Elisha, originally a farmer, was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen when Elijah found him and threw his mantle upon him, signifying his selection as the prophet's successor. God had charged Elijah to anoint Elisha as prophet in his place, though there is no indication that Elisha had extensive education, access to biblical scrolls, or prior experience as a teacher or preacher. Understanding the significance of Elijah's action, Elisha knew he was chosen to first follow and serve Elijah, and later to take his place as God's spokesman to the nation. His time with Elijah was likely short, spanning only a few years, and when the day came for the Lord to take Elijah away, Elisha was visibly nervous and distraught about losing his mentor and bearing the weight of the prophetic office. As Elijah's departure neared, Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit, perhaps seeking assurance to handle the immense responsibilities, long hours, extensive travel, critical decisions, and loneliness of the position. Whether out of humility, feeling inadequate compared to Elijah, or ambition to expand God's work beyond his master's achievements, Elisha's request reflected a deep desire to serve effectively. Elijah responded that this was a hard thing to grant, as only God could bestow such a gift, and he did not know God's will regarding the extent of Elisha's future ministry. Elijah stipulated that if Elisha saw him when taken away, his request would be granted; if not, it would not be so. When Elisha cried out, seeing the miraculous chariot of Israel and its horsemen, it confirmed he had received the double portion of God's Spirit.

In the historical account found in II Kings 4:8-37, Elisha, God's prophet and successor to Elijah, is portrayed as a man upon whom God's Spirit rests, performing great miracles. As a true servant of God, he represents all of God's faithful ministers. The story unfolds in the territory of Issachar in northern Israel, in Shunem, overlooking the Plain of Esdraelon toward Mount Carmel, where Elisha has a home. This event occurs during the reign of Jehoram, son of Ahab and Jezebel, a king who did evil in the sight of the Lord, though not to the extent of his parents, while allowing Elisha freedom to preach and travel. Elisha interacts with a notable Shunammite woman, characterized by her wealth and piety, who provides for him by setting aside a room in her home for his use whenever he visits. Her actions reflect her deep respect for God's servant. Through Elisha's intervention, she miraculously bears a son, despite her previous barrenness. Later, when the child suffers a sudden affliction in the field and dies, the woman lays his body in Elisha's room, concealing his death from others, and sets out determinedly to seek the prophet at Mount Carmel. Her urgency and resolve to find answers from God's servant are evident as she drives her servant to hasten the journey over fifteen miles. Upon reaching Mount Carmel, the Shunammite woman must first endure the incompetence of Gehazi, Elisha's assistant, before receiving help. Elisha, upon learning of the child's death, ultimately provides a solution, though not an easy one, demonstrating his role as God's instrument in addressing her profound loss.

Elisha demonstrated his unwavering commitment to God by abandoning his family, wealth, and prosperous life as a farm owner to become the successor to the esteemed prophet Elijah, as recounted in I Kings 19:19-21. Known for his humble and tireless service spanning six decades, Elisha performed more miracles than Elijah, including healings, acts of providence, and a resurrection, which deeply impacted many lives. However, an incident in II Kings 2:23-24, where a pair of female bears mauled over forty youths at Elisha's instigation, has led some to view his early service to God as cruel, casting a shadow on his record as a servant of God. In II Kings 2:11, Elisha witnessed a whirlwind carry his master Elijah away in a chariot of fire. After Elijah's departure, Elisha took up the mantle that Elijah had placed on him while he plowed his father's fields, a symbol of God's prophet. His first miracle occurred when he struck the Jordan River with the mantle, parting the waters as Elijah had done, allowing him to cross to the western bank, an act witnessed by many and confirming him as Elijah's true successor. Elisha then established the nature of his ministry by aiding the people of Jericho, where the water was undrinkable. By throwing a bowl of salt into the water source and declaring God's healing, the water was purified, remaining so according to Elisha's word, as stated in II Kings 2:22. While traveling from Jericho to Bethel, a city steeped in idolatry and rebellion against God, Elisha encountered a gang of youths who mocked him, calling him "baldhead" and taunting him to "go up," likely referencing Elijah's ascent to heaven. These youths, not little children but likely older teenagers or young adults, posed a genuine threat to Elisha, numbering possibly fifty or more. Their scornful words and actions, influenced by the rebellious environment of Bethel, aimed to demean Elisha and drive him away, challenging his authority as God's prophet. Their mockery extended beyond Elisha to God Himself, showing blasphemous disrespect for His authority.