Eliseus, more commonly known as Elisha, is a prominent prophet in the Hebrew Bible, succeeding Elijah in the prophetic office. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Eliseus is recognized for his powerful ministry, marked by numerous miracles and his role in guiding the nation of Israel back to the worship of Yahweh.

Name and Background

The name Eliseus is the Latin form of the Hebrew name Elisha, which means "God is salvation." He was the son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah, a town in the Jordan Valley. Eliseus was called to the prophetic ministry while he was plowing in the fields, a testament to his humble beginnings and dedication to hard work (1 Kings 19:19-21).

Call to Ministry

Elijah, the great prophet of Israel, was instructed by God to anoint Eliseus as his successor. In a symbolic act, Elijah threw his cloak over Eliseus, signifying the transfer of prophetic authority. Eliseus responded by leaving his oxen and running after Elijah, demonstrating his willingness to forsake his former life for the call of God (1 Kings 19:19-21).

Ministry and Miracles

Eliseus's ministry is characterized by a series of miraculous events, which served to affirm his role as a prophet and to demonstrate God's power and presence among His people. Some of the notable miracles include:

1. The Parting of the Jordan River: After Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Eliseus took Elijah's cloak and struck the waters of the Jordan River, which parted, allowing him to cross on dry ground (2 Kings 2:13-14).

2. The Healing of the Waters: In Jericho, Eliseus healed the city's water supply by throwing salt into the spring, making the water pure and drinkable (2 Kings 2:19-22).

3. The Multiplication of Oil: Eliseus miraculously multiplied a widow's small amount of oil, enabling her to pay off her debts and provide for her family (2 Kings 4:1-7).

4. The Raising of the Shunammite's Son: Eliseus restored life to the son of a Shunammite woman who had shown him great hospitality (2 Kings 4:32-37).

5. The Healing of Naaman: Eliseus instructed Naaman, a Syrian commander, to wash in the Jordan River seven times, resulting in the healing of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14).

6. The Floating Axe Head: Eliseus caused an iron axe head to float on the water, demonstrating God's concern for the everyday needs of His people (2 Kings 6:1-7).

Role in Israel's History

Eliseus played a significant role in the political and spiritual life of Israel. He provided counsel to kings, performed acts of deliverance, and was instrumental in the defeat of Israel's enemies. His interactions with the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom during their campaign against Moab highlight his influence and the respect he commanded (2 Kings 3:4-27).

Legacy

Eliseus's ministry left a lasting impact on the nation of Israel. His life and works are a testament to God's faithfulness and power. Eliseus's unwavering commitment to God's call and his compassionate acts of service continue to inspire believers to trust in God's provision and to serve others selflessly. His account is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in the life of a believer.ELISEUS

el-i-se'-us.

See ELISHA.

Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect
... And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none
of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian."Luke 4. 27. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/massillon the small number.htm

On the Name of Calvary.
... As regards the origin of the name of Calvary, I here give all I know. I beheld the
mountain which bears this name as it was in the time of the Prophet Eliseus. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter liv on the name.htm

Whether There is a Gratuitous Grace of Working Miracles?
... Thus we read (4 Kings 13:21) that "some . . . cast the body into the
sepulchre of Eliseus. And when it had touched the bones of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there is a gratuitous.htm

Whether Prophecy is a Habit?
... But a man cannot make use of prophecy when he will, as appears in the case of Eliseus
(4 Kings 3:15), "who on Josaphat inquiring of him concerning the future ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether prophecy is a habit.htm

On the Words, and Rose Again from the Dead on the Third Day, and ...
... but forgetting all that is written gainsay the Resurrection of Jesus, it were good
to answer them thus: On what ground, while you say that Eliseus and Elias ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiv on the words.htm

Relation ix. Of Certain Spiritual Graces She Received in Toledo ...
... 7. Once, in deep recollection, I was praying to God for Eliseus; [3] I heard this:
"He is My true son; I will never fail him," or to that effect; but I am not ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/relation ix of certain spiritual.htm

Auxentius on the Giving up of the Basilicas.
... the Law. Eliseus was sought by the king of Syria; an army had been sent
to capture him; and he was surrounded on all sides. His ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/sermon against auxentius on the.htm

Passages from Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians on Martyrdom.
... hair, proclaiming the kingdom of Christ. We name His prophets Elias, and
Eliseus, and Ezekiel, and John.". "For Abraham, who for his ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvii passages from clements epistle.htm

That it is no Fault of the Divine Goodness if we have not a Most ...
... As long as the poor widow had empty vessels, the oil which Eliseus had by prayer
miraculously multiplied never left off running, but when she had no more ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi that it is.htm

How we are to Conform Ourselves to God's Will Signified unto us by ...
... The breath of man warms the things it enters into; witness the child of the Sunamitess,
[388] to whose mouth the prophet Eliseus having laid his, and breathed ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x how we are.htm

Eliseus (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ELISEUS. el-i-se'-us. See ELISHA.
Multi-Version Concordance Eliseus (1 Occurrence). Luke 4:27 ...
/e/eliseus.htm - 6k

Elisabeth's (1 Occurrence)

/e/elisabeth's.htm - 6k

Saving (37 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the
prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. (KJV WBS). ...
/s/saving.htm - 18k

None (573 Occurrences)
... Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet;
and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. ...
/n/none.htm - 35k

Elisha (70 Occurrences)
... e-li'-sha 'elisha`, "God is salvalion"; Septuagint Eleisaie; New Testament Elisaios,
Eliseus, (Luke 4:27 the King James Version): Contents I. HIS CALL AND ...
/e/elisha.htm - 61k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus