. Floating of the iron Axe head over water (2 Kings 6:6).
15. Prophecy of the Syrian battle plans (2 Kings 6:9).
16. Vision of the chariots and horses for Elisha’s servant to have courage (2 Kings 6:17).
17. Smiting the Syrian army with blindness (2 Kings 6:18).
18. Restore the sight of the Syrian army (2 Kings 6:20).
19. The prophecy of the end of the great famine (2 Kings 7:1).
20. The prophecy that the scoffing nobleman would see, but not partake of the abundance (2 Kings 7:2).
21. Deception of the Syrians with the sound of chariots so they fled (2 Kings 7:6,7).
22. Prophecy of the seven-year famine (2 Kings 8:1).
23. Prophecy of Benhadad’s untimely death (2 Kings 8:10).
24. Prophecy of Hazael’s cruelty to Israel (2 Kings 8:12).
25. Prophecy that Jehu will smite the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:7).
26. Prophecy that Joash will smite the Syrians at Aphek (2 Kings 13:17).
27. Prophecy that Joash will smite Syria thrice but not consume it (2 Kings 13:19).
28. Resurrection of the dead man that touched the Elisha’s bones (2 Kings 13:21).

Legacy

Elisha’s legacy is one of faithfulness, courage, and dedication to God’s calling. His life and ministry left a lasting impact on the nation of Israel and the prophetic tradition.

Faithfulness

Elisha’s unwavering faithfulness to God’s calling is a central aspect of his legacy. From his immediate response to Elijah’s call to his steadfast leadership, Elisha exemplified what it means to be dedicated to God’s service.

Courage

Throughout his ministry, Elisha displayed immense courage, whether confronting kings, leading the prophetic community, or providing counsel in times of crisis. His boldness in the face of adversity is a testament to his reliance on God’s strength.

Dedication to the Prophetic Mission

Elisha’s dedication to the prophetic mission ensured that the message of God continued to be proclaimed to the people of Israel and beyond. His mentorship of other prophets and his interactions with the nation’s leaders helped sustain the prophetic tradition during challenging times.

Conclusion

Elisha was a pivotal figure in the Old Testament, serving as a prophet during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history. His calling, mentorship under Elijah, interactions with kings, leadership of the prophetic community, and enduring legacy highlight his significant role in God’s plan for Israel. Through his faithfulness, courage, and dedication, Elisha ensured that the voice of God continued to be heard and that the prophetic mission endured. The life of Elisha, as presented in the Bible, offers rich lessons on the importance of commitment to God’s calling and the impact of faithful prophetic witness.