Elisha the Prophet: Healing a Nation with Faith and Fire

From Plowman to Prophet

Elisha ben Shaphat was one of the most remarkable prophets in Israel's history. He lived during the reigns of five kings, Achaziah, Yehoram, Yehu, Yehoachaz, and Yoash, and was born in the town of Abel-Meholah in the Gilad region.

His prophetic journey began when Hashem commanded the prophet Eliyahu to anoint Elisha as his successor. Eliyahu found him plowing with twelve pairs of oxen and threw his cloak over him—a symbolic act passing on the prophetic spirit. Elisha left his family and became Eliyahu’s devoted student.

A Final Request and a First Miracle

Before Eliyahu ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire, he asked Elisha for his final request. Elisha responded: “Let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (II Melachim 2:9). Some explain this as a desire to perform twice as many miracles as Eliyahu, while others see it as a request to receive a double measure of Eliyahu's spiritual influence, just as a firstborn receives a double inheritance.

Elisha’s first miracle came soon after. Standing at the Jordan River, he struck the water with Eliyahu’s cloak, and the waters parted, just as they had for his teacher. The disciples of the prophets saw the miracle and declared, “The spirit of Eliyahu now rests upon Elisha” (II Melachim 2:15).

Miracles of Healing, Provision, and Life

Elisha’s prophetic mission was defined by mercy. When the people of Jericho pleaded with him to purify their water supply, he threw salt into the spring and declared it healed by the word of Hashem. The waters became clean and safe to drink.

In another miracle, the widow of the prophet Ovadiah sought Elisha’s help to escape crushing debt. He instructed her to gather empty vessels and pour from the small flask of oil in her home. Miraculously, the oil kept flowing until every vessel was filled, providing her with enough to sell and pay her creditors.

Elisha also performed one of the most dramatic miracles in Tanach: the resurrection of the son of the Shunammite woman. After blessing her with a child as a reward for her hospitality, the boy later died unexpectedly. Elisha came to her home, prayed, and lay over the child until the boy came back to life (II Melachim 4:33–36).

Prophecy, Protection, and Political Power

Elisha’s role extended beyond miracles. He offered strategic and political guidance in turbulent times. He predicted the success of Israel and Yehudah in their battle against Moav, and later prophesied the end of a devastating siege on Samaria by the Aramean army.

He was also a staunch opponent of Baal worship in the northern kingdom. He anointed Chazael as king over Aram and sent a prophet to anoint Yehu ben Nimshi as king over Israel. In one striking act of Divine insight, Elisha warned the king of Israel to avoid a location where the Arameans planned an ambush, saving many lives through prophecy alone.

Even After Death: A Final Miracle

Elisha’s spiritual power didn’t end with his passing. After his burial, a deceased man was placed in his tomb. The moment the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came back to life (II Melachim 13:21). This extraordinary miracle led to various interpretations: some say it was the Shunammite’s son, others suggest it was Shallum ben Tikvah, the husband of Chuldah the prophetess, or even the false prophet Zedekiah ben Kenaanah.

A Life That Echoes Beyond the Grave

Elisha was more than a prophet. He was a living conduit of Hashem’s mercy and might. His miracles spanned healing, sustenance, resurrection, and national salvation. His spirit endured through disciples, kings, and even his own bones.