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.

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