Gleanings From Elisha: His Life and Miracles

Unlike the miracles of Elijah, which were often characterized by divine judgment, confrontation, and the execution of God's justice, the miracles associated with Elisha are, for the most part, distinguished by their emphasis upon restoration, healing, preservation, provision, and life. This is not to suggest that Elisha never served as an instrument of God's judgment—for there were certainly occasions when he did—but the overall tenor of his prophetic ministry reflects the Lord's abundant compassion toward His covenant people. Through Elisha, God repeatedly demonstrated His willingness to provide for the needy, restore what had been lost, heal diseases, preserve life in the midst of famine and danger, recover what seemed beyond hope, and display His sovereign care over even the ordinary affairs of daily life. His miracles vividly reveal that the God of Israel is not merely the righteous Judge who punishes wickedness, but also the gracious Redeemer who delights to show mercy to those who trust in Him. In this respect, Elisha's ministry provides a beautiful foreshadowing of the earthly ministry of Christ, whose miracles likewise centered upon giving sight to the blind, cleansing lepers, feeding the hungry, raising the dead, and bringing life where there had once been only hopelessness and despair.

The sheer number of miracles attributed to Elisha also sets him apart from every other Old Testament prophet. His prophetic career is filled with extraordinary demonstrations of God's supernatural power, each one serving a distinct theological purpose beyond the immediate event itself. These miracles authenticated Elisha as the divinely appointed successor of Elijah, confirmed the continuing presence of the Spirit of God with His prophet, strengthened the faith of the remnant in Israel, and bore witness that the Lord alone reigns over creation, nations, kings, sickness, death, and every circumstance of human existence. Whether multiplying oil for a destitute widow, purifying poisoned water, providing food during famine, healing Naaman of leprosy, causing an iron axe head to float, or even raising the dead, Elisha consistently directed attention away from himself and toward the sovereign God whose power alone could accomplish such wonders.

As A. W. Pink observes in the introduction to this volume, "Far more miracles were wrought by him or were granted in answer to his prayers than any other of the Old Testament prophets. In fact the narrative of his history consists of little else than a record of supernatural acts and events...by means of drastic interpositions, by awe-inspiring displays of His power, by supernatural manifestations of His justice and mercy alike, God forced even the skeptical to recognize His existence and subscribe to His supremacy." Pink rightly emphasizes that these miracles were never mere displays of supernatural power for their own sake. Rather, they were divine attestations of God's absolute sovereignty over every aspect of creation and history. They revealed His holiness, vindicated His Word, exposed unbelief, encouraged the faithful, and compelled all who witnessed them to acknowledge that the God of Israel alone is the living and true God.

Join master expositor A. W. Pink as he carefully traces the life and ministry of Elisha from his initial call to prophetic service, through the many trials and testings that shaped his character, to a detailed examination of each of his seventeen recorded miracles. Throughout this study, readers will discover profound lessons concerning God's providence, His covenant faithfulness, the necessity of obedient faith, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the abundant grace that sustains His people in every generation. More than a historical survey, this work offers rich theological insight and practical application, encouraging believers to rest confidently in the sovereign Lord whose power has not diminished and whose mercy continues to endure forever.