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The Miracles of Elisha in the Bible – Viral Believer
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The Miracles of Elisha in the Bible

The prophet Elisha performed twice as many miracles as his predecessor and mentor, the prophet Elijah. Elisha’s miracles demonstrate God’s power and sovereignty, as well as His desire to help those in need. For those who believe in the continuation of spiritual gifts and miracles today, Elisha’s miracles are an encouragement that God still moves in supernatural ways on behalf of His people. In this comprehensive blog post, we will examine the various miracles of Elisha recorded in the Bible.

Introduction

Elisha was the successor to the prophet Elijah, who mentored him and passed on his prophetic mantle before being taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:1-14). Elisha accompanied Elijah and refused to leave his side, demonstrating his devotion to follow in Elijah’s footsteps. After Elijah’s departure, Elisha performed miraculous acts that cemented his status as a true prophet of God.

The miracles of Elisha, like those of Elijah before him, served several purposes:

  • To authenticate Elisha’s ministry as divinely commissioned
  • To demonstrate God’s supremacy over false gods like Baal
  • To meet practical needs for individuals and groups
  • To provide signs of God’s favor and power to encourage faith
  • To warn and rebuke those rebelling against God’s ways

In total, the Bible records 16 significant miracles performed by Elisha during his prophetic ministry in Israel. These miracles cover a variety of circumstances and needs, showing how God equips His servants to meet diverse challenges. While Elisha lived in a specific cultural context, the lessons from his miracles remain relevant for us today. God still cares about human needs, vindicates His servants, and desires for people to turn to Him in faith.

Key Takeaways

  • Elisha performed twice as many miracles as Elijah, cementing his status as a major prophet of God
  • The miracles authenticated Elisha’s ministry and demonstrated God’s power and favor
  • God met practical needs miraculously, showing His care for individuals
  • The miracles rebuked sin and rebellion, calling people to follow God faithfully
  • We can have confidence today that God still works miraculously on behalf of His people

The Parting of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:13-14)

After Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha struck the water of the Jordan River with Elijah’s cloak. Immediately, the waters parted so that Elisha could walk across on dry ground. This mirrors how God parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Jordan River for Joshua before him. By parting the Jordan for Elisha, God confirmed that Elisha now possessed the same authority as his predecessor Elijah. This first miracle was a dramatic commissioning of Elisha’s prophetic ministry.

He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. (2 Kings 2:13-14 NKJV)

Healing the Waters of Jericho (2 Kings 2:19-22)

The people of Jericho complained to Elisha that their water was bad and the land unfruitful. Elisha ordered them to bring him a new bowl containing salt. Then he went to the spring and threw the salt into it, declaring that the Lord had purified the waters. From then on the waters were healed, and the land became productive again. This miracle validated Elisha’s authority in the region of Jericho. God demonstrated His power through Elisha to solve practical problems for cities and communities.

Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren.”

And he said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.’” So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke. (2 Kings 2:19-22 NKJV)

Judgment of the Youths (2 Kings 2:23-25)

Traveling to Bethel, Elisha was mocked by a group of youths who told him to “go up” like Elijah did. Elisha cursed them in the name of the Lord. Instantly, two female bears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of the youths. This severe judgment showed God’s intolerance for disrespect toward His appointed prophet. The mocking youths embodied the idolatrous rebellion that pervaded Bethel. Their fate served as a stark warning against blaspheming God’s true servants.

Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” So he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the LORD. And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. (2 Kings 2:23-25 NKJV)

Supply of Oil for a Widow (2 Kings 4:1-7)

A widow approached Elisha in distress because her husband’s creditor was coming to take her two children as slaves. Elisha asked her what she had in the house, and all she had was a small pot of oil. Elisha instructed her to borrow many vessels from her neighbors, then pour the oil from her pot into the vessels. Miraculously, the oil continuously filled every vessel she had collected. She was then able to sell the oil and pay off her debts, saving her sons from slavery. This miracle provided financially for a vulnerable widow.

Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.” (2 Kings 4:7 NKJV)

Provision of a Son for a Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4:8-17)

A wealthy Shunammite couple regularly hosted Elisha in their home. Recognizing their hospitality, Elisha asked what could be done for them. The woman remained content even though she was barren. Elisha declared she would have a son within a year, and indeed she bore a son the following year. This miracleenabled a barren woman to conceive, demonstrating God’s favor. Her son’s later resurrection (discussed below) further confirmed Elisha’s divine authority.

Then Elisha said, “About this time next year you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your maidservant!” But the woman conceived, and bore a son when the appointed time had come, of which Elisha had told her. (2 Kings 4:16-17 NKJV)

Raising a Shunammite Child from Death (2 Kings 4:8-37)

Later, the Shunammite woman’s son suffered a sudden headache and died in her lap. She immediately went to Mount Carmel to find Elisha. The prophet sent his servant Gehazi ahead with Elisha’s staff, but the boy remained dead. When Elisha arrived, he prayed fervently over the boy’s body. The boy was raised from the dead and revived. This miraculous power over death further confirmed Elisha’s authority as God’s prophet. It also demonstrated God’s compassion and power to help a grieving mother recover her child.

