Elisha-Chariots of Fire
Elisha was one powerful, faithful prophet of God! His name means ‘my God is salvation’ and the whole ministry of Elisha would prove to be a testimony to the meaning of his name[1]. You see, Elisha lived in dark times. Idolatry and secularism was embraced by the people and Israel’s enemies were circling. Yet through countless situations, Elisha stood as a light… a voice in the wilderness… showing through his life that the God of Israel was well and truly alive! In fact, Elisha performed more recorded miracles than Elijah or anyone else in the Bible other than Jesus. Elisha was called by God to join Elijah to be trained to be the next prophet of Israel, Handing off the mantle, the baton so to speak, from Elijah to Elisha was a dramatic scene and turning point in Elisha’s ministry and brought the “chariots of fire.”
Questions of the week (I. Gordon)
Q1: Were Elijah and Elisha prophets, priests or kings?
Q2: Who ministered first – Elisha or Elijah?
Q3: In the O.T are there more chapters devoted to Elijah or Elisha?
Q4: Did they serve in the northern kingdom of Israel or Judah in the south?
Q5: Which of these two did the most miracles?
Q6: Does Elisha mean ‘God is salvation’ or ‘Yahweh is God’?
Q7: Which of the two men is mentioned in the New Testament?
Answers:
A1: They were prophets.
A2: Elijah came first and then he trained Elisha.
A3. More chapters are devoted to Elisha (10) than Elijah (6)
A4: They served in the Northern kingdom which didn’t have any good kings!
A5: Elisha did the most miracles – 16 to 8 apparently.
A6: Elisha means ‘God is Salvation’. Elijah means ‘Yahweh is God’.
A7: The author of the questions, I Gordon says, “Ok, let me guess… You are so far 6 from 6 and you have answered Elijah for the last question to win the car? I’m sorry.
Both Elisha and Elijah are mentioned in the New Testament. Kind of a trick question to prevent pride creeping in!”
