The prophetic call came to Elisha while with his father's servants he was plowing in the field. As Elijah, divinely directed in seeking a successor, cast his mantle upon the young man's shoulders, Elisha recognized and obeyed the summons. He "went after Elijah, and ministered unto him." 1 Kings 19:21. It was no great work 59 that was at first required of Elisha; commonplace duties still constituted his discipline. He is spoken of as pouring water on the hands of Elijah, his master. As the prophet's personal attendant, he continued to prove faithful in little things, while with daily strengthening purpose he devoted himself to the mission appointed him by God.

Elisa modtog kaldelsen til at være profet, mens han sammen med sin faders husfolk var ved at pløje ude på marken. Da Elias, der havde fået befaling af Gud om at søge en efterfølger, kastede sin kappe over den unge mands skuldre, anerkendte og adlød Elisa kaldelsen. Han fulgte Elias og gik ham til hånde.« 1Kong. 19,21. I begyndelsen var det ikke store ting, der krævedes af Elisa. Det var stadig dagligdags pligter, der påhvilede ham. Der siges om ham, at han øste vand på sin herre Elias' hænder. Som profetens personlige tjener vedblev han med at vise sig tro i det små, mens han for hver dag med stærkere vilje viede sig til den opgave, der var tildelt ham af Gud.