The Symbolism of the Prophets: Elijah and Elisha

The Symbolism of the Prophets

“Hear it proclaimed in ringing joy;

The faithful voices of my prophets.

They proclaim My Son a boy;

A man walking upon the earth.

I have heard the plea from Isaiah,

And sent promise of a Jesse Root.

For David was a seed of Jesse,

And Thee a David-Lineage Shoot.

I sent him comfort of eternity;

A glimpse of peace heavenly,

Where the lion snuggles with the lamb;

The leopard reposes beside the kid;

No child fears the cobra’s sting,

And the youngest child leads amid.

The Symbolism of Elijah and Elisha

“Elijah, rise as greater prophet.

I have worthy task for thee.

Prophesy to murderous Ahab,

Israel’s hateful royalty.

Prophesy the rain to cease-fall;

Prophesy a drought in time

Until thou may pray in earnest

Again, before this king of crime.

Wither doth thou flee, Elijah?

Why such terror of mankind?

Did not I send thee in safety

To prophesy to royal mind?

Thy life is sought by evil orders;

Lies thee down in deep despair

And wishes death! O My Elijah,

Why pray thee that I kill thee there?

“Let me die!” Thou weeps in pity,

“I am alone! I am undone!”

But, Elijah, I Am with thee!

Rise, My broken-hearted son.

“Angel, wake him and admonish

That I will not let him pine

In worthless pity; selfish sorrow –

He has done the Will of Mine.

“Ravens! Be a source to nourish:

Bring him bread and meat in beak.

Do not eat this food as nature –

Take it to him by the creek.

“Elijah, thou art not alone!

Other prophets I have saved.

And thou wilt find a companion –

Elisha – who the Spirit craved.

When thy tasks are over; ended,

I shall bear thee upward; home.

In a blazing chariot, golden,

I shall bid thee upward come.

Yet thy servant’s plea arises;

Elisha will thy mantle wear.

Throw it o’er him, and so promise

That he will the Spirit share.

But a double-portion asks he.

What a blessed wish, indeed!

A double-clothing of My Spirit

Begged in humble spirit-need.

Yea, Elijah, bid him farewell

And upward rise in chariot-fire.

This Elisha sees, and realises

 I approve what he desires.

Spirit, fall a double-portion!

Elisha, wear the mantle well.

My Son shall come forth from the Nation

That thou serves to keep from hell.