DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197610374.013.10 ISSN:
Elijah and Elisha
Song-Mi Suzie ParkAbstract
This chapter, which offers a synchronic reading of 2 Kgs 2, argues that the mimicry in the narratives about Elisha and Elijah and, in particular, the portrayal of these prophets as doubles serves multiple theological and literary purposes. First, these narratives legitimate Elisha as Elijah’s successor by depicting him as a copy or double of Elijah and as part of a heritage of duplicating prophets in the lineage of Moses. Second, through this depiction and emphasis on doubles, these stories assert that Yhwh—the deity of these prophets—is the ultimate duplicator. Third, in so doing, these narratives affirm Yhwh’s uniqueness and authority as the true storm deity over against the false storm god Baal.