Who Was Elisha?
Today we are learning about Elisha, a prophet of God.
A prophet is someone God chooses to listen to Him and speak His message to the people.
Elisha lived a long time ago, in the land of Israel.
He was the student and helper of another great prophet named Elijah.
When Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha became the new prophet.
Elisha asked God for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.
This means Elisha wanted strong faith and courage to serve God and help people.
God answered that prayer.
Both Jewish and Christian traditions respect Elisha as a holy man who showed:
God’s power
God’s mercy
God’s care for everyday people
Elisha Is Chosen by God
Elisha did not come from a palace or a rich family.
He was working on a farm, plowing the field.
God chose an ordinary man to do extraordinary things.
Lesson
God does not only call famous or powerful people.
God calls people who are willing to listen and obey.
This teaches that God chooses servants who are humble and faithful to the Torah and God’s ways.
This shows that God works through ordinary people, just as He later did through Jesus’ disciples.
Elisha and the Power of God
Elisha performed many miracles.
Miracles are acts that show God’s power at work.
Here are some of the most important stories.
Healing the Water
The people of a city said:
“Our water is bad. Our land is sick.”
Elisha prayed and trusted God.
God healed the water, and the land became good again.
Lesson
God cares about daily needs: water, food, land, and health.
In Judaism, this shows God’s blessing on the land of Israel.
In Christian teaching, it shows that God brings healing and restoration.
The Widow and the Oil
A poor widow had no money.
She was afraid her children would be taken away as slaves.
Elisha told her to gather empty jars.
She poured oil into them.
The oil kept flowing until every jar was full.
She sold the oil and paid her debts.
Lesson
God sees the poor.
God provides in ways we do not expect.
Jewish view: God commands care for widows and orphans.
Christian view: This shows God’s compassion and faithfulness, similar to Jesus caring for the poor.
Elisha Raises a Child from Death
A woman showed kindness to Elisha.
Later, her son became sick and died.
Elisha prayed deeply and trusted God.
The child came back to life.
Lesson
Life belongs to God.
Judaism: God is the giver and restorer of life.
Christianity: This story prepares believers to understand resurrection and hope beyond death.
Naaman the Leper
Naaman was a great army commander, but he had leprosy, a serious skin disease.
Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan River seven times.
Naaman was angry at first.
But he obeyed.
He was healed.
Naaman said:
“Now I know there is no God except the God of Israel.”
Lesson
Healing comes through humility and obedience, not pride.
Jewish teaching: God’s power is not limited to Israel; all people can recognize Him.
Christian teaching: Faith and obedience bring transformation.
What Elisha Teaches Us Today
God Is Close
God is not far away.
God cares about real problems.
Faith Requires Action
People had to:
Gather jars
Wash in the river
Trust God’s word
Faith is not just believing.
It is doing.
God Works Through People
Elisha was human.
But God worked through him.
Both Jews and Christians believe:
God works through faithful people to bless the world.
Differences and Shared Hope
Judaism sees Elisha as:
A prophet who upheld God’s covenant
A teacher of faithfulness and justice
Christianity sees Elisha as:
A prophet whose life points toward God’s later work through Jesus
But both traditions agree:
God is powerful
God is compassionate
God calls people to trust Him and live righteously
Living Like Elisha
We may not perform miracles like Elisha.
But we can:
Trust God
Help others
Live humbly
Obey what is right
When we do, God’s presence is with us.
Just like in Elisha’s time,
God is still working today.
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