Elisha
Elisha | |
|---|---|
Detail from Elisha resurrecting the son of the Shunammite by Jean-Baptiste Despax, mid-18th cent. | |
| Saint | |
| Born | Approximately c. 910 BCE |
| Died | Approximately c. 800 BCE Samaria |
| Venerated in | |
| Feast | June 14 (liturgical calendars of the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches) |
| Influences | Elijah |
Elisha was, according to the Hebrew Bible, a Jewish prophet and a wonder-worker. His name is commonly transliterated into English as Elisha via Hebrew, Eliseus via Greek and Latin, Ełishe (Yeghishe/Elisha) via Armenian or Alyasa via Arabic, and Elyasa or Elyesa via Turkish. Also mentioned in the New Testament and the Quran,[6:86][38:48] Elisha is venerated as a prophet in Judaism, Christianity and Islam and writings of the Bahá'í Faith refer to him by name.
Before he settled in Samaria, Elisha passed some time on Mount Carmel. He served from 892 until 832 BCE as an advisor to the third through the eighth kings of Judah, holding the office of "prophet in Israel". He is called a patriot because of his help to soldiers and kings.
In the biblical narrative, he is a disciple and protégé of Elijah, and after Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, Elisha received a double portion of his power and he was accepted as the leader of the sons of the prophets. Elisha then went on to perform twice as many miracles as Elijah.
Scholars hold different opinions regarding the historical background, composition and social context of the Elisha narratives. The stories give unique insights into the folk religion of the Kingdom of Israel.