2 Kings 4:12
SUMMARY
Like other servants of God, we know little about the origins or life-circumstances of Gehazi, Elisha’s servant.
ANALYSIS
In this chapter, Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, makes an abrupt appearance. This is the first time the character is mentioned in the biblical text. Nothing about his entrance startles the other characters, which suggests that Gehazi has been regularly by Elisha’s side. Like a shy student, he seems to be invisibly observing ElishaMiracle working prophet who succeeded Elijah. More, silently waiting to meet his teacher’s needs. (Gehazi’s reticence disappears – disastrously – later in the story.) It was not uncommon for prophets to take on disciples or apprentices. In 1 Kings 19, ElijahA miracle working Israelite prophet who opposed worship of Baal. More appoints Elisha as his apprentice by throwing his mantle over the young farmer’s shoulders. In 2 Kings 2:3-18, a company of prophets competes with Elisha to become Elijah’s true successor. (In Hebrew, “company of the prophets” is literally “sons of the prophets,” a phrase denoting a group of followers, not blood descendants.) Thus while Gehazi’s appearance may be startling to modern readers, it would not have been out of place in the ancient narrative.
