Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Elisha Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 24, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Elisha was a powerful prophet who walked in great miracles and prophetic authority. His faith, humility, and compassion made him a great leader in Israel. However, his life also reminds us that spiritual power must be combined with wisdom and patience.
CHARACTER STUDY OF ELISHA – SUCCESSOR OF ELIJAH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Kings 2:9
"And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." –
Supporting Texts:
2 Kings 2-13, 1 Kings 19:19-21, James 5:14-15
INTRODUCTION
Elisha was a powerful prophet in Israel and the successor of Elijah. His ministry was marked by miracles, divine interventions, and the restoration of faith in the one true God. Unlike Elijah, who was known for dramatic confrontations, Elisha’s ministry was more focused on miracles of provision, healing, and restoration.
Elisha’s calling began when Elijah threw his mantle upon him while he was ploughing in the field. He followed Elijah faithfully until he was taken up to heaven. Elisha then received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, and his ministry spanned several decades, influencing kings, nations, and individuals. His life teaches us about faithfulness, perseverance, and the power of God at work in those who fully surrender to Him.
1. ELISHA’S CALL AND PREPARATION
a) Elisha was chosen while working (1 Kings 19:19)
He was ploughing the field when Elijah called him.
b) He immediately followed Elijah (1 Kings 19:20)
He left everything behind and showed full commitment.
c) He sacrificed his oxen as a sign of surrender (1 Kings 19:21)
This symbolised total dedication to God's call.
d) He served Elijah faithfully before stepping into ministry (2 Kings 3:11)
He was known as the one who poured water on Elijah’s hands.
e) Biblical Example: The disciples of Jesus also left everything to follow Him (Matthew 4:19-22).
2. ELISHA RECEIVES A DOUBLE PORTION OF ELIJAH’S SPIRIT
a) Elisha asked for a double portion before Elijah’s departure (2 Kings 2:9)
He desired greater anointing to continue the work.
b) He witnessed Elijah’s ascension into heaven (2 Kings 2:11-12)
This confirmed that his request would be granted.
c) He picked up Elijah’s mantle (2 Kings 2:13)
This signified his spiritual inheritance and authority.
d) He parted the Jordan River as his first miracle (2 Kings 2:14)
This proved that Elijah’s anointing was now upon him.
e) Biblical Example: Joshua also received authority from Moses to lead Israel (Deuteronomy 34:9).
3. ELISHA’S EARLY MIRACLES
a) He purified the waters of Jericho (2 Kings 2:19-22)
He healed the land from barrenness by throwing salt into the water.
b) He called down judgment on mocking youths (2 Kings 2:23-25)
A group of boys mocked him, and two bears attacked them.
c) He helped a widow’s oil multiply (2 Kings 4:1-7)
Her little oil filled many jars, saving her from debt.
d) He prophesied the birth of the Shunammite woman’s son (2 Kings 4:8-17)
She had been childless, but his word came to pass.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus performed similar miracles of provision and healing (John 6:1-14).
4. ELISHA’S MIRACLES OF HEALING AND RESTORATION
a) He raised the Shunammite’s son from the dead (2 Kings 4:32-37)
He stretched himself over the boy, and he revived.
b) He healed poisonous food for the prophets (2 Kings 4:38-41)
He added flour to the pot, and the deadly stew became safe.
c) He healed Naaman of leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14)
He instructed him to wash in the Jordan seven times.
d) He made an iron axe head float (2 Kings 6:1-7)
This showed God’s power over natural laws.
e) Biblical Example: Peter also performed miraculous healings (Acts 3:6-9).
5. ELISHA’S ROLE IN NATIONAL AFFAIRS
a) He revealed the secret plans of the Syrian king (2 Kings 6:8-12)
God showed him enemy strategies, saving Israel.
b) He prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened (2 Kings 6:15-17)
The young man saw chariots of fire protecting them.
c) He led the Syrian army into Samaria (2 Kings 6:18-23)
Instead of killing them, he showed mercy.
d) He prophesied the end of a famine in Samaria (2 Kings 7:1-20)
His prophecy came true within 24 hours.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel also influenced national leaders with divine wisdom (Daniel 2:46-49).
6. STRENGTHS OF ELISHA
a) He was a man of faith (2 Kings 2:9)
He believed in God’s power and sought a double portion.
b) He demonstrated great humility (2 Kings 3:11)
He served Elijah faithfully before leading.
c) He was compassionate towards the needy (2 Kings 4:1-7)
He helped widows, the sick, and the hungry.
d) He was bold and fearless in confronting evil (2 Kings 6:16-17)
He faced kings and enemies without fear.
e) Biblical Example: Paul also showed boldness, humility, and compassion in his ministry (Acts 20:19-24).
7. WEAKNESSES OF ELISHA
a) He was quick to pronounce judgment (2 Kings 2:23-25)
The youths who mocked him were killed by bears.
b) He was sometimes harsh in his dealings (2 Kings 5:26-27)
He cursed his servant Gehazi with leprosy.
c) He did not actively raise a successor like Elijah did (2 Kings 13:20-21)
