The situation was very different, however, when Elisha came from the scene of Elijah’s translation. The violence of the rulers had abated. The people had been aroused to a realization of their peril. They felt the need of the presence and instruction of men of God. Hence Elisha received a welcome in all parts of the nation. He journeyed from place to place throughout the kingdom, associating with the people, instructing them in the way of the Lord, and ministering to them in their varied needs.AGP 108.4

Elisha’s active work as prophet began at the school of the prophets in Jericho, where he went from his farewell with Elijah.AGP 108.5

While he tarried at the school, the men of the city came to Elisha and pointed out a distressing situation that existed. TheyAGP 108.6

said, “The situation of this city is pleasant: … but the water is nought, and the ground barren.” Elisha’s response was prompt. He took a cruse of salt, went to the spring, and cast the salt into the water. To those who accompanied him he said: “Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.” 2 Kings 2:19-22.AGP 109.1

Travelers who have visited Palestine in modern times find a spring at the place where it is believed this miracle was wrought. They describe it as “a large and beautiful fountain of sweet and pleasant water, and as ‘scattering, even at the hottest season, the richest and most grateful vegetation over what would otherwise be a bare tract of sandy soil.’” “The Pulpit Commentary,” on 2 Kings 2:1, p. 23.AGP 109.2

From Jericho Elisha went to Bethel and then to Samaria, where he became known as a prophet—the successor of Elijah. By this time Jehoram, the son of Ahab, was reigning over Israel. He was in sore trouble because the king of Moab had rebelled and invaded his kingdom. The situation was so serious that Jehoram appealed for help to the king of Edom, and also to Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. They joined him, and in leading their forces into the land of Moab, these kings found themselves in a place where “there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.” The king of Israel said despairingly, “Alas! that the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!” 2 Kings 3:5-10.AGP 109.3

But Jehoshaphat knew where to look for help. He said:AGP 109.4

“Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah. And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the Lord is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.” Verses 11, 12.

Elisha was not flattered by the presence of kings seeking information from him regarding their fate. Without fear he “saidAGP 109.5

unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father [Ahab], and to the prophets of thy mother [Jezebel]…. Were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.” Verses 13, 14.AGP 110.1

Then “the hand of the Lord came upon him. And he said, Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches. For thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. And this is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord: He will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.” Verses 15-18.AGP 110.2

“And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.” Verse 20. Then came the battle and “the Israelites rose up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them: but they went forward smiting the Moabites, even in their country.” Verse 24.AGP 110.3

This was a most important experience; for it brought Elisha prominently before the kingdoms of Israel, Judah, Edom, and Moab, as the prophet of the Lord and the successor of Elijah.AGP 110.4

Received as Elijah’s Successor

The King Saved by the Prophet