Elisha, the son of Shaphat, is a prominent prophet in the Hebrew Bible, known for succeeding Elijah and continuing his prophetic ministry in the northern kingdom of Israel. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Elisha's calling and anointing are significant events that underscore the continuity of God's prophetic work in Israel.

Divine Commission to Elijah

The narrative of Elisha's anointing begins with the divine commission given to Elijah. After Elijah's dramatic encounter with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and his subsequent flight from Jezebel, he finds himself at Mount Horeb. There, God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper, providing him with instructions for the future of Israel's leadership. In 1 Kings 19:15-16 , the Lord commands Elijah: "Go back the way you came and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet."

Elisha's Call

Elijah's journey leads him to Elisha, who is found plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. This detail highlights Elisha's wealth and status, as owning such a number of oxen was indicative of substantial resources. Elijah approaches Elisha and throws his cloak around him, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority and the call to follow in Elijah's footsteps. This act is recorded in 1 Kings 19:19 : "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him."

Elisha's Response

Elisha's response to Elijah's call is immediate and decisive. He requests permission to bid farewell to his parents, which Elijah grants. Elisha then demonstrates his commitment by slaughtering his oxen and using the plowing equipment to cook the meat, which he shares with the people. This act signifies Elisha's complete break from his former life and his dedication to his new role as a prophet. The account in 1 Kings 19:21 states: "So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant."

Significance of Elisha's Anointing

Elisha's anointing marks a pivotal moment in the prophetic history of Israel. It signifies the continuation of God's work through His prophets, ensuring that His voice and guidance remain present among His people. Elisha's ministry, characterized by numerous miracles and acts of compassion, serves as a testament to God's enduring presence and power. His anointing by Elijah underscores the importance of divine selection and preparation for leadership within the biblical narrative.

Elisha's life and ministry, as recorded in the subsequent chapters of 2 Kings, reveal a prophet deeply committed to God's purposes, performing miracles that echo and expand upon those of his predecessor, Elijah. His anointing and subsequent actions illustrate the seamless transition of prophetic authority and the fulfillment of God's plans for Israel through His chosen servants.1 Kings 19:16
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shall you anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shall you anoint to be prophet in your room.
Nave's Topical Index

"What Doest Thou Here?"
... from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.". ... From Elijah's experience during those
days of discouragement and ... churches there are families well instructed in the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... possession?" And the Lord further instructed Elijah to pronounce upon ... The prophet
Elijah had not yet been translated ... at Jezreel, the prophet Elisha was divinely ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... better teacher has taught and instructed you, and ... rule sprang those great men, Elijah,
Elisha, John the ... Ahab threatened, Jezebel threatened, Elijah was afraid ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... 3511] of Elijah in Mount Carmel; [3512] of Elisha at the ... in the days of Samuel and
of Elijah and of ... Thou hast instructed him by Thy laws, improved him by Thy ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... You instructed your women to do everything with a blameless and pure conscience,
and to give their ... We refer to the prophets Elijah and Elisha" yes, and ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... were the works of Moses and Elijah, and my ... He brought from a distance, to anoint
him, men ... visits, sent messages, gave interviews, instructed, reproved, rebuked ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Tyrian alliance"The successors of Hiram I. at Tyre: Ithobaal I.--- The prophets,
their struggle against Phonician idolatry, the story of Elijah"The wars ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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