Elisha becomes powerful
Elisha’s devastation was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. A central part of his being was absent; his devotion to Elijah had become his world. Elisha tore apart his own cloak and pummelled the earth with his fists as he cried, ‘My father, my father! You are gone!’ The prospect of life without Elijah seemed unbearable and Elisha recalled the promised words of allegiance uttered so frequently, ‘I swear by my loyalty to the living Lord that I will not leave you.’
Elijah’s power had been unparalleled such that he hadn’t needed to command esteem or veneration from those he encountered; reverence was freely given by all. As Elijah’s long serving companion and protege, that deference had always been extended to Elisha. Now that Elijah was forever gone, could Elisha obtain the same audience with kings? Could Elisha convey the prophetic power that had so marvelled Elijah’s supporters? Elisha had yearned for the powers bestowed upon Elijah even to the point of requesting Elijah bequeath his powers to him. Elisha had been assured it would occur if Elisha watched at the moment of Elijah’s earthly departure. So, Elisha had watched. Even when his eyes had seared and watered from the fiery chariot pulled by the flaming horses, Elisha had not closed them for a moment. His eyes were fixed unblinkingly as the ferocious whirlwind caused by the chariot had plucked Elijah into it and drawn him to the heavens, leaving only his cloak of animal fur behind. Elisha’s gaze had been unwavering to the end.
Elisha drew himself up to standing, hugging Elijah’s cloak to his chest. His countenance changed from sorrow to one of jubilation and he whooped in exuberance, dropping the cloak. Elisha inhaled deeply with his eyes closed, deliberately stretching out his arms with his hands clenched in fists of strength. As he slowly opened his eyes, he felt exultant and triumphant in the context of his new reality: Elisha was the most powerful prophet. He would now be respected by kings and lords across the lands. Cities and towns shall beg for his wisdom and be desperate for his guidance. Heads will bow and tongues will whisper at the newfound power of the prophet Elisha saying, surely, he was blessed by the gods.
As he stood on the bank of the Jordan River, Elisha held Elijah’s cloak aloft. He then slapped the water with the coat as he brought down his arm. The low waves caused by the splash spread outward as expected. Elisha drew the cloak high in the air again. This time he turned his face skywards and roared, ‘Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?’ Elisha brutally struck the water with the cloak again. This time, however, the river waters drew apart from each other forming a path from one bank of the river to the opposite. Elisha laughed raucously as he stepped onto the pebbles of the riverbed, marvelling at his miracle. The waters remained as walls beside him as he strode confidently across the Jordan. As he stepped onto dry land on the opposite bank, Elisha turned back to see the waters crash together as the river resumed its usual state.
Elisha’s miraculous crossing of the river had drawn a group of astonished men and they dropped to their knees as he approached. Elisha curled his slightly upward at their incredulity and bowed his head towards them in acknowledgement of their fealty. The men then became insistent on a search for the now missing, Elijah in a bid to find Elisha’s companion. Elisha simply waved his hand in dismissal; they wandered off earnestly despite their futile hunt. Elisha puffed up his chest, adjusted his powerful cloak on his body and started his new journey towards the town of Bethel where he would consult with lords and courtiers.
As he walked, Elisha contemplated his endowed capability. I will honour the Lord in all my endeavours. Elijah would wish for that. I will ensure nobility of thought on all matters. The Lord has bestowed upon me a gift and I sha-
Elisha’s reverie was interrupted by the sound of laughter coming from the woods beside the path on which he travelled. There were many tall trees that meant Elisha couldn’t see far into the forest for its darkness. It was clearly the laughter of youths that befell his ears, and he smiled to himself as he continued.
‘Hey, sir,’ a voice called out. Elisha ignored the two boys as they called out from the edge of the trees. ‘What are you doing out here with a wet coat? That’s pretty stupid.’ Elisha frowned at them and shook his head. A few additional boys joined the fray. ‘That’s an ugly coat, sir, and pretty useless now it’s wet.’ They laughed and pushed each other as part of their jest. Elisha continued to ignore them but gave a stern and disapproving look in their direction. ‘Hey, sir. Are you too poor to buy a donkey? Hey, sir! Hey! Hey, baldy! Why are you ignoring us?’
Elisha turned around and glared at the boys who repeated their taunts. He was furious now. Elisha raised his arms and shouted a declaration to the heavens, ‘In the name of the almighty Lord in heaven, I curse you. I rebuke you and you shall be punished for your disrespect towards the Lord’s most powerful prophet, Elisha!’
The youths dissolved into laughter at Elisha’s antics. Suddenly, however, their attention was focused on the forest. Before any of the boys had a chance to move, a bear was upon one of them. Another bear emerged from the other side and pounced upon another. With the swish of its powerful paw, a severed head was disconnected from its youthful neck and soared through the air landing with a thud on the dirt. The prior taunts were now screams of terror and agony. Blood spurted from a shoulder wound where an arm had once been. Gnashing teeth tore at pliable flesh. Childish fists fought against ferocious jaws with such frailty that the bears didn’t notice their strikes. ‘Help, sir, help!’ were the screams but Elisha watched the bloodshed with satisfaction. The sobs and shrieks were unbroken, as the bears continued their butchery. Once all forty-two children were torn to shreds, the two bears wandered back into the thick darkness of the trees.
Elisha surveyed the bloody carnage with vindication and contentment giving praise to his holy father in heaven. The Lord had obeyed Elisha’s command despite only the merest of provocation from children. The most powerful and righteous prophet now walked the lands, and Elisha would insist upon holiness. The Lord would destroy Elisha’s enemies; that was now guaranteed.