ELISEUS.— See Elisha.
ELI8HA (jy-^K ' God is salvation' ; LXX 'E\ei<raU ; NT 'E\i(ratot, AV Eliseus). — Tlie son of SImphat, of the tribe of Issachar, the disciple and 8Ucces.sor of the proi]het Elijah. He is first mentioned in the threefold commission with whicli Elijah is charged by J" at Horeb (1 K I'.t'"). Obeying the divine voice, Elijaligoesto Abel-meholah (' nieailow of the dance,' probably 'Ain Ildweli) in the N. part of the Jordan Valley, not far from his native Gilead, where he finds E. ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen in one of the rich level fields of his tatlier's heritage, eleven yoke being witli his servants, and he last with the twelfth (19"). Leaving tlie high- way, Elijah paases over to him, and tlirows liis mantle over his shoulders — a symlKjlic act of double significance : he adopts E. as his son, and invests him with the prophetic office. No word is spoken, but the symbol is understood. Elijah, probably resuming his mantle, strides on, leaving E. amazed at the sudden call, and bewildered by the necessity of making so tremcmlous a deci.sion. But the young man's natural shrinking from so high a calling — a hesitation similar to that of Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah — is (juickly overcome by the consciousness that this is a call from Go<r. Running after Elijah, he declares his readiness to follow him, only begging permission to return and give the kiss of farewell to his father and mother. The mention of domestic ties onens Elijah's eyes to the greatness of the sacrifice lie is calling E. to make : perhaps it is too great for the youth ; at any rate his choice must be voluntary and de- lil)orate ; the casting of the mantle over him was
in itself nothing. There is no accent of rebuke, but tender eonsider.ition for E.'s natural feelings, in the austere [iiophel's testing words : ' Go back again, for what have I done unto thee?' E. how. ever, has made his choice. He is ready to leave father and mother, and houses and lands, and marks his act of self-renunciation by a sacrifice which has sacramental significance. Unyoking the oxen from his plough, he slays them, and taking the plough, the goad and the yokes for fuel, roasts tlie tlesh of the oxen, and invites his people to a farewell feast. Then, having kissed his jjarents, he follows Elijah, and ministers unto him. One graphic touch indicates his relation to the greater prophet : he is referred to as ' E. the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah ' (2 K3"). They seem to have been together some six or seven years (1 K 22', 2 K 1"). How and where this time was spent is not definitely stated. There is no evidence that Elijah ever called E. to be a dweller in desert solitudes. There are rather indications that during these years they lived in familiar intercourse with the sons of the prophets (2 K 2). The narrative of Elijah's last journey shows tlie deep filial afl'ection, as well as reverence, which he had awakened in his disciple. See Elijah. From the scene of the translation, Elisha returns bearing Elijah's mantle, and endued with a ' double portion ' of his spirit. Thus began a prophetic career in N. Israel which lasted for more than half a century, during the reigns of Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joasli.
E. is Elijah's spiritual successor, but he presents in many respects a striking contrast to his teacher. Only metaphorically does he wear Elijah's mantle : after its first display it appears no more. He wears the common garments (O'lj? 2 K 2'-'), and carries the walking-staff of 'ordinary grave citizens,' sometimes using it for working miracles (2 K 4*). With his bald head, he does not escape unfavourable comparison with the prophet of the flowing locks (2 K 2-^). E. is no son of the desert. Brouglit up at a peaceful farm in the Jordan Valley, amid the sweet charities of liome(l K 19-'"), he always prefers human companionship. He is generally found in cities, sojourning at Jericho among tlie sons of the prophets, or dwelling in his own house at Samaria or at Dothan (2 K 6"'-). A prophet's chamber is built for him by a lady of Shunem (4'°). Elijah's power was derived from communion with J" in lonely mountains and valleys ; E. is helped by the strains of music — ' the hand of J" ' is upon him when the minstrel plays (2 K 3'»).
Klijah's short career was memorable for a few grand and impressive scenes, E.'s long career is marked by innumerable deeds of mercy. Both in public and in private life his activity is inee.s.sant. lie enters palaces not as an enemy, but as a frien<l and counsellor. Kings reverently address him as ' father ' (2 K G'-' 13"). The kings of Israel, Judah, and Moab come to seek his advice in war (3""'"). The king of Syria consults him in sickness, and oilers him costly presents (8'- '). The king of Israel comes to receive iiis parting counsels (LS""'"). Hit influence at court and in the army would immcdi ately secure a boon for a friend from the king or the captain of the host (4"). He is exjiert in camp-Iife, ambush, and scouting, and more than once is the means of saving the life of the king (G'"). Even more than in palaces is he welcome in the homes of the people. He is ' the holy man of God who passeth ty us continually' (4*). Most of his miracles are deeds of gracious and homely beneficence. Elijah began his career by predict- ing a famine in the land ; E. begins his by liealing a spring, that there might not be ' from thence any more death or barren land ' (2^').