Double Blessing Part 6

5. A double blessing

Elijah had tested Elisha four times showing him that to continue in the role of a prophet would be a difficult task. Elisha knew it was more important to do the will of God than to be comfortable. When Elijah saw Elisha’s persistence he asked him what he desired. Elisha then asked for a double blessing. In asking for the double blessing he was asking to be the rightful heir to Elijah. The double blessing was always reserved for the first born son. Elisha wanted the prophetic office that had been Elijah’s.

I wonder what went through Elijah’s mind when Elisha asked for the double blessing. I am sure that he was thrilled that his disciple wanted to be a prophet but I also think that there were some concerns. Did Elisha have what it would take to be a prophet? Would he be able to stand before kings and false religious leaders? Elijah had one more test for his disciple. If he would be with him when God took him from this earth then he would received the blessing. Elisha could not go part way, he had to go all the way with Elijah.

It is recorded that Elisha’s ministry was twice as long as Elijah’s and that he did twice as many miracles. Some people have pointed out that this was the fulfillment of the double blessing in Elisha’s live. However, this misses the point of the double blessing. As we have already pointed out that the double blessing went to the heir and Elisha proved to be Elijah’s rightful heir and successor.