An Old Testament prophet of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and a trusted adviser of several of that country’s kings.

Elisha had a gentle and affectionate disposition, without that fiery zeal by which his master, Elijah, was distinguished. His notable miracles (2 Kgs. 2-5; 8) testify that he truly received Elijah’s power when he succeeded Elijah as prophet (2 Kgs. 2: 9-12). For example, he healed the waters of a bitter spring, divided the waters of the Jordan River, multiplied a widow’s oil, raised a boy from the dead, cured a man of leprosy, caused an iron ax to float, and struck the Syrians with blindness (2 Kgs. 2-6). His ministry lasted more than fifty years during the reigns of Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joash.

Received the mantle of Elijah, 2 Kgs. 2: 13. Multiplied the widow’s oil, 2 Kgs. 4: 1-7. Raised the Shunammite woman’s son from the dead, 2 Kgs. 4: 18-37. Healed Naaman, the Syrian, 2 Kgs. 5: 1-14. Blinded the Syrian soldiers, and his servant’s eyes were opened, 2 Kgs. 6: 8-23.