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    Who Was Elisha in the Bible?

    Who Was Elisha in the Bible? Elisha was Elijah's successor who received a double portion of his spirit and performed numerous miracles demonstrating God's power and compassion.

    Key verse: 2 Kings 2:9 (KJV)

    Elisha was Elijah's successor who received a double portion of his spirit and performed numerous miracles demonstrating God's power and compassion.

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    Quick Answer

    Elisha was Elijah's successor who received a double portion of his spirit and performed numerous miracles demonstrating God's power and compassion.

    "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." — 2 Kings 2:9 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    Elisha was called by Elijah while plowing with twelve yoke of oxen (1 Kings 19:19-21). He faithfully served Elijah and, when Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, received the double portion of the Spirit he had requested. Elisha's ministry spanned approximately 50 years and included remarkable miracles: purifying poisoned water, multiplying a widow's oil, raising the Shunammite's son from death, healing Naaman's leprosy, making an axe head float, and many others. His miracles often focused on helping ordinary people in practical need, revealing God's compassion for the marginalized. Elisha served as a prophetic voice to kings and common people alike throughout Israel's turbulent period.

    Topic Overview

    What Does the Bible Say About The Holy Spirit?

    What the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit, His work, and His role in the believer's life.

    Key Scripture References

    "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me."
    "And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah?"
    "So he set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the LORD."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside 2 Kings. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read 2 Kings on day 214 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “Who Was Elisha in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Elisha was called by Elijah while plowing with twelve yoke of oxen (1 Kings 19:19-21). He faithfully served Elijah and, when Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, received the double portion of the Spirit he had requested. Elisha's ministry spanned approximately 50 years and included remarkable miracles: purifying poisoned water, multiplying a widow's oil, raising the Shunammite's son from death, healing Naaman's leprosy, making an axe head float, and many others. His miracles often focused on helping ordinary people in practical need, revealing God's compassion for the marginalized. Elisha served as a prophetic voice to kings and common people alike throughout Israel's turbulent period.

    Elijah was a bold Old Testament prophet who confronted King Ahab and the prophets of Baal, performed miracles, and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.

    Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.