ELISHA (e-li'sha), (Heb. el-ec-shaw', God the deliverer).
(1) Call. For the manner and the circum stances in which Elisha was called to the prophetic office, see ELIJAH.
(2) Successor to Elijah. Anxious to enter at once upon the duties of his sacred office, Elisha determined to visit the schools of the prophets which were on the other side of the Jordan. Ac cordingly, returning to this river, and wishing that sensible evidence should be afforded, both to him self and others, of the spirit and power of his de parted master resting upon him, he struck its waters with Elijah's mantle, when they parted asunder and opened a way for him to pass over on dry land. Witnessing this miraculous transaction, the fifty sons of the prophets, who had seen from the opposite side Elijah's ascension, and who were awaiting Elisha's return, now, with becoming rev erence, acknowledged him their spiritual head. (B. C. about 846.) (3) Divine Authority. The Divine authority by which Elisha became the successor of Elijah received further confirmation from the miracle whereby the bitter waters of Jericho were made sweet, and the place thereby rendered fit for the habitation of man (2 Kings ii :19-22).
As the general visitor of the schools of the prophets, Elisha now passes on from Jericho to the college which was at Bethel.
(4) Mocked. Ere, however, he entered Bethel, there met him from thence (2 Kings ii:23, 24) children, or young people, who, no doubt instigated by their idolatrous parents, tauntingly told him to ascend into heaven, as did his master, Elijah. There was in their expressions an admixture of rudeness, infidelity, and impiety. But the habitants of Bethel were to know from bitter ex perience, that to dishonor God's prophets was to dishonor Himself ; for Elisha was at the moment inspired to pronounce the judgment which at once took effect : God, who never wants for instru ments to accomplish his purposes, caused two she bears to emerge from a neighboring wood, and destroy the young delinquents.
(5) Assists Jehoram. Jehoram, who reigned over Israel at this time, though not a Baalite, was yet addicted to the sin of Jeroboam: still he in herits the friendship of Jehoshaphat, the good kingof Judea, whose counsel, possibly, under God, had detached him from the more gross idolatry of his father Ahab. Wishing to sec the now re volted king of Moab reduced to his wonted alle giance to Israel, Jehoshaphat determined to go up to battle against him, together with Jehoram, and his own tributary the king of Edom. These com
bined armies met together on the plains of Edom. Confident in their own powers they press onward against the enemy; but, not meeting him, another of a more formidable character started up before them. In the midst of the arid plains of Arabia Petrra they could find no water. Jehoram de plores the calamity into which they had fallen, but Jehoshaphat inquired for a prophet. On this, one of his courtiers said to Jehoram, 'Here is Elisha, the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.' No sooner were they made acquainted with the fact that Elisha was at hand than the three kings waited upon him. Eli sha, feeling that it was nought but superstitious fear, joined to the influence of Jehoshaphat, which led Jehoram thus to consult him, now in dignantly and tauntingly advises him to go for succor to the gods of his father Ahab and of his mother Jezebel. The reproved monarch was then led to acknowledge the impotency of those gods in whom he had trusted, and the power of that God whom he had neglected. Still the man of God, seeing the hollowness of Jehoram's humilia tion, continues: AS the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the pres ence of Jelioshaphat, the king of Judah. I would not look toward thee.' Having thus addressed Jehoram, Elisha desired a minstrel to be brought before him; and now when his spirit Is calmed by. perhaps, one of the songs of Zion. Jehovah approaches his prophet in the power of inspira tion. as it is written. 'The hand of the Lord came upon him.' The minstrel ceases, and Elisha communicates the joyful intelligence that not only should water be miraculously supplied. hut also that Moab should be overcome. Accordingly the next morning they realized the truth of this prediction. But the same water which preserves their lives becomes the source of destruction to their enemies. The Nloabites, who had received intelligence of the advance of the allied army. were now assembled upon their frontters. When the sun was up. and its rosy light first fell upon the water, their vanguard, beholding it at a dis tance, supposed it to be blood. Thus the notion was rapidly spread from one end to another that the kings were surely slain, having fallen out amongst themselves. Hence there was a universal shout, 'Moab, to the spoil!' and they went forward confident of victory. But beholding the Israelitish squadrons advancing to meet them they tied in the utmost panic and confusion (2 Kings iii:3-24, etc).