It’s a question that echoes through the life of the prophet Elisha.
The Talmud (Sotah 47a) suggests that Elisha's unwavering severity – remember his harsh treatment of his servant Gehazi and the mocking boys of Jericho? – didn't go unnoticed by the Divine. It's as if the universe has a way of balancing things out. According to rabbinic tradition, he endured not one, but two periods of illness, and ultimately, a third sickness led to his passing.
Interestingly, the text tells us that Elisha was actually the first person in history to survive an illness. Before him, sickness and death were considered inseparable companions. A fascinating idea, isn’t it? It challenges our understanding of life and death in the ancient world.
And what a life it was, filled with miracles! But perhaps the most remarkable occurred at the very end. Imagine this: a funeral procession, grief hanging heavy in the air. Suddenly, raiders appear! Panic erupts. In the chaos, a dead man is accidentally jostled against the bier (the frame or stand on which a corpse is carried) of the prophet Elisha. And then... a miracle! The dead man revives, standing on his feet, brought back to life by the mere touch of Elisha's remains!
Ginzberg, in his masterful Legends of the Jews, identifies this resurrected man as Shallum, the son of Tikvah and husband of Huldah the prophetess. A righteous man of noble lineage. Midrash Rabbah (Numbers 9:24) paints a beautiful picture of Shallum: he was known for his acts of chesed, loving-kindness. Every day, he would venture outside the city gates, offering water from his pitcher to weary travelers. This selfless act, the text implies, earned him a double reward: his wife becoming a prophetess, and later, his miraculous return to life.
The story continues, explaining that Shallum's funeral procession was interrupted by an invasion of Arameans. It was during this disturbance that his body came into contact with Elisha's bones, sparking the divine intervention. He went on to live and father a son named Hanamel.
This tale, found in Legends of the Jews, is more than just a fantastical story. It’s a potent reminder of the power of selfless acts, the enduring legacy of righteous individuals, and the mysterious ways in which life and death intertwine. It leaves us pondering: what seemingly small acts of kindness might have ripple effects far beyond what we can imagine?