Miracles of Elisha
Quick Summary
The miracles of Elisha reveal God’s compassion, provision, justice, and power in the daily lives of Israel’s people. As Elijah’s successor, Elisha performs more recorded miracles than any other Old Testament figure. His signs include healing, multiplying food, raising the dead, purifying water, defeating enemies, and offering hope in times of crisis. These miracles demonstrate God’s care for individuals, families, and the nation.
Introduction
When Elijah is taken into heaven and his mantle falls to Elisha, a new chapter of prophetic ministry begins. Elisha lives and works in a turbulent period of Israel’s history: kings rise and fall, foreign armies threaten, and the people drift toward idolatry. Yet throughout these challenges, Elisha’s miracles serve as reminders that God sees, hears, and responds.
Unlike Elijah, whose miracles often confront kings and idols, many of Elisha’s miracles focus on ordinary people—a widow, a grieving mother, a community in need, soldiers far from home. Through Elisha, God’s power enters daily life, revealing divine compassion as much as divine might.
The Jordan River Parts for Elisha (2 Kings 2:13–14)
Elisha’s first miracle occurs immediately after Elijah’s ascension. He strikes the Jordan River with Elijah’s cloak, and the waters part. This moment confirms that the spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha and that his ministry continues the lineage of Moses, Joshua, and Elijah.
The miracle also reassures those watching: God’s work did not end with Elijah. A new prophet now carries the mantle.
Healing the Water of Jericho (2 Kings 2:19–22)
The people of Jericho tell Elisha that their water is bad and the land unfruitful. Elisha throws salt into the spring and declares God’s healing. The water becomes clean, bringing life where there had been barrenness.
This miracle shows that God restores not only people but places—cities, land, and community life.
The Bears and the Mockers (2 Kings 2:23–25)
As Elisha travels to Bethel, a group of young men mock him. The narrative records God’s judgment through two bears that come out of the woods. Though difficult, this story reflects the seriousness of rejecting God’s prophets and underscores the authority Elisha carries.
Filling the Valley With Water (2 Kings 3:16–20)
When Israel, Judah, and Edom march against Moab, they run out of water. Elisha prophesies that the valley will fill with water even though no wind or rain will appear. The next morning, water flows.
This miracle provides both relief for the armies and the means of victory over Moab.
The Widow’s Oil Multiplied (2 Kings 4:1–7)
A widow in debt fears losing her children to servitude. Elisha tells her to gather jars, and her small jar of oil miraculously fills every vessel she brings. She sells the oil, pays her debts, and saves her children.
This miracle highlights God’s care for the vulnerable and the importance of trust even when resources feel impossibly small.
The Shunammite Woman’s Son (2 Kings 4:8–37)
One of Elisha’s most tender miracles involves a woman from Shunem who shows him hospitality. God grants her a son despite her husband’s old age. When the child later dies, she rushes to Elisha. He prays, stretches himself upon the boy, and God restores the child’s life.
This miracle mirrors Elijah’s earlier raising of a widow’s son and shows that God brings hope out of heartbreak.
Purifying the Deadly Stew (2 Kings 4:38–41)
During a famine, the prophets gather herbs for stew, not knowing some are poisonous. Elisha adds flour to the pot, and the meal becomes safe to eat. God protects the community even in scarcity.
Multiplying Barley Loaves (2 Kings 4:42–44)
A man brings Elisha twenty loaves of barley and fresh grain. Elisha commands that it be given to the people. Though the amount seems insufficient, the food multiplies and all are fed.
This miracle foreshadows Jesus feeding the multitudes.
Healing Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5)
Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army, seeks healing for his leprosy. Elisha instructs him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Reluctant at first, Naaman eventually obeys and is healed.
This miracle emphasizes humility, obedience, and the inclusive reach of God’s mercy—even toward a foreign military leader.
Judgment on Gehazi (2 Kings 5:20–27)
Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, lies to Naaman in order to obtain gifts. As judgment, Naaman’s leprosy falls upon Gehazi. This difficult episode highlights integrity in prophetic ministry.
The Floating Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1–7)
When a borrowed axe head falls into the Jordan, Elisha throws a stick into the water, and the iron floats. This simple miracle shows God’s concern for everyday needs.
Blinding the Arameans and Leading Them to Samaria (2 Kings 6:8–23)
Elisha warns Israel of the Arameans’ movements, frustrating their plans. When the army surrounds Elisha, he prays, and God blinds them. Elisha leads them safely into Samaria, where their sight is restored.
The king wants to kill them, but Elisha instead commands that they be fed and released. Kindness ends the raids.
This miracle reveals God’s power paired with surprising mercy.
Deliverance During the Siege of Samaria (2 Kings 7)
During a devastating famine, Elisha prophesies sudden relief. God causes the Aramean army to flee, abandoning supplies that save the city.
This miracle displays God’s ability to reverse desperate circumstances.
The Shunammite Woman’s Land Restored (2 Kings 8:1–6)
Years after her son’s resurrection, the Shunammite woman returns from exile to find her property occupied. The king hears of her story and commands that her land—and all its produce—be restored.
Elisha’s earlier miracle becomes the basis of her long-term protection.
Theological Meaning of Elisha’s Miracles
1. God Cares About Ordinary Life
Food, water, debt, land, illness—Elisha’s miracles meet everyday needs.
2. God’s Power Extends Across Nations
Naaman’s healing shows God’s reach beyond Israel.
3. God Restores What Is Broken
Children are raised, land is restored, and communities are protected.
4. God’s Mercy Exceeds Expectation
Feeding enemies, healing outsiders, providing for widows—Elisha’s ministry reveals divine compassion.
5. God Prepares for What Comes After
Elisha continues Elijah’s work and anticipates themes fulfilled in Jesus.
FAQs
How many miracles did Elisha perform?
Elisha performs more recorded miracles than any other Old Testament figure—around 15 to 20, depending on how they are counted.
How is Elisha’s ministry different from Elijah’s?
Elijah confronts kings and false gods; Elisha often ministers to individuals, families, and communities through acts of provision and healing.
Do Elisha’s miracles point to Jesus?
Yes. Many of Jesus’ miracles mirror Elisha’s—multiplying food, healing lepers, raising the dead—which highlights continuity in God’s work.
Why is Elisha important in biblical history?
He guides Israel through political and spiritual turmoil, demonstrating God’s ongoing presence and shaping the prophetic tradition.
