Scripture References 1 Kings 19:19–21 2 Kings 2–13 First Impression and Observations Elisha (meaning “God is Salvation”) was the successor of Elijah and carried on his prophetic ministry in Israel. Unlike Elijah, who appears suddenly and dramatically, Elisha’s calling begins quietly while he is plowing in a field. When Elijah throws his mantle over him, Elisha immediately leaves his oxen, sacrifices them, and follows. Elisha’s ministry was marked by both powerful miracles and compassionate acts. He purified water, multiplied oil for a widow, raised a child from the dead, healed Naaman of leprosy, made an axe head float, and provided food during famine. His life demonstrates steady, consistent service rather than dramatic confrontation alone. Elisha’s ministry lasted about 50–60 years—much longer than Elijah’s recorded ministry. He ministered to kings, common people, widows, military leaders, and even foreign officials. Even after his death, a miracle occurred when a man was revived upo...
Scripture References 1 Kings 17–19 1 Kings 21 2 Kings 1–2 Malachi 4:5–6 Matthew 17:1–3 First Impression and Observations Elijah (meaning “My God is Yahweh”) bursts onto the scene in 1 Kings 17 with boldness and authority. Without introduction or genealogy, he declares to King Ahab that there will be no rain except at his word. He appears suddenly, speaks fearlessly, and disappears just as dramatically. Elijah was a prophet from Tishbe in Gilead during a time of intense apostasy in Israel. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel had led the nation into Baal worship. Elijah stood almost alone in confronting this corruption. He performed powerful miracles: multiplying a widow’s flour and oil, raising her son from the dead, calling down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, and parting the Jordan River before being taken to heaven in a whirlwind. Yet he also experienced deep discouragement and fear, fleeing from Jezebel and asking God to take his life. Elijah’s life combines bold courage with human vulner...