2 Kings 4

This chapter, and the four that follow, are chiefly given to a detailed record of Elisha’s miracles. They not only afford us a lively picture of Elisha himself, but also open to us an inside view of the schools of the prophets, in which Elisha was a father. These schools had now become a prominent institution in Israel; and the term sons of the prophets, so uniformly used, seems to indicate a more intimate relation between pupils and master than that which existed in the days of Samuel.

The general character of Elisha’s life and miracles was noticeably different from that of Elijah’s. As Stanley beautifully remarks: “The rough mantle of his master appears no more after its first display. He uses a walking-staff, (2 Kings 4:29,) like other grave citizens. He was not secluded in mountain fastnesses, but dwelt in his own house in the royal city, (2 Kings 5:9; 2 Kings 5:24; 2Ki 6:32 ; 2 Kings 13:17.) or lingered amidst the sons of the prophets within the precincts of ancient colleges, embowered amidst the shade of the beautiful woods which overhang the crystal spring near Jericho that is still associated with his name; or was sought out by admiring disciples in some tower on Carmel, or by the pass of Dothan; or was received in some quiet balcony, overlooking the plain of Esdraelon, where bed and table and seat had been prepared for him by pious hands. 2 Kings 4:10. His life was not spent, like his predecessor’s, in unavailing struggles, but in wide spread successes. He was sought out, not as the enemy, but as the friend and counsellor of kings. His deeds were not of wild terror, but of gracious, soothing, homely beneficence, bound up with the ordinary tenor of human life.” In short, we may say that Elisha’s life and miracles were more like the still small voice that followed the whirlwind, the earthquake, and the fire of Elijah’s ministry; less sublime and fearful, but greater in their influence for good.