Elisha

An Old Testament prophet who did many miracles through God’s power. He was a counselor and adviser to several kings (Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash), always delivering the message God had given him. He took Elijah’s place when Elijah went to be with God. Some of the miracles Elisha did included the following: made a dry path through the Jordan River by striking the water with Elijah’s cloak; turned the bad waters of a spring good; saved a widow from losing her sons to slavery by making her oil supply keep going until she had enough to pay her debts; brought the dead son of a Shunammite woman back to life; saved prophets from dying after eating poisonous food; healed Naaman from leprosy; made a borrowed iron axhead float; and led the newly blinded Syrian army into Samaria. Elisha also prophesied some miraculous military victories, such as the defeat of the army that threatened Samaria. He ordered Jehu to be anointed the next king of Israel, in place of Ahab’s descendants.

When Elisha was old and sick, King Jehoash came to visit him. The dying prophet used the little strength he had left to do one final prophetic act. He told Jehoash to shoot an arrow through a window. The king did so, and Elisha assured him it was the Lord’s arrow that would conquer the Syrians. The prophecy came true, but Elisha did not live to see it.