What's the difference between Elisha and Elijah?
0:023:2899 | Elijah vs Elisha -- Chuck Knows Church - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn the Bible I wondered is this the same prophet just spelled differently.MoreIn the Bible I wondered is this the same prophet just spelled differently.
Why did Elisha follow Elijah?
It was common knowledge among the prophets of the age that Elijah's time had come. Elijah three times told Elisha to stay behind, but each time his assistant refused to leave his side. Others were watching from a distance, but Elisha wanted a close up and personal view of what God was about to do in Elijah's life.
What is the story of Elijah and Elisha about in the Bible?
Elisha is first introduced in 1 Kings 19. The Lord appeared to Elijah and told him that Elisha would succeed him as prophet. Elijah then approached Elisha, who was plowing in the field. Elijah threw his cloak on him, and Elisha asked to kiss his mother and father goodbye before coming with him.
How did Elijah mentored Elisha?
As God informed Moses of his successor, he also told Elijah to anoint Elisha to become a prophet (1Kings 19:16). Zucker (2012) posits that Elijah mentored Elisha for six years and more, developing a relationship that allowed Elisha to mirror the miracles of Elijah. Elisha's heroic exploits are similar to his mentor's.
What can we learn from Elijah and Elisha?
Elijah and Elisha are two of the most significant people in the Old Testament. Alan Toms recounts the major events from their lives and brings out some important lessons today for any Christian who wants to serve God like they did - lessons about faith, trust, obedience, knowing God's will in the ups and downs of life.
What is the importance of Elisha?
In addition to being a miracle worker, Elisha was a political power. He prophesied the defeat of the Moabites as a result of a huge rainfall and advised Joram how to defeat Ben-hadad, king of Syria. By performing this last act Elisha instigated a revolt in Syria; Hazael murdered the sick and dying Ben-hadad.
Is Elisha and Elijah the same person?
In the biblical narrative he is a disciple and protégé of Elijah, and after Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, Elisha received a double portion of his power and he was accepted as the leader of the sons of the prophets. Elisha then went on to perform twice as many miracles as Elijah.
Who came first Elijah or Elisha?
Elisha, also spelled Elisaios, or Eliseus, in the Old Testament, Israelite prophet, the pupil of Elijah, and also his successor (c. 851 bc).
How many miracles did Elisha do compared to Elijah?
Elisha asked Elijah for twice as much as his spirit; Elijah said it was a difficult request (2 Kgs 2.9). The Midrash says Elijah did eight miracles and Elisha sixteen. I Elisha's miracles not only double Elijah's but seem to parallel and multiply them in their themes, elements and language.
Who was Elijah's servant before Elisha?
"Gehazi". Easton's Bible Dictionary (New and revised ed.).
What does the story of Elijah teach us?
The stories we read about Elijah in 1 and 2 Kings actually show us Elijah's humanity. We can identify with the doubts and struggles Elijah experienced in our own faith journey. And from Elijah's story we can receive assurance about who God is and what we can expect from him.
Who saw Elijah in heaven?
Because of Malachi's prophecy, people of some other faiths today still await his coming. The New Testament records, however, that Elijah, as a translated being, appeared on a mountaintop to Peter, James, and John, three of Jesus' Apostles (see Matthew 17:1–4).
What is the moral of the story of Elijah?
The stories we read about Elijah in 1 and 2 Kings actually show us Elijah's humanity. We can identify with the doubts and struggles Elijah experienced in our own faith journey. And from Elijah's story we can receive assurance about who God is and what we can expect from him.
What did Elisha do when Elijah was taken to heaven?
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, "My father! My father!
Why is Elijah important in the Bible?
Elijah was a mighty prophet during a turbulent time in Israel's history. The nation had turned away from the Lord to worship Baal, and King Ahab had formed an alliance with Sidon by marrying their princess, Jezebel. Elijah was sent to show Israel the evil of their ways and encourage them to return to the Lord.
What does the mantle of Elijah represent?
The passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha symbolized the passing of prophetic authority to Elisha. In modern times we sometimes speak of the “mantle” of authority that the prophet receives when he is ordained and set apart.
What is the theme of 2 Kings 2?
Here is established the clear succession of Elisha to Elijah. But the second clear theme in the narrative is the element of distance between the two men. Elijah understands the time has come for the Lord to take him, and Elisha accompanies him toward the wilderness. Elijah however desires to make the final journey alone, but Elisha refuses this. Elijah’s motives in asking are not clear, though Elisha’s persistence seems to express his readiness to step into the new work. Asked by Elijah what he would wish as a final favor, Elisha asks for “a double portion of your spirit to be upon me” (2:9). Scholars debate the precise meaning of this request: does Elisha want to be twice the prophet that Elijah was? Is he asking for the “twin” or equal of Elijah’s anointing? Is he asking for the traditional bequest given the eldest son of an estate divided among many? 3 A decision on this point needs to take into account that Elijah sees this request as (1) difficult, presumably because it asks for much, but also as (2) impossible, since only the Lord can grant such a request. And so Elijah leaves it to the Lord, who will disclose Godself to Elisha or not: “If you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not” (2:10). Elisha does see the ascension, does attain the prophet’s mantle, and does embark on a prophetic career (2:12, 13-14, 15-25). There are ambiguities here about the extent to which Elijah understood what was happening, ambiguities finally resolved by the decisive actions of the Lord. The “double portion” was granted; in our text, it means that Elisha succeeded Elijah as prophet in Israel.
