Elisha’s Request

Elisha’s Request

Q: What did Elisha want from Elijah?

• a. his cloak
• b. his scroll
• c. a double share of his spirit

Elisha, a younger prophet, traveled with Elijah. As it grew nearer to the time God would take Elijah to heaven, Elisha refused to leave Elijah’s side. On the final day, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.”

Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”

In Bible times, a firstborn son would always receive a double portion of the inheritance. By asking for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, Elisha may have been asking to be the leader of the other prophets once Elijah went to heaven.

“You have asked a difficult thing. If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t,” Elijah said.

As they were walking, a chariot of fire drawn by horses of fire appeared and carried Elijah away. Elijah’s cloak dropped to the ground, and Elisha picked it up. He struck the river with the cloak, and the river divided just as it had done earlier for Elijah. God had given Elisha his request.

God didn’t have to grant Elisha’s request. But Elisha asked for a double share of Elijah’s spirit and to become his successor in order to do more for God—not to be thought of as greater than Elijah. So the Lord granted his request.

For You

It’s okay to ask God for great things as long as your motives are pure. Don’t be afraid to ask for more courage or wisdom to do the things God wants you to do.

Answer: c

When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”   2 Kings 2:9

(The Whole Story: 2 Kings 2:1-18)