1 In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years.
2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin; he did not depart from them.
3 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them continually into the hand of Hazael king of Syria and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael.
4 Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the Lord, and the Lord listened to him, for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them.
5 So the Lord gave Israel a savior, and they escaped from the hand of the Syrians. Then the people of Israel lived in their homes as formerly.
6 Nevertheless, they did not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin, but walked in them; and the Asherah also remained in Samaria.
7 For there was not left to Jehoahaz an army of more than fifty horsemen and ten chariots and ten thousand footmen, for the king of Syria had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing.
8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
9 And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria. And Joash his son reigned in his place.
10 In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years.
11 He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin.
12 Now the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did, and the might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
13 And Joash slept with his fathers, and Jeroboam sat on his throne. And Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.
14 Now when Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he was to die, Joash king of Israel went down to him and wept before him, crying, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!”
15 And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” So he took a bow and arrows.
16 And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with your hand.” So he struck three times and stopped.
17 And he said, “Open the window eastward,” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot,” and he shot. And he said, “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you shall fight the Syrians in Aphek until you have made an end of them.”
18 Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground with them.” And he struck three times and stopped.
19 Then the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.”
20 So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year.
21 Now when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and fought them until they fled. And the Israelites went on striking Moab, till they stopped.
22 Now Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.
23 But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them, and he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, nor has he cast them from his presence until now.
24 So Hazael king of Syria died, and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his place.
25 Then Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again from Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities that he had taken from Jehoahaz his father in war. Three times Joash defeated him and recovered the cities of Israel.
The True Meaning of 2 Kings 13
The author of this chapter is the biblical historian who compiled the books of Kings, providing a detailed account of the kings of Israel and Judah. This chapter focuses on the reign of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, who ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel.
During this time, the nation of Israel faced great turmoil and oppression from the Aramean king Hazael. The chapter describes how Jehoahaz cried out to the Lord for help, and the Lord provided a deliverer to save Israel from the hand of the Arameans. However, the chapter also foreshadows the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom, as the author notes that Jehoahaz did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the first king of the divided kingdom.
The chapter also makes references to other important events in the biblical narrative, such as the prophecy of Elisha concerning the future of the Aramean king Hazael, and the continued conflict between the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah. We will delve into the details of this chapter to see how the events unfolding in the northern kingdom of Israel are intricately woven into the larger tapestry of God’s plan for his people.
2 Kings 13:1-9
The verses in 2 Kings 13:1-9 recount the reign of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, as king of Israel. The passage begins by describing Jehoahaz’s evil reign of seventeen years in the sight of the Lord. During his rule, Israel continued to worship idols and engage in sinful behavior, leading to the oppression of the Israelites by the king of Aram.
This section serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing idolatry. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where the disobedience of the Israelites led to their downfall and suffering. This passage reinforces the importance of staying faithful to God and following His commandments to avoid facing His wrath. The mention of the oppression by the king of Aram highlights the recurring theme of divine discipline in the Bible. Challenges and trials may be faced when we stray from the path of righteousness, just as the Israelites faced consequences for their disobedience. However, there is always hope for repentance and redemption, as seen later in the chapter with the Lord’s response to the cry of His people.
It’s important to note the reference to the Lord raising up a deliverer for Israel during this time of oppression. This echoes the recurring theme in the Bible of God raising up leaders or prophets to guide His people back to Him. Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor when faced with the oppression from Aram, and God heard his cry and provided a savior in the form of Jehoash, Jehoahaz’s son.
The transition from Jehoahaz to Jehoash marks a turning point in the chapter, demonstrating God’s mercy and faithfulness despite the Israelites’ continued disobedience. This shift from despair to deliverance serves as a powerful testament to God’s unwavering love for His people and His willingness to forgive and restore them when they seek Him wholeheartedly. This passage from 2 Kings 13:1-9 conveys a message of the importance of faithfulness, repentance, and reliance on God in times of trouble. It underscores the consequences of straying from God’s commandments while also highlighting His compassion and willingness to intervene on behalf of His people when they turn to Him in earnest.
