Elisha Elisha Elisha First mentioned by God in
Elisha
Elisha • Elisha – First mentioned by God in 1 Kings 19: 16 -21 • • “Plowing” = farmer “ 12 yoke of oxen” = strong & capable “Threw his mantle on him” = chosen by God “Kiss my father & mother” = loved his family “Took…slaughtered…gave it” = concern for others “I will follow…he followed” = made a commitment “Became Elijah’s servant” = heart of a servant – His name means “My God is Salvation” – His work extended 60 years, through Northern kings Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz & Joash
Elisha • A Look at Elijah & Elisha – Similarities • The last miracle of Elijah (2 Kings 2: 8) & the first miracle of Elisha (2 Kings 2: 14) • The language of Elijah to Ahab (1 Kings 17: 1) & the language of Elisha to Ahab’s son (2 Kings 3: 14) • Elijah was cared for by a widow & returned her son to life (1 Kings 17: 22) & Elisha was cared for by a widow & returned her son to life (2 K 4: 32 -37) • The first miracle of Elijah was no rain nor dew for 3½ years (1 Kings 17: 1) & the first public miracle of Elisha was to heal the springs of water and to produce water (2 Kings 2: 21 -22; 3: 16 -20).
Elisha • A Look at Elijah & Elisha – Contrasts • Elijah dwelt apart from the masses in rugged hills; Elisha’s home was in the valley with his family • Elijah seemed to appear & disappear often; Elisha seemed to be easily & often found by the people. • Elijah’s mission dealt with God’s wrath upon idolatry & corruption; thus, he was more a prophet of fire. Elisha’s mission seemed to be more a mission of mercy and attendant blessings. • Elijah’s miracles were sometimes more of death & destruction, while Elisha’s were more of healing & restoration.
Elisha • A Look at Elijah & Elisha – Contrasts • Unlike Elijah, Elisha may be viewed as a diplomat and a statesman; he won the confidence of the kings and even played a leading role as advisor of the kings.
Elisha • A Look at Elijah & Elisha – Their Closeness (and maybe a little testing) • Es “followed Ej, and became his servant”– 1 K 19: 21 • Ej Es, “Stay here, please…” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down. (2 Kgs. 2: 2, 4, 6) • “The two of them stood by the Jordan” (2: 7) • “The two of them crossed over” (2: 8) • Ej Es, “Ask! ” Es Ej, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (2: 9; cf. Deut. 21: 17) • “They continued on and talked” (2: 11) • “My father, my father…” (2: 12)
Elisha • The Mighty Miracles of Elisha – – – – Dividing waters of the Jordan (2 Kings 2: 13 -14) Healing the water near Jericho (2: 19 -22) The two female bears & 42 youths (2: 23 -24) Valley filled with water w/o wind & rain (3: 15 -20) The widow’s oil increased (4: 1 -7) A great woman of Shunem has a son. The boy died and was restored to life (4: 8 -37) Purifying the pot of stew (4: 38 -41) Multiplying bread & grain for 100 men (4: 42 -44) Cleansing/healing Naaman of leprosy (5: 1 -14) Transfering leprosy to Gehazi (5: 20 -27) Floating an iron ax head (6: 1 -7) Syrians struck blind (6: 8 -23) The famine in Samaria, the day of plenty, land restored to Shunammite woman (6: 24 -8: 6) Reviving of a man who touched his bones (13: 20 -21)
- Slides: 7