Which country handles the succession of the monarch?
In the political world, the United States handles presidential succession in a different way than Great Britain handles the succession of the monarch, or of the prime minister. Churches with episcopal structures place the authority for decisions about succession in higher levels of the episcopacy.
Is Elisha's ministry in succession to Elijah?
It’s finally possible to argue the theological point that Elisha’s ministry is not strictly speaking in succession to Elijah; rather it is a succession of prophetic ministry to the Lord, linked to Elijah’s and subsequent to it, but which represents the Lord much more vitally than it represent Elijah.
Is Elisha the successor of Elijah?
Is it right to say that Elisha is the successor to Elijah’s ministry? The answer is probably both yes and no. Elijah himself “appears abruptly” 4 in no obvious prophetic succession, and thus personal succession is not strictly necessary. But Elisha is explicitly a “prophet in [Elijah’s] place.” Other connections between the two prophets are important to the text; the Horeb story together with the ascension story give huge profile to the idea of succession; the mantle which appears in both stories only represents the connectivity of the call of these two. Further, certain (but not all) of the elements in Elijah’s service reappear or are completed in Elisha’s service. The way of the nation of Israel as a whole, as well as the care of individuals within the nation, are the focus both of Elijah (e.g., 17:1-2 and 17:3-7) and of Elisha (e.g., 2 Kings 3:13-20; and 2 Kings 4:8-37) and characterize both ministries. As to particular details, the anointing of Jehu expected of Elijah was in fact accomplished by Elisha; and the fate of Jezebel prophesied by Elijah is brought about under Elisha. In these ways we see Elisha “carrying on” what Elijah began.
Who Was Elijah?
Elijah’s story appears mostly in 1 Kings. He was a prophet during one of the most wicked times in Israel’s history, when worship of Baal was at an all-time high.
What Can We Learn from Elisha?
Elisha shows us an example of humility and complete dedication to God’s handiwork. When called by Elijah, he completely abandons his trade and follows him.
What miracles did Elijah do?
Elijah completes many miracles in his life. Some of these include causing the rain to stop for years ( 1 Kings 17:1) and resurrecting a woman’s son ( 1 Kings 17:22 ). The Bible compares Elijah with John the Baptist ( Luke 1:17 ), both prophesying to wicked generations (and also because both appear to have eccentric attitudes).
What does Elisha do when he casts his cloak on him?
When he casts his cloak on Elisha (essentially calls him to follow him , and symbolizes he will transfer his power to him in the future), Elisha drops what he’s doing and starts as an assistant to the prophet ( 1 Kings 19:19-21 ). When Elijah leaves earth, Elisha is granted double Elijah’s power, explains this Got Questions article.
What did the prophets of Baal do?
Both prophets attempt to show which of their gods has more power. The prophets of Baal call out to their false god to set alight their altars, but nothing happens. Elijah, to add salt to their wounds, asks them to cover his altar in water. They do so, and God sends down fire and consumes the drenched platform.
What is David Jeremiah's example?
David Jeremiah also gives some examples of how we can learn from Elijah’s example on how to trust in God when faced with opposition. In the example of the prophets of Baal, he was outnumbered by the hundreds. Still, he exercised faith and his God won out the day.
Who did Elijah go head to head with?
In fact, Elijah personally went head to head with one of the most evil royal couples in their history: Ahab and Jezebel. Both prophets completed miracles and called down God’s judgment on various evildoers ( 1 Kings 18, 2 Kings 2 ). In this article, we’ll endeavor to explain the difference between these two prophets.
What is the story of Elijah and Elisha?
They are two of the most notable prophets from scripture helping to restore Israel in a time of wicked rulers. Elijah is initially presented in 1 Kings 17 as the seer who foretold a three-year drought in the land of Israel. At that time, Israel was ruled by corrupted Kings whose evil ways caused the drought from God upon the land. Residing in the desert, Elijah is saved by God when ravens bring him food amidst the drought that he predicted. Elijah then travels to the home of a widow and her son where God had promised to provide food until the drought has ceased.
Where did Elijah and Elisha stop?
7 Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it.
What is the challenge of Elijah?
The challenge is to offer sacrifices to their own deities and see which starts a fire to show their divinity. Ahab's prophets pray for hours to Baal but nothing happens.
What did Elijah do in 2 Kings 2?
In 2 Kings 2, Elijah and Elisha traversed the Jordan River on dry land , and Elisha, understanding that Elijah would soon pass away, asked to be blessed with a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah was then carried straight into heaven by a chariot of fire. Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle and used it to cross the Jordan again on dry land. He received the double portion he had asked for and performed many miracles in Israel. Some of Elisha’s miracles were the turning of bad water into clean water ( 2 Kings 2:19-22 ), making a widow’s oil to fill many jars ( 2 Kings 4:1-7 ), and even raising a boy from the dead ( 2 Kings 4:32-37 ).