2 Kings 13:10-13
King Jehoash of Israel’s reign is glimpsed in 2 Kings 13:10-13. This section of the verse begins by highlighting that Jehoash reigned in Samaria for 16 years. Jehoash was also known as Joash in other parts of the Bible. He was the son of Jehoahaz and the grandson of Jehu. Jehoash did evil in the sight of the Lord, following the sinful ways of Jeroboam, the first king of Israel, who led the people into idolatry by setting up golden calves for worship in Bethel and Dan.
During his reign, King Hazael of Aram oppressed Israel, inflicting much harm and causing great suffering. The Arameans were a constant threat to the Israelites during this time, and they often raided and looted the land of Israel. This period of oppression symbolizes the consequences of the Israelites’ disobedience to God’s commandments and their turning away from Him to worship false gods. It serves as a reminder that when God’s people stray from His ways, they open themselves up to attacks and hardships. King Jehoash seeks the help and favor of the prophet Elisha as he lies sick on his deathbed in this passage. Elisha was a prominent prophet in Israel who succeeded Elijah. Elisha had performed many miracles during his ministry, and he was known for his close relationship with God. Jehoash’s visit to Elisha and his weeping over the prophet’s impending death show a sense of desperation and a recognition of Elisha’s connection to God. However, Jehoash’s tears may also reflect his sorrow for losing a powerful ally who had brought God’s word and power to the nation.
Elisha instructs Jehoash to take a bow and arrows, symbolizing the strength and victory that God can provide against their enemies, the Arameans. The prophet tells the king to strike the ground with the arrows, but Jehoash only strikes three times before stopping. Elisha becomes angry with the king for his lack of faith and commitment, as he could have secured a complete victory over Aram if he had shown more resolve. This incident highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience in carrying out God’s instructions completely and not stopping prematurely. This passage from 2 Kings 13 presents a vivid picture of the spiritual and political climate in Israel during the reign of King Jehoash. It underscores the consequences of straying from God’s ways, the importance of seeking God’s favor and guidance in times of trouble, and the power of faith and obedience in experiencing God’s deliverance and victory. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain faithful to God, trust in His power, and follow His commands wholeheartedly in order to overcome challenges and receive His blessings.
2 Kings 13:14-19
Elisha, nearing the end of his life in 2 Kings 13:14-19, still holds the power of God within him even in his last moments. The verses start with Elisha falling sick with the illness that would eventually take his life. Joash, the king of Israel at the time, visits the ailing Elisha and weeps over him, recognizing the significance of the prophet’s impending death. Joash refers to Elisha as “the chariots and horsemen of Israel,” acknowledging the powerful protection and guidance Elisha provided to the nation. This reference emphasizes Elisha’s central role in defending and leading Israel through his connection with God.
Elisha instructs Joash to take a bow and arrows, symbolizing the tools of war, and opens a window facing east. He then tells Joash to shoot an arrow out of the window, signifying the victory of the Lord over Aram, Israel’s enemy. Elisha calls Joash to strike the ground with the remaining arrows, which Joash does only three times before stopping. Elisha reacts with disappointment, as striking the ground more times would have ensured complete victory over Aram. This act symbolizes the importance of faith, persistence, and complete obedience to God’s commands. Joash missed out on the opportunity to secure a more decisive victory by stopping before fully following Elisha’s instructions.
Through this passage, we see the themes of obedience, faith, and the consequences of incomplete commitment to God’s guidance. Elisha’s actions and words serve as a reminder of the power and faithfulness of God, as well as the need for humans to align themselves fully with His will. Joash’s failure to strike the ground completely reflects a missed opportunity caused by his lack of faith and determination. This narrative can serve as a lesson for readers to wholeheartedly follow God’s instructions and trust in His power without hesitation or doubt.
This story also echoes similar themes found in other parts of the Bible. For example, in the book of Joshua, the Israelites’ success in battle often depended on their obedience to God’s commands, such as the conquest of Jericho by following God’s specific instructions for marching around the city. Jesus frequently emphasizes the importance of faith and wholehearted commitment to God in the New Testament, such as in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, where he teaches about the necessity of persistent prayer and unwavering faith. The passage in 2 Kings 13:14-19 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of obedience, faith, and complete commitment to God’s will. Elisha’s final act of prophetic guidance to Joash highlights the need for unwavering faith and determination in following God’s instructions to achieve His purposes and blessings. It also underscores the consequences of half-hearted obedience and the missed opportunities that can result from a lack of complete trust in God.
