Elisha

Also known as: Eliseus

Prophet · Successor of Elijah

Elisha was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen when Elijah cast his mantle upon him, calling him to prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:19-21). He served as Elijah's attendant until Elijah's ascension, when Elisha asked for "a double portion of thy spirit" (2 Kings 2:9). After Elijah was taken up, Elisha picked up his fallen mantle and struck the Jordan River, which parted — confirming his succession (2 Kings 2:14). Elisha's ministry was characterized by an extraordinary number of miracles: he purified poisoned water at Jericho (2 Kings 2:21), multiplied a widow's oil to pay her debts (2 Kings 4:1-7), raised the Shunammite woman's dead son (2 Kings 4:32-35), cleansed Naaman the Syrian general of leprosy by telling him to wash seven times in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:10-14), made an iron axe head float (2 Kings 6:6), and saw heavenly armies surrounding the city of Dothan (2 Kings 6:17). Even after death, his bones retained power — a dead man thrown into Elisha's tomb revived upon touching his bones (2 Kings 13:21). Elisha performed roughly twice as many miracles as Elijah, fulfilling the "double portion" he requested.

Key Events

1Called by Elijah — left plowing to follow
2Asked for double portion of Elijah's spirit
3Parted the Jordan with Elijah's mantle
4Purified poisoned water at Jericho
5Multiplied a widow's oil
6Raised the Shunammite's son from the dead
7Healed Naaman of leprosy in the Jordan
8Saw heavenly armies at Dothan
9Died of illness — even his bones raised a dead man

What Scripture Says (73 verses)

Genesis 10:4

And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

Genesis · Chapter 10

Numbers 1:10

Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

Numbers · Chapter 1

Numbers 2:18

On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Numbers · Chapter 2

Numbers 7:48

On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered:

Numbers · Chapter 7

Numbers 7:53

And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Numbers · Chapter 7

Numbers 10:22

And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.

Numbers · Chapter 10

2 Samuel 5:16

And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

2 Samuel · Chapter 5

1 Kings 19:16

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

1 Kings · Chapter 19

1 Kings 19:17

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

1 Kings · Chapter 19

1 Kings 19:19

So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

1 Kings · Chapter 19

Showing 10 of 73 verses

Church Tradition

Death

Died of illness

Location: Samaria (tradition)

Source: 2 Kings 13:14-20

Biblical Record

Details

From: Abel-meholah
Verses: 73
Category: prophet

Appears In

1 Kings 2 Kings Luke

Key Verses

1 Kings 19:19-21

2 Kings 2:9-14

2 Kings 4:32-35

2 Kings 5:10-14

2 Kings 6:17

2 Kings 13:21