miracle - Did the prophets practice magic?

The Torah clearly prohibits all forms of magic, which we might define as the achievement of any supernatural phenomenon.

Yet we find many neviim, most blatantly Eliyahu and Elisha, achieving many supernatural phenomena, including bringing dead people back to life! (Just to note, these things were being done even through the times of he tana'im and amora'im.)

Now, clearly we must assume that the neviim were not violating the Torah, and thus their actions were permitted. Let us call their actions "miracles" to separate them from the "magic" that is prohibited by the Torah.

What is the difference between the "magic" that the Torah prohibited and the "miracles" being practiced by these neviim?

(Note: This question assumes (1) that magic is real (in opposition to Rambam), and that (2) the stories of the neviim (and tana'im and amora'im) are to be taken literally. I am looking for answers that follow these assumptions, not that undermine them.)

Answer

There are three main differences between Magic and Miracles.

1. A miracle is a request to Hashem that is then granted, but it may not always be granted. While Magic is an attempt to subvert the will of Hashem and presumably is reliable.


2. The ability of magic is limited. It can not create new things, can not raise the dead, and if it passes over fresh water it is reverted. Miracles however have no such limitations as they come from Hashem. (Sanhedrin 68b)


3. Magic manipulates the powers that exist in the world, and may work with intermediaries such Demons and Angels as well as elements of various kinds. Miracles however come from Hashem, and do not work with intermediaries.

There are stories of prophets or chazal doing acts of magic, but they did not make a profession out of it, and they did so only for the benefit of people and the community. I presume that is why it was allowed and they did not get punished for it. Some magics are clearly allowed such as amulets for protection and healing.