It was not given Elisha to follow his master in a fiery chariot. Upon him the Lord permitted to come a lingering illness. During the long hours of human weakness and 264 suffering his faith laid fast hold on the promises of God, and he beheld ever about him heavenly messengers of comfort and peace. As on the heights of Dothan he had seen the encircling hosts of heaven, the fiery chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof, so now he was conscious of the presence of sympathizing angels, and he was sustained. Throughout his life he had exercised strong faith, and as he had advanced in a knowledge of God's providences and of His merciful kindness, faith had ripened into an abiding trust in his God, and when death called him he was ready to rest from his labors.

Elisa gik med dem ned til Jordan. Han opmuntrede dem ved sin nærværelse, underviste dem og udførte endog et mirakel for at hjælpe dem med arbejdet. "Mens nu en af dem var ved at fælde en bjælke, faldt hans øksejern i vandet. Da gav han sig til at råbe: "Ak, min herre! og det var endda lånt!" Men den Guds mand sagde: "Hvor faldt det?" og da han havde vist ham stedet, skar han en gren af og kastede den derhen. Da kom øksen op på overfladen; og han sagde: "Tag den op!" Så rakte han hånden ud og tog den." 2Kong. 6,5-7.