What were Elisha's miracles?
Some of Elisha’s miracles were the turning of bad water into clean water ( 2 Kings 2:19-22 ), making a widow’s oil to fill many jars ( 2 Kings 4:1-7 ), and even raising a boy from the dead ( 2 Kings 4:32-37 ). Elijah and Elisha were both very regarded by those in the “school of prophets” ( 2 Kings 4:38-41) as well as by the rulers of their country.
How was Elijah saved?
Residing in the desert, Elijah is saved by God when ravens bring him food amidst the drought that he predicted. Elijah then travels to the home of a widow and her son where God had promised to provide food until the drought has ceased.
What did the Israelites say about the covenant?
The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”.
What was Elijah's life like?
Elijah led what we might call today a "dynamic life." He was a prophet who warned and punished the Kings of Israel for their sins. He raised a widow's son from the dead (1Kings 17:2 - 24). He also had a major confrontation with Israel's false prophets on Mount Carmel, which ended in the execution of 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah (1Kings 18:18 - 40). God even gave Elijah the power to OUTRUN the chariot of Ahab (who also had a head start) to the entrance of Jezreel (1Kings 18:46)!
What did God give Elijah?
God even gave Elijah the power to OUTRUN the chariot of Ahab (who also had a head start) to the entrance of Jezreel (1Kings 18:46)! After fleeing death threats from Queen Jezebel, Elijah is told to anoint two kings and make Elisha his successor (1Kings 19).
What did Elijah mean when his mentor's mantle was cast over him?
However, he apparently knew what it meant when his mentor's mantle was cast over him, since when it occurred he simply said goodbye to his parents (verses 20 - 21). He then followed his mentor until the day God took him away by a chariot of fire. Elijah was rough shod and hairy and thundered his denunciation of kings.
How long did Elisha live?
Elisha, however, stayed as a visitor in the homes where he went. He dressed like the people of his day and generally succored the people. Elisha, after sixty years of service as a prophet, died in his own home (2Kings 13:14, 20). God's power, however, showed through him even after his death.
What does Elijah's name mean?
Elijah's name means "God the Lord, the strong Lord" and Elisha's means "salvation of God.". If you are questioning a blood relationship between them, there is none. Except for a mention in 1Kings 17:1, we know nothing of their parentage or early life.
Where was Elisha buried?
One day, some men were burying a man in a cave when a gang appeared. They threw the body into the cave, which was also where Elisha was buried. When the dead man's body touched the prophet's bones he came back to life (2Kings 13:20 - 21)!
Who was the prophet who asked for a double portion of God's spirit?
Elisha 's request for a double portion of God's spirit (2Kings 2:1 - 12) is granted. The service to God of Elijah was so exemplary that he represented all the Old Testament prophets when Jesus was transfigured and in a vision is seen talking to him and Moses (Luke 9:28 - 36). John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus before his ministry ...
What do Christians need to know about Elijah and Elisha?
What Christians Need to Know about Elijah and Elisha in the Bible. The Bible is teeming with miracles and prophecies, and we can read about events like these in the lives of Elijah and Elisha in 1 and 2 Kings. These two men were chosen by God to call His people to revival.
Who Were Elijah and Elisha in the Bible?
Elijah and Elisha were prophets, recorded in the Old Testament in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. “Their influence led to an awakening among some of the Israelites during a dismal stage of Israel’s history,” the staff at BibleStudyTools.com explains, “Through the corrupt reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah, God trusted in Elijah and Elisha to lead the charge for righteousness.” God’s people were surrounded by idol worship of other gods. The prophecies and miracles of Elijah and Elisha were proof to them of the One True God.
What does the life of Elijah and Elisha remind us of?
The Lives of Elijah and Elisha Remind Us of the Power of God in Our Everyday Lives. After witnessing the transfiguration, Peter suggests putting up three shelters. The NIV translation follows with a parenthetical, “He did not know what he was saying.”.
What did Elisha witness?
In a miraculous visual of a chariot of fire and horses of fire, Elisha witnessed the a glimpse of a spiritual world which is always active, but not often seen by human eyes here on earth. “The Lord’s heavenly host as accompanied and supported Elijah’s ministry,” the NIV Study Bible explains, “and not at his departure Elisha is allowed to see it.” What a bolster of faith for Elisha, and he prepared to take his mentor and friend’s cloak and continue his work.
What is the significance of Elisha in the Bible?
Elisha used his final moments, recorded in verses 15-19, to illustrate the importance of saving faith to the king.
What are some interesting facts about Elijah and Elisha?
4 More Things to Know about Elijah and Elisha in the Bible. 1. Elijah Was Taken Up to Heaven. “When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal.” ( 2 Kings 2:1) The author of 2 Kings records Elijah’s body being swiftly taken up to heaven, without having to experience an earthly ...
What does Elijah mean in the Bible?
“Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:37. Elijah means , “The LORD is my God.”. His life and the miracles God worked through him brought glory to God. In a tumultuous time for God’s people, ...
