This week's Hebrew text parades a fascinating cast of characters through a moving and fast-moving tale of miraculous healing and transformation. The story is one of many "Elisha stories" which collectively demonstrate just how different the prophetic ministry of Elisha was from that of his better-known predecessor Elijah.

Despite the power this healing story demonstrates, nowhere in this tale does Elisha behave as a traditional Israelite prophet. There is no great prophetic speech, no formulaic discourse; no divine word or promise is fulfilled. Unlike Elijah, who constantly reiterated the central message of his ministry that Israel must choose whether it would follow Yahweh or follow Ba'al Elisha has no overarching prophetic word that unites his actions. Elisha does not present ultimatums…