And he could accomplish nothing and heal no one unless it was by the power of God (2 Kings 4:27). As amazing as all of Elisha’s miracles were, these did not come from his own power or ability. So it could be labeled as a “potential area of weakness” rather than an actual weakness.Ģ. However, since sending out search parties was not a sin and could give peace of mind to the people it was also reasonable for Elisha to agree to this. This could be an example of giving in to peer pressure. Elisha knew it was unnecessary, but finally he relented. So they tried to convince Elisha to send out search parties just in case. And although the prophets believed him, some thought maybe had fallen out. Elisha had seen him taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. All the people did not know where he was. Giving in to the masses (2 Kings 2:17) – In this passage Elijah had gone missing. His ministry reached out to all classes of people, poor and rich, noble and peasants, Jews and foreigners.ġ.

Joash was sorry to see him die (13:14).ģ. Although at times he incurred their anger, normally they sought out his counsel (2 Kings 3:1-19, 8:1-6). He generally worked within the system, becoming the head of the order of prophets and acting as an adviser to the kings. Elisha was not a loner like Elijah – He didn’t wander as much, but had a house in Samaria (2 Kings 6:32). Therefore it is reasonable to assume that being bald was not sought after in that culture! Thus we can conclude that he didn’t have a handsome appearance.Ģ. This was the excuse used by some young men to curse Elisha. Elisha was bald (2 Kings 2:23) – Unlike Elijah, he was not hairy. Much material is devoted to him and his life provides us with many important and practical lessons.ġ. He is one of the most well-known prophets. His name is mentioned fifty-nine times in the Bible. His life portrays God’s love for both the common people (the family with the new son, and the widow with debts) and the rich (Naaman). His miracles proved Yahweh as the true God when the people were in danger of completely abandoning god and following after Baal.Īlso, these miracles serve as an eternal reminder of God’s power. He was a light for God when Israel was in a very dark time period. But Elisha had a very important ministry that lasted from roughly 850 to 800 B.C. Perhaps it is because his character isn’t as brash or outspoken. Place in history: Elisha is not as well-known as Elijah. In addition, Elisha headed schools of prophets (2 Kings 4:38-44, 2 Kings 6:1-7). Elisha’s ministry was anointed by the power of God and he performed more miracles than any other individual in the Bible except for Jesus. Later, when Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9). He must have been merely observing and watching, learning by spending time with Elijah. For a while after he begins to follow Elijah nothing is mentioned of him.

If they spoke against the king their lives could be in danger.Įlisha was trained by one of the most important figures in the history of Israel, Elijah. Although they were esteemed, their role was also a dangerous one. Prophets counseled kings and individuals, challenged the people to follow the true God, pronounced judgment, performed miracles, and prophesied about future events. Prophets had a lot of authority as they spoke with the authoritative word from the Lord. This was perhaps the most esteemed role during that time period. From that time forth Elisha was a prophet. However, when Elijah called him, he gave that up completely to follow Elijah and his ministry. He was plowing, probably on the family farm. Training and occupation: Before Elisha was called to ministry it is evident that he was a farmer. His ministry spanned the reigns of Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash of the Northern Kingdom. Therefore Elisha would have stood out from the crowd and faced danger of persecution and death. The people primarily worshiped Baal, partially because of the influence of Jezebel. The Northern Kingdom of Israel had already split off from Judah for a long time. When and where he lived: Elisha lived during the ninth century B.C. This was located on the west side of the Jordan river, between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.

He did request from Elijah that he be allowed to say good-bye to his parents so they were still living when he went to begin ministry. Ancestry and family life: Elisha was the son of Shaphat.

Elijah and elisha bible study