Elisha was appointed by Elijah as his successor and had been his attendant for six years, so Elisha viewed Elijah as his spiritual father; Elisha was like the firstborn spiritual son of Elijah.
Elisa, yang telah menjadi pelayannya selama enam tahun, dipilih oleh Elia sebagai penggantinya sehingga Elisa memandang Elia sebagai ayah rohaninya; Elisa seperti putra sulung rohani bagi Elia.