Elisha

An Old Testament prophet of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and a trusted adviser of several of that country’s kings.

Elisha had a gentle and affectionate disposition, without that fiery zeal by which his master, Elijah, was distinguished. His notable miracles (2 Kgs. 2–5; 8) testify that he truly received Elijah’s power when he succeeded Elijah as prophet (2 Kgs. 2:9–12). For example, he healed the waters of a bitter spring, divided the waters of the Jordan River, multiplied a widow’s oil, raised a boy from the dead, cured a man of leprosy, caused an iron ax to float, and struck the Syrians with blindness (2 Kgs. 2–6). His ministry lasted more than fifty years during the reigns of Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joash.