Old Testament · Divided Kingdom
Elisha
“Elijah said to Elisha, 'Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?' 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied.”2 Kings 2:9
Biography
Elisha was the successor of Elijah, called from plowing a field. He asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit and received it. His ministry was remarkable: parting the Jordan River, purifying the poisoned spring at Jericho, multiplying oil for a destitute widow, raising the Shunammite woman's dead son, healing the Aramean commander Naaman of leprosy, and feeding 100 men with 20 loaves. He performed twice as many recorded miracles as Elijah.
Spiritual Lesson
Elisha models hunger for the things of the Spirit — he refused to be separated from Elijah until he received the double portion. His miracles consistently met people at the point of their practical need, showing that the supernatural breaks through in daily life. God's power is most perfectly displayed in meeting the specific need of the specific person.