Then he went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and he stretched himself out on the child, and the flesh of the child became warm. He returned and walked back and forth in the house, and again went up and stretched himself out on him; then the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. (2 Kings 4:34-35 NKJV)

Purification of Stew for Prophets (2 Kings 4:38-41)

While meeting with a group of prophets, Elisha’s servant prepared a stew for them. Unfortunately, the stew contained poisonous gourds, rendering it inedible. Upon being served the stew, Elisha immediately recognized the problem. He directed his servant to mix in some flour, miraculously purifying the stew so it could be safely eaten. This act of supernatural discernment and healing enabled the gathered prophets to be fed.

So he poured it out for the men to eat. Now it happened, as they were eating the stew, that they cried out and said, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. But he said, “Then bring some flour.” And he put it into the pot, and said, “Serve it to the people, that they may eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot. (2 Kings 4:40-41 NKJV)

Feeding One Hundred Men (2 Kings 4:42-44)

A man from Baal Shalisha brought Elisha a gift of 20 barley loaves and fresh grain. Elisha instructed his servant to feed 100 prophets with this small amount of food. The servant questioned how this could be possible, but obeyed Elisha’s command. Miraculously, there was plenty of food for all present with leftovers, just as the Lord had said. This feeding miracle echoed both Elijah’s provision for the widow, and Jesus’ later feeding of the 5,000. It demonstrated God’s ability to abundantly meet needs.

So he set it before them; and they ate and had some left, according to the word of the LORD. (2 Kings 4:44 NKJV)

Healing of Naaman’s Leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-19)

Naaman, a Syrian commander, had leprosy. An Israelite servant girl suggested he see Elisha for healing. Though initially reluctant, Naaman eventually immersed himself in the Jordan River seven times upon Elisha’s instruction. His leprosy was instantly cured. This healing of a non-Israelite demonstrated God’s mercy across national borders, and encouraged faith and obedience. Naaman recognized that only Israel’s God could work true deliverance.

And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. (2 Kings 5:13-14 NKJV)

Floating an Iron Ax Head (2 Kings 6:1-7)

While one of the prophets was chopping wood, his iron ax head flew off the handle and sank in the river. He cried out for help, as the ax had been borrowed. Elisha cut a stick and threw it in the water at the spot where the ax fell. Miraculously, the iron ax head floated to the surface, allowing the man to retrieve it. God again performed a miracle through Elisha for a practical need, even when the lost item was of little real importance.

Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it. (2 Kings 6:7 NKJV)

Provision of Military Intelligence to Israel (2 Kings 6:8-12)

The king of Syria waged war against Israel, but his plans kept being foiled because Elisha would warn the king of Israel in advance. When the Syrian king realized it was Elisha behind the revelations, he sent soldiers to capture him at Dothan. However, Elisha first struck the army with blindness. This allowed him to direct them to Samaria where they were at Israel’s mercy. The passage shows God’s power to protect His servants and provide them with supernatural knowledge.

Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?” And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” (2 Kings 6:11-12 NKJV)

Deliverance from the Syrian Army (2 Kings 6:13-23)

Still intent on capturing Elisha, the Syrian army surrounded the city of Dothan where he was located. Elisha’s frightened servant saw the Syrian horses and chariots encircling them, but Elisha prayed to open his servant’s eyes. Suddenly, the servant saw the hills filled with horses and chariots of fire – God’s angelic army protecting them. In response to Elisha’s prayer, the Syrian soldiers were again struck with blindness. Elisha misled them and led them directly to the capital of Samaria as prisoners of war. God miraculously delivered His people.

So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. (2 Kings 6:18 NKJV)

Ending a Famine in Samaria (2 Kings 6:24 – 7:20)

The Syrian army besieged Samaria, causing a severe famine in the city. Conditions were so dire, some resorted to cannibalism. The king blamed Elisha and sought to kill him. But Elisha prophesied that the very next day, food would be abundant again in Samaria. Overnight, the Lord caused the Syrians to hear chariots, horses and a large army. They panicked and abandoned their camp. When the lepers from Samaria investigated the camp, they found plenty of food, clothing and other provisions. God ended the famine swiftly through a miracle.

Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore, come, let us surrender to the army of the Syrians. If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die.” (2 Kings 7:3-4 NKJV)

Judgment on Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20-27)

After Naaman’s healing, Elisha’s servant Gehazi dishonestly pursued Naaman and deceived him to obtain payment. For his greed and deception, Elisha pronounced a curse of Naaman’s leprosy on Gehazi and his descendants forever. This stern judgment confirmed that Elisha operated in God’s authority, able to discipline and purge sin. It served as a sobering warning to all who would try to profit from their access to God’s power.

Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow. (2 Kings 5:27 NKJV)

Posthumous Miracle (2 Kings 13:20-21)

Even after Elisha’s death, God worked a miracle through his bones. As a dead man was thrown into Elisha’s tomb, the man came back to life after touching Elisha’s bones. This unusual event pointed ahead to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Even Elisha’s remains carried anointing to raise the dead back to life.

So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet. (2 Kings 13:20-21 NKJV)

Conclusion

The diverse miracles performed through the prophet Elisha demonstrated God’s supreme power and affirmed Elisha’s special calling. Elisha met practical needs, validated ministry to outcasts, exposed false gods, delivered nations from harm, judged rebellion against God’s ways, and pointed ahead to the Messiah’s greater works.

For Christians today, we can have confidence that the miraculous God of the Bible remains the same. While we may not possess Elisha’s exact giftings, God still works through His people in supernatural ways. As we walk in faith and obedience, God uses us to continue His mission and accomplish His will on earth. May the miracles of Elisha encourage us to believe God for the impossible!

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.