The Prophet Elisha


Elisha and the Shunemmite woman, whose child (in the basket) he brings back to life.

Elisha was a farmer in Abel-Maholah in Israel under his father Shaphat, a wealthy land owner. He was called quite suddenly from these somewhat unlikely beginnings by Elijah . Elijah came upon Elisha working in the fields and tossed his mantle onto Elisha's shoulders, and Elisha responded immediately. He sacraficed his oxen over the flame of his farm equipment, and from their on was under the guidance of Elijah until Elijah ascended to heaven in the chariots and flame. With the mantle that had fallen from Elijah, Elisha recrossed the the Jordan from where Elijah had ascended to where a group of about fifty prophets from Jericho were assembled for the event. When Elisha crossed the divided river the second time, these prophets recognized that he had gained the spirit of Elijah.

Elisha with Elijah as he ascends to heaven.

Elisha left no written records, but oral tradition passed on the series of stories involving Elisha which are mostly recorded in 2 Kings 2-14. This begins with Elijah coming to Elisha on the farm, then basically skips Elisha 10 year ministry and tells from Elijah's death through Elisha's death. The many anecdotes and stories are therefore not necessarily historically accurate, but were more intended to retell the significance of these events and their relation to the faith of Israel.

Elisha was involved both in political and military issues as well as some personal issues of people, which sometimes influenced political figures. Several examples of the first category include when he predicted rain for an thirsting army, warned kings of enemy plans, made Jehu king of Israel, and other unfinished business of Elijah's. Examples of personal miracles include raising from the dead the only son of a Shunemmite woman, healed the leprosy of Naaman the Syrian, multiplying a poor widow's store of oil, purifying the water at Jericho, and many others.

An underlying motive and goal for Elisha during his life was to complete the work of Elijah, as well as react to events as they came up and as he was told by God. Elijah traveled through Israel and comforted many disturbed individuals and communities. Through such miracles he spread the word of God to desperate people as salvation. Also in greater situations, such as the battle against Moab, Elisha made a statement and effort for the Jewish kings to put down the worshippers of Baal and spread the word of God. Elisha played an important role in Irael's battle with sin in the 800s BC.


Review

1.What miracle did Elisha perform on the Shunemmite woman's only son?
2.Who was the leper who was healed in the Jordan by Elisha?
3.Who was annointed king of Israel by a prophet sent by Elisha?
4.What was Elisha's profession before he became a prophet?

Review Answers

Links and Sources

Comprehensive Prophet Timeline
Wikipedia
CRI/Voice Institute
New Advent

"Elisha." New Catholic Encyclopedia. 2nd Edition. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America. 2003
"2 Kings" The New American Bible.Revised Edition. Wichita, Kansas: Fireside Catholic Publishing. 1970

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