Elisha

Elisha Elisha Elisha – First mentioned by God in 1 Kings 19:16-21 “Plowing” = farmer “Plowing” = farmer “12 yoke of oxen” = strong & capable “12 yoke of oxen” = strong & capable “Threw his mantle on him” = chosen by God “Threw his mantle on him” = chosen by God “Kiss my father & mother” = loved his family “Kiss my father & mother” = loved his family “Took…slaughtered…gave it” = concern for others “Took…slaughtered…gave it” = concern for others “I will follow…he followed” = made a commitment “I will follow…he followed” = made a commitment “Became Elijah’s servant” = heart of a servant “Became Elijah’s servant” = heart of a servant – His name means “My God is Salvation” – His work extended 60 years, through Northern kings Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz & Joash

Elisha A Look at Elijah & Elisha A Look at Elijah & Elisha – Similarities The last miracle of Elijah (2 Kings 2:8) & the first miracle of Elisha (2 Kings 2:14) The last miracle of Elijah (2 Kings 2:8) & the first miracle of Elisha (2 Kings 2:14) The language of Elijah to Ahab (1 Kings 17:1) & the language of Elisha to Ahab’s son (2 Kings 3:14) The language of Elijah to Ahab (1 Kings 17:1) & the language of Elisha to Ahab’s son (2 Kings 3:14) Elijah was cared for by a widow & returned her son to life (1 Kings 17:22) & Elisha was cared for by a widow & returned her son to life (2 K 4:32-37) Elijah was cared for by a widow & returned her son to life (1 Kings 17:22) & Elisha was cared for by a widow & returned her son to life (2 K 4:32-37) The first miracle of Elijah was no rain nor dew for 3½ years (1 Kings 17:1) & the first public miracle of Elisha was to heal the springs of water and to produce water (2 Kings 2:21-22; 3:16-20). The first miracle of Elijah was no rain nor dew for 3½ years (1 Kings 17:1) & the first public miracle of Elisha was to heal the springs of water and to produce water (2 Kings 2:21-22; 3:16-20).

Elisha A Look at Elijah & Elisha A Look at Elijah & Elisha – Contrasts Elijah dwelt apart from the masses in rugged hills; Elisha’s home was in the valley with his family Elijah dwelt apart from the masses in rugged hills; Elisha’s home was in the valley with his family Elijah seemed to appear & disappear often; Elisha seemed to be easily & often found by the people. Elijah seemed to appear & disappear often; Elisha seemed to be easily & often found by the people. Elijah’s mission dealt with God’s wrath upon idolatry & corruption; thus, he was more a prophet of fire. Elisha’s mission seemed to be more a mission of mercy and attendant blessings. Elijah’s mission dealt with God’s wrath upon idolatry & corruption; thus, he was more a prophet of fire. Elisha’s mission seemed to be more a mission of mercy and attendant blessings. Elijah’s miracles were sometimes more of death & destruction, while Elisha’s were more of healing & restoration. Elijah’s miracles were sometimes more of death & destruction, while Elisha’s were more of healing & restoration.

Elisha A Look at Elijah & Elisha A Look at Elijah & Elisha – Contrasts Unlike Elijah, Elisha may be viewed as a diplomat and a statesman; he won the confidence of the kings and even played a leading role as advisor of the kings. Unlike Elijah, Elisha may be viewed as a diplomat and a statesman; he won the confidence of the kings and even played a leading role as advisor of the kings.

Elisha A Look at Elijah & Elisha A Look at Elijah & Elisha – Their Closeness (and maybe a little testing) Es “followed Ej, and became his servant”–1 K 19:21 Es “followed Ej, and became his servant”–1 K 19:21 Ej  Es, “Stay here, please…” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down. (2 Kgs. 2:2, 4, 6) Ej  Es, “Stay here, please…” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down. (2 Kgs. 2:2, 4, 6) “The two of the them stood by the Jordan” (2:7) “The two of the them stood by the Jordan” (2:7) “The two of them crossed over” (2:8) “The two of them crossed over” (2:8) Ej  Es, “Ask! ” Es  Ej, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (2:9; cf. Deut. 21:17) Ej  Es, “Ask! ” Es  Ej, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (2:9; cf. Deut. 21:17) “They continued on and talked” (2:11) “They continued on and talked” (2:11) “My father, my father…” (2:12) “My father, my father…” (2:12)

Elisha The Mighty Miracles of Elisha The Mighty Miracles of Elisha – Dividing waters of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:13-14) – Healing the water near Jericho (2:19-22) – The two female bears & 42 youths (2:23-24) – Valley filled with water w/o wind & rain (3:15-20) – The widow’s oil increased (4:1-7) – A great woman of Shunem has a son. The boy died and was restored to life (4:8-37) – Purifying the pot of stew (4:38-41) – Multiplying bread & grain for 100 men (4:42-44) – Cleansing/healing Naaman of leprosy (5:1-14) – Transfering leprosy to Gehazi (5:20-27) – Floating an iron ax head (6:1-7) – Syrians struck blind (6:8-23) – The famine in Samaria, the day of plenty, land restored to Shunammite woman (6:24-8:6) – Reviving of a man who touched his bones (13:20-21)