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.
Eelija oli määranud Eliisa oma ametipärijaks ning too oli olnud tema abiline juba kuus aastat. Seetõttu pidas Eliisa Eelijat oma vaimseks isaks, ta oli Eelijale nagu esmasündinud vaimne poeg.