Who Was Prophet Elisha, the Successor of Elijah?

Bibliaon Team

Created and reviewed by our editors

Elisha was one of the great prophets of the Bible, known for being the successor of Elijah. Chosen by God and prepared by his master, he took on the prophetic ministry after Elijah was taken up to heaven. Elisha became known for the many miracles he performed such as healings, multiplications, and even resurrections as well as for his unshakable faith, courage in the face of challenges, and faithfulness to the divine calling.

The prophet Elisha was a man used by God in the Old Testament of the Bible. He lived in Israel and is known for having been the successor of the prophet Elijah. The story of Elisha is recorded mainly in the book of 2 Kings, from chapter 2 to chapter 13.

Elisha began his prophetic journey when Elijah, one of the greatest prophets of the Bible, found him working in the fields. God sent Elijah to choose Elisha as his helper and, later, his successor. Elisha followed Elijah faithfully until the end. When Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire, Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, meaning more of God’s power to continue the work.

After Elijah’s ascension, Elisha began to perform many miracles. Some of the most well-known include: purifying contaminated water, multiplying the oil of a poor widow, raising the son of a Shunammite woman from the dead, healing a Syrian commander named Naaman from leprosy, and making an iron axe head float after it had fallen into the water. All these miracles revealed God’s power working through his life.

An illustrative representation of Prophet Elisha

A curious fact is that the Bible mentions that Elisha was bald. In 2 Kings 2:23–24, some young men mocked him because of it and were punished for disrespecting a man of God.

Elisha died from an illness, but even after his death, God used his bones to perform one last miracle. A dead man was thrown into his tomb, and when the man’s body touched Elisha’s bones, he came back to life (2 Kings 13:20–21).

Elisha’s legacy is one of faith, obedience, and the power of God. He showed that God cares for His people and acts even in difficult times. His example teaches us to trust in God and to serve Him faithfully.

Remarkable Events in the Life of Elisha

Called by Elijah and Beginning of His Ministry: While plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha, symbolizing the divine call (1 Kings 19:19–20).
Elijah’s Ascension and the Double Portion of Anointing: Elisha witnessed Elijah being taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire over the Jordan River. When he saw this, he asked for and received a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit. He then divided the waters of the Jordan with Elijah’s cloak, confirming the transfer of prophetic authority (2 Kings 2:9–14).
Purification of the Waters of Jericho: Early in his ministry, he healed contaminated waters in Jericho, making them drinkable after throwing salt into them and praying (2 Kings 2:19–22).
Young Men Mock Elisha for Being Bald: Some youths mocked Elisha’s baldness, calling him “baldhead.” He cursed them, and two bears came out of the forest and killed them (2 Kings 2:23–24). This event shows the divine authority he possessed.
Intervention in the War Against Moab: He guided the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom in the desert, causing water to appear where there was none. The enemy army was defeated (2 Kings 3).
Miracles of Provision for the People: He multiplied oil for a widow in debt (2 Kings 4:1–7), purified poisoned stew, and multiplied loaves of bread to feed one hundred men (2 Kings 4:38–44).
Birth and Resurrection of the Shunammite’s Son: He prophesied the birth of a son to a wealthy woman from Shunem and later brought the boy back to life after his death (2 Kings 4:8–37).
Healing of Naaman, the Syrian: He healed Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, from leprosy by instructing him to dip seven times in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:1–14).
Miracle of the Floating Axe Head: When an axe head fell into the river and sank, Elisha threw a piece of wood into the water, and the iron floated. This showed his concern for the practical needs of the people (2 Kings 6:1–7).
Deliverance of Samaria During the Siege: When the Syrian army surrounded Samaria, Elisha opened his servant’s eyes to see chariots of fire. Later, he struck the enemy with blindness and, in an act of mercy, provided them with food and water instead of killing them (2 Kings 6:8–23).
Prophecy of Abundance in Samaria: During a severe famine, he prophesied that the next day food would be available at a low price. The enemy fled, leaving supplies behind, and his prophecy was fulfilled (2 Kings 7).
Continued Relationship with the Kings of Israel: Elisha served during the reigns of six kings of the Northern Kingdom and was consulted on both political and spiritual matters.
Death and Final Miracle: After his death, even his bones were used by God to perform a miracle. A dead man was thrown into Elisha’s tomb and came back to life when he touched his bones (2 Kings 13:20–21).