2 Kings 13:20-21
The passage in 2 Kings 13:20-21 narrates a significant event where the bones of the prophet Elisha revive a dead man upon contact. This miraculous act serves as a demonstration of the power of God working through Elisha even after his passing.
When we examine this passage, the first noticeable aspect is the mention of the dead man. The fact that he was dead underscores the severity of the situation and highlights the impossibility of human efforts to bring life back to the deceased. This sets the stage for the miraculous intervention that follows, as it is only through divine intervention that such a feat could be accomplished.
The focus then shifts to the bones of Elisha, the prophet of God. The significance of the bones carrying the power to bring the dead back to life is a testament to the spiritual authority and anointing that Elisha possessed during his lifetime. This event echoes similar miracles performed by Elisha while he was alive, such as the healing of Naaman the leper (2 Kings 5) and the multiplication of oil (2 Kings 4:1-7).
This incident also serves to highlight the continuity of God’s power beyond the physical presence of His servants. Even after Elisha had died, the supernatural anointing and authority he carried in his lifetime still persisted in his bones. This concept is consistent with the biblical principle that God’s power transcends time and space, and He can work miracles through His chosen vessels both in life and after death.
Furthermore, this passage points to the foreshadowing of resurrection, a central theme in the New Testament. The resurrection of the dead man at the touch of Elisha’s bones serves as a precursor to the ultimate resurrection through the power of Jesus Christ. This event underscores the belief in the God of the living and the dead and His ability to bring life out of death. God’s anointed servants and His power can accomplish miraculous works, as evidenced by 2 Kings 13:20-21. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God to His people and the extraordinary ways in which He demonstrates His sovereignty over life and death.
2 Kings 13:22-25
Hazael, king of Aram, oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz, as read in 2 Kings 13:22-25. But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence. Hazael king of Aram died, and Ben-Hadad his son succeeded him as king. Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz recaptured from Ben-Hadad son of Hazael the towns he had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Three times Jehoash defeated him, and so he recovered the Israelite towns. The Israelites experience a cycle of oppression and deliverance in this passage. Hazael, the king of Aram, had been oppressing Israel during the reign of Jehoahaz, demonstrating the volatile political landscape of that time. Despite the hardship faced by the Israelites, the Lord showed them compassion and grace due to His covenant with their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This highlights the theme of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with His people throughout the Old Testament.
The mention of Hazael’s death and his son Ben-Hadad succeeding him continues the narrative of the shifting powers in the region and the ongoing conflicts between Aram and Israel. Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz, emerges as a key figure as he takes back the towns that had been lost to the Arameans during his father’s reign. The fact that Jehoash was able to defeat Ben-Hadad three times underscores the idea of the Lord’s intervention in securing victory for His people when they turned to Him.
This account is a reminder of the importance of trust in God’s protection and deliverance during times of trouble. It emphasizes the significance of staying faithful to God’s covenant and seeking His help in the face of adversity. The narrative of Israel’s struggles and victories serves as a lesson for believers today to rely on God’s faithfulness and mercy in all circumstances. This passage also echoes the larger theme of God’s sovereignty over the nations and His ultimate control over the events of history in a broader theological sense. Throughout the Bible, we see how God uses various rulers and kingdoms to accomplish His purposes, even in the midst of conflicts and wars. This passage exemplifies one instance where God’s plan unfolds, demonstrating His faithfulness to His people despite the challenges they face.
After 2 Kings 13
The prophet Elisha fell ill and died. The king of Israel wept over him, lamenting the loss of this great man of God. Yet, even in death, Elisha’s power was evident. When a dead man’s body was thrown into Elisha’s tomb, the man came back to life upon touching Elisha’s bones. This miraculous event demonstrated that the Lord’s anointing remained upon Elisha, even after his passing.
Though Elisha had departed this world, his legacy lived on. The people of Israel would need to cling to the words and deeds of this mighty prophet, for the challenges they faced were far from over. We will see how the nation responded to this profound loss and whether they would continue to walk in the ways of the Lord as we turn the page to the next chapter.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.