The Prophet Elisha

Elisha succeeded Elijah as God's prophet in Israel and proclaimed divine mercy and judgment through courageous counsel, signs, and works of healing.

The story

Elisha lived in the northern Kingdom of Israel during the ninth century before Christ. His story is told in the First and Second Books of Kings. Elijah found him plowing with twelve yoke of oxen and threw his mantle over him as a sign of God's call. Elisha left his work, sacrificed the oxen, gave the food to his people, and followed Elijah as his attendant.

When Elijah was taken up in the whirlwind, Elisha asked to receive a double share of his master's spirit. This expression referred to the inheritance of a firstborn son and signified his role as Elijah's prophetic successor. Elisha picked up Elijah's fallen mantle and crossed the Jordan after striking the water with it. The company of prophets recognized that the spirit given to Elijah now rested upon Elisha.

Second Kings presents Elisha's ministry through prophetic words and signs. He purified a spring at Jericho. He multiplied a widow's oil so that she could pay her debts and protect her sons. He promised a son to a woman of Shunem and later prayed over the child when he died, after which the child returned to life. Elisha also instructed Naaman, an Aramean commander suffering from leprosy, to wash seven times in the Jordan. Naaman was healed and confessed that there was no God in all the earth except the God of Israel.

Elisha advised kings during war, yet he remained subject to no earthly ruler. He announced both mercy and judgment according to the word of the Lord. He also exposed the greed of his servant Gehazi and foretold political changes that would affect Israel and neighboring kingdoms. Elisha eventually became ill and died. Second Kings adds that a dead man revived when his body touched Elisha's bones, a final sign associated with the prophet's God-given mission.

The Roman Martyrology commemorates Elisha on June 14, and he is especially honored in the Carmelite calendar. Carmelites traditionally regard Elijah and Elisha as spiritual fathers because of their biblical association with Mount Carmel. This is a spiritual lineage and pious tradition, not a claim that the institutional Carmelite Order existed in Old Testament times.

What Prophet teaches

Elisha teaches that a prophet receives God's word as a gift and must speak it faithfully in every circumstance. CCC 2584 presents Elijah and the prophets as people formed by prayer and intercession. Ask God for a listening heart and the courage to obey when his call interrupts familiar plans.

Patronage

Carmelite Order, prophets, those seeking healing, farmers.

Prayer

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, you called Elisha from his plow and gave him the spirit of prophecy. Teach us to hear your word, serve those in need, and trust your power to heal and restore. Through the prophet's intercession, keep us faithful to your covenant. Amen.