Bible Study on the Prophet Elisha

The Transition Between Elijah and Elisha

Elisha was chosen by God to be the successor of the prophet Elijah. The transition between them happened in a remarkable way, as recorded in 1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2. When Elijah found Elisha, he was plowing the field. Elijah threw his cloak over him, symbolizing the prophetic call. Elisha then left everything behind to follow and serve Elijah.

Before being taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire, Elijah asked what Elisha desired. He replied, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” (2 Kings 2:9). This did not mean he wanted to be greater, but that he desired the same anointing to boldly fulfill his mission. God granted his request, and Elisha began his ministry by performing many miracles.

This transition shows that God’s calling involves obedience, sacrifice, and faith. Elisha learned by serving, remained faithful until the end, and was ready when his time came.

The main lesson is that God always raises up new leaders to continue His work. Elisha teaches us humility, commitment, and that true power comes from God, not from ourselves. When we are faithful in small things, God equips us for greater ones, just as He did with Elisha.

How Long Elisha Walked With Elijah

The Bible does not state exactly how long Elisha walked with Elijah, but it is believed to have been about six to ten years. Elisha’s calling occurred in 1 Kings 19:19, during the reign of King Ahab. Elijah was taken up to heaven in 2 Kings 2.

During that period, Elisha served Elijah as a disciple and helper, learning from him until he became his successor. Although the exact time is not mentioned, it is clear that Elisha had enough time to be spiritually prepared to take on the prophetic ministry with authority and faithfulness after Elijah’s departure.

Elisha’s Vision of the Army of Angels

Elisha’s vision of the army of angels is found in 2 Kings 6:8–23. The king of Aram (Syria) was at war with Israel, but his plans were constantly thwarted because Elisha, guided by God, revealed them to the king of Israel. Angry about this, the Syrian king sent a large army to surround the city of Dothan, where Elisha was staying.

The next morning, Elisha’s servant saw the enemy army surrounding the city and became terrified. But Elisha calmly said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16).

Then Elisha prayed that God would open the servant’s eyes, and he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha, a heavenly army.

This vision reveals that God protects His servants even when everything seems lost. The angels were there all along, but the servant only saw them when God opened his spiritual eyes.

We may not always see it, but God is working on our behalf. When we trust in Him, we do not need to fear, because His resources are greater than any visible threat. Faith sees beyond circumstances.

The Death of Elisha

The death of Elisha is recorded in 2 Kings 13:14–21. The Bible says that Elisha became sick with the illness from which he would die. The king of Israel, Joash, went to visit him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” This expression shows how Elisha was seen as a source of protection and spiritual strength for the nation.

Even while sick, Elisha prophesied Israel’s victory over Aram (Syria). He told the king to take a bow and arrows. With Elisha’s help, Joash shot an arrow, and the prophet declared that it was “the Lord’s arrow of victory.” Then Joash struck the ground three times with the arrows, but Elisha rebuked him for not striking more, saying that this would limit the number of his victories.

Elisha died and was buried, but even after his death, God used him for one last miracle. Some time later, a group of Israelites was burying a man when they saw a raiding band approaching. In a hurry, they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the corpse touched the prophet’s bones, the man came to life and stood on his feet.

This miracle showed that the power of God continued to work even after the death of His servant.

What We Can Learn from the Life of Elisha

Elisha was one of the great prophets of the Bible, and his life teaches us many valuable lessons about faith, obedience, and service to God. He was called by God while working in the field and, without hesitation, left everything to follow Elijah. This shows us the importance of being ready and willing to obey God’s call, even when it requires sacrifice.

Throughout his ministry, Elisha was an instrument of miracles and healing, always pointing to God as the true source of power. He trusted completely in the Lord, even in difficult circumstances, such as when he was surrounded by an army and, through the eyes of faith, saw that God was protecting him with an army of angels.

Elisha also demonstrated compassion by helping widows, families in need, and even foreigners, such as Naaman, the Syrian commander who was healed of leprosy. He showed that God’s love has no boundaries.

Another remarkable quality was his faithfulness. Even after Elijah’s departure, Elisha remained steadfast in his purpose, never seeking fame but serving with humility and dedication. And even after his death, God performed a miracle through him, showing that a consecrated life leaves a lasting legacy.

Key Lessons from Elisha’s Life

Obedience to God’s call
Faith in the face of challenges
Trust in God’s power
Compassion for those in need
Humility in ministry
Perseverance and faithfulness to the end
A legacy that continues to inspire even after death

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