Elisha

Product Summary

Main Characters:

Elisha, Elijah, The Widow, Gideon and his wife, their son Micha, Naaman and his family and Naaman’s servant

Scriptural References:

I Kings 19:19-21, II Kings 2:6-22, II Kings 3: 1-3, II Kings 4: 1-36 and II Kings 5: 1-27

Overall Theme:

Elisha, even though he has self-doubts, accepts God’s commands. Through his obedience and faith, he becomes one of God’s greatest prophets, doing His work and bringing Him praise among His people.

Summary:

Elisha, a young man, works hard on his father’s prosperous farm, a farm which he will some day inherit. When the prophet Elijah visits Elisha and tells him that he will be the new prophet of Israel, Elisha, obedient to God, leaves the farm to follow Elijah.

Elijah teaches his new student, knowing that his days on earth are few. Despite Elijah’s efforts, the kings of Israel continue to worship idols and not the living God. In Elijah and Elisha’s wanderings, they come to the River Jordan. Elijah spreads his mantle on the waters, and God parts the river so that the Prophet and student may cross.

Elisha, doubting that he will ever be able to take his teacher’s place, asks for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, which he promises to his student if Elisha sees him taken to Heaven in a chariot of fire. Elijah tells him never to take a reward for the works of God, for God is the only miracle worker. Just as the Prophet had foretold, God sends for Elijah, and as he ascends, throws his mantle to Elisha.

Elisha parts the River Jordan with Elijah’s mantle. He begins his days as the next great Prophet, performing miracles and spreading God’s commands and love.

Elisha and his servant, Gehezi, wander the country. The water supply of a great city has been poisoned. God tells Elisha to spread salt on the waters. When he does so, God cleanses the water. “Thus sayeth the Lord, I have healed these waters, and death will not come from them again.” When offered great wealth for his miracle, Elisha, to the dismay of Gehezi, refuses.

Background:

Elisha is one of the Bible’s most remarkable figures. He performed more miracles that any other prophet, except Moses. His godliness is unassailable, even in the face of idolatry, famine and an attempt on his life. Nowhere in Scripture, do we find Elisha succumbing to avarice, cowering before enemies, or complaining to God. Elisha is a dynamic example of faithfulness. As we seek models for our walk with God, we should  remember this man who faced adversity with humility, obedience, and trust in God’s protection.