Elijah, the man of power, had been God's instrument for the overthrow of gigantic evils. Idolatry, which, supported by Ahab and the heathen Jezebel, had seduced the nation, had been cast down. Baal's prophets had been slain. The whole people of Israel had been deeply stirred, 61 and many were returning to the worship of God. As successor to Elijah was needed one who by careful, patient instruction could guide Israel in safe paths. For this work Elisha's early training under God's direction had prepared him.

Elias, denne mægtige mand, havde været Guds redskab til at omstyrte kæmpemæssige synder. Afgudsdyrkelsen, som med støtte af Akab og den hedenske Jesabel havde forført folket, var blevet nedbrudt. Ba'als profeter var blevet dræbt. Hele Israels folk var blevet dybt rystede, og der var mange, der vendte tilbage til at dyrke Gud. Til Elias' efterfølger var der brug for en mand, som gennem omhyggelig og tålmodig belæring kunne lede Israel ad trygge veje. Det var til denne gerning, at Elisas opdragelse i ungdomstiden under Guds ledelse havde forberedt ham.