Elisha [Ĕlī'shă] - god is saviour.

The son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah, of the tribe of Issachar, the companion and successor of Elijah (1 Kings 19:16-19; 2 Kings 2-13).

The Man Who Was a Model Leader

There is a striking difference between Elijah and Elisha, both of whom labored in the Northern Kingdom. Elijah's name means, Jehovah my God and suggests the Law while Elisha's name speaks of grace - Jehovah my Saviour.

Elisha left a peaceful occupation to become a model spiritual leader. Elijah prepared Elisha for his commission (2 Kings 2:1-14), and the two became devoted to each other. Elisha's character is marked by mercy (2 Kings 2:21), disinterestedness (2 Kings 5) and toleration (2 Kings 5:19). He earned a wonderful posthumous influence (2 Kings 13:20, 21 ). What a victorious death was his (2 Kings 13:14-19)! Summarizing the life of this prophet who spoke with the authority of an oracle of God (2 Kings 3:16, 17), we see him etched as:

A man of indomitable faith (1 Kings 19:20-21; 2 Kings 1-18).

A man of swift action (2 Kings 2:12-18).

A man of spiritual power (2 Kings 2:19-22).

A man of dauntless courage (2 Kings 3).

A man of deep sympathy (2 Kings 4:1-7).

A man of God (2 Kings 4:8-37).

A man of willing help (2 Kings 4:38-41).

A man who merited blessing (2 Kings 4:42-44).

A man of clear understanding (2 Kings 5:1-19).

A man of force and might (2 Kings 6:1-7).

A man who knew secrets (2 Kings 6:8-23).

A man of remarkable foresight (2 Kings 6:24-33; 7).

A man of unerring counsel (2 Kings 8:1-6).

A man of tears and sorrow (2 Kings 8:7-15).

Elisha suggests the ministry of Christ. On the whole, Elijah's work was destructive - he was the prophet of fire. Elisha's task was more merciful and beneficial. He had double the power of Elijah (2 Kings 2:8-9, 15), and consequently performed twice as many miracles as his former master. The following contrasts between these two prophets can be noted:

Elijah was a prophet of the wilderness; Elisha was a prince of the court.

Elijah had no settled home; Elisha enjoyed the peace of a home.

Elijah was known by his long hair and shaggy mantle; Elisha by his staff and bald head.

Elijah was mainly prophetical; Elisha's work was mainly miraculous.

Elijah's ministry was one of stern denunciation; Elisha's task was that of teaching and winning.

Elijah was a rebuker of kings; Elisha was a friend and admirer.

Elijah was a messenger of vengeance; Elisha was a messenger of mercy.

Elijah represented exclusiveness; Elisha stood for comprehension.

Elijah was fierce, fiery, energetic; Elisha was gentle, sympathetic, simple.

Elijah was a solitary figure; Elisha was more social.

Elijah had an extraordinary disappearance from earth; Elisha's death was ordinary.