Elisha

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew ’Ĕlîšā‘ (“God is salvation”), highlighting divine deliverance.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom
• Main References: 1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 2–13
• Key Connections: Successor of Elijah; ministered to northern Israel under kings including Joram, Jehu, and Joash.

Who was Elisha?

Elisha was a prophet in northern Israel during the Divided Kingdom and the leading successor to Elijah.
He was called from agricultural work and publicly commissioned through Elijah’s mantle (1 Kings 19:19–21).
His ministry is presented as marked by public acts that confirmed prophetic authority and addressed national crises (2 Kings 2–7).
He is also remembered for involvement in royal affairs and guidance during conflict (2 Kings 3; 2 Kings 8; 2 Kings 13).

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Took up Elijah’s mantle and began his prophetic ministry after Elijah was taken up (2 Kings 2:9–15).
• Event 2: Provided prophetic counsel during the campaign of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab (2 Kings 3:11–20).
• Event 3: Directed the anointing that led to Jehu’s rise and the end of Ahab’s dynasty in Israel (2 Kings 9:1–10).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Elisha’s ministry portrays prophetic leadership that combines public signs with counsel affecting Israel’s covenant life and national direction.

Key Verse

"Now as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." — 2 Kings 2:11, ESV