1 Kings 19:11-21, Comparing Elijah and Elisha

In the time of Ahab in the NK and Jehoshaphat in Judah we meet Elijah, who is followed by Elisha in 2 Ki. 2.  Both prophets had connections with the two kingdoms, although their primary ministries were towards the NK.  Here is a listing of events in both their ministries.  More is said of Elisha, but he also received a “double-portion.”  You will note that they were involved in similar events. 

ELIJAH   ELISHA 1 Ki. 17:8-16 Increased the oil of a widow 2 Ki. 4:1-7 1 Ki. 17:17-24 Revived son of woman who cared for him 2 Ki. 4:8-37 1 Ki. 18:1-19 Dealt with king of Israel, Mt. Carmel   1 Ki. 19:15 Anointing a king of Syria 2 Ki. 8:7-15 1 Ki. 20 Defeat of Syrians 2 Ki. 6:8-23 2 Ki. 21 Prophecy concerning King Ahab after Naboth incident   2 Ki. 1 Prophecy concerning King Ahaziah, Israel   2 Ki. 2:8 Split the waters of the Jordan 2 Ki. 2:13   Healed water 2 Ki. 2:19-22   Confronted youth 2 Ki. 2:23-25   Advised Jehoshaphat & King of NK 2 Ki. 3:11-19   Purified a pot of stew 2 Ki. 4:38-41   Fed 100 men 2 Ki. 4:42-44   Healing of Naaman the leper 2 Ki. 5:1-19   Floating the axe head 2 Ki. 6:1-7   Resurrection of a man whose body was thrown into his tomb 2 Ki. 13:20f

Of course, one of the differences between the two is that Elijah was carried into heaven in a fiery chariot when his earthly ministry was finished (2 Ki. 2:11) while Elisha died from an unspecified sickness (2 Ki. 13:14,20-21). 

Further, Elijah is mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, perhaps most notably in Mal. 4:5-6 and related Gospel passages such as Mt. 11:14.  Elisha is only mentioned once outside 1 and 2 Kings (in Lk. 4:27, referring to the story of Naaman).  As prominent as these two are in the Kings it is interesting that they are not mentioned at all in the Chronicles.  This points out their primary ministry emphasis, which was to the NK.

You will note that there are numerous references to miracles involving Elijah and Elisha.  Some of those “lesser-known” prophets we spoke of in previous posts were also involved in miraculous events.  But with these two men it was commonplace.  One reason for this emphasis on “signs and wonders” likely has to do with the time in which they lived.  During the “Omri Dynasty” (which includes Ahab and Jezebel as well as Queen Athaliah in Judah) the NK had turned away from the LORD as much as ever.  It’s not only the idolatry of the golden calves introduced by Jeroboam; it’s also the introduction of Baal worship by Jezebel, the daughter of the Phoenician king and wife of Ahab.  Because of the intermarrying with the house of Jehoshaphat this wickedness threatened the SK as well. 

A study of the lives of these two men of God is a worthwhile study for any Christian.