• Elisha

As Elijah prepared to leave his follower Elisha accompanied him to the Jordan

After causing the river to part miraculously he remained close to his master as they passed over.

Acknowledging the boys determination Elijah asked what he desired from him.

His request for a double portion of the Spirit is granted conditionally on his witnessing the departure.


The condition is met as they are separated by the chariot of fire that takes Elijah to meet his Lord God Jehovah

On leaving the scene Elisha took with him Elijah’s cloak which had fallen at his side

Using it as his master had done Elisha struck the Jordan in the name of the Lord God Jehovah

The waters split enabling him to rejoin those who awaited his return having seen the waters divide.


With this evidence of the presence of God, they recognised Elisha now possessed God's Spirit

As a result this ompany of prophets vowed their allegiance to Elisha and accepted him as their leader.

Having been invited to stay in Jericho, Elisha was soon required to demonstrate his power to them,

Cleansing polluted water by the addition of salt to the spring; declaring that the Lord had purified it.


In contrast to Eelijah who was active in the court speaking the truth to the Kings of the Israelites

Elisha had fleeting dealings with Kings and leaders declaring to them the will of God in a given situation

he met the needs of the populace in general performing miracles to foreigners as well as Israelites

A shummanite woman and the Syrian general Naaman amongst them.


As we read of the exploits of Elisha, we are told of many more manifestations of the Spirit

Indeed we are told of Elisha performing twice as many miracles as his mentor Elijah

A factor possibly explained by Elisha’s request for double the portion of the Spirit

However the life of Elisha is primarily one of a life dedicated to the service of the Lord God Jehovah,


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