Who was Elisha in the Bible?
Here's the answer:
Elisha was the prophet after Elijah. He followed Elijah for many years before God took Elijah up to Heaven.
Elisha was the prophet who came after Elijah. During Elijah's final years on earth, Elisha trained under him. Elisha's ministry lasted about 60 years. During his time as a prophet, there were many kings—Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joash.
God led Elijah to Elisha. Elijah puts his cloak around Elisha, which acted as a message. It meant that Elisha was going to be taking over his responsibility as being the prophet of God. Elisha doesn't refuse. Rather, he is excited and obeys God. He is trained under Elijah and grows to know God more through his ministry.
After Elijah is taken up into Heaven, Elisha continues on. He does many great things; however, he also pronounces judgment on the people. During one instance, youths are making fun of Elisha and he sends a bear after them (2 Kings 2:23–25). In a way, this reflects God to us. God can bless us with many great things, yet he can also pronounce judgment.
Bible Truth
"Also anoint Jehu as king over Israel. He is the son of Nimshi. And anoint Elisha from Abel Meholah as the next prophet after you. He is the son of Shapha" (1 Kings 19:16).
"So Elisha left him and went back. He got his two oxen and killed them. He burned the plow to cook the meat. He gave it to the people, and they ate it. Then he started to follow Elijah. He became Elijah’s servant." (1 Kings 19:21).
"He picked up the coat that had fallen from Elijah. He went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan River. Then he struck the water with Elijah’s coat. 'Where is the power of the Lord?' he asked. 'Where is the power of the God of Elijah?' When Elisha struck the water, it parted to the right and to the left. He went across the river" (2 Kings 2:13-14).
