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2 Kings 13

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‹ Chapter 12 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 14 ›

1 In the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash son of Ahaziah over Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria seventeen years. 2 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them. 3 So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad. 4 Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the LORD, and the LORD listened to him because He saw the oppression that the king of Aram had inflicted on Israel. 5 So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before. 6 Nevertheless, they did not turn away from the sins that the house of Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit, but they continued to walk in them. The Asherah pole even remained standing in Samaria. 7 Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing. 8 As for the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, along with all his accomplishments and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 9 And Jehoahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And his son Jehoash reigned in his place. 10 In the thirty-seventh year of the reign of Joash over Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned sixteen years. 11 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit, but he walked in them. 12 As for the rest of the acts of Jehoash, along with all his accomplishments and his might, including his war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 13 And Jehoash rested with his fathers, and Jeroboam succeeded him on the throne. Jehoash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. 14 When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!" 15 Elisha told him, “Take a bow and some arrows.” So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows. 16 Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” So the king put his hand on the bow, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. 17 “Open the east window,” said Elisha. So he opened it and Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And Elisha declared: “This is the LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram, for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them." 18 Then Elisha said, “Take the arrows!” So he took them, and Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground!” So he struck the ground three times and stopped. 19 But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times." 20 And Elisha died and was buried. Now the Moabite raiders used to come into the land every spring. 21 Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet. 22 And Hazael king of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz. 23 But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, and He turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day, the LORD has been unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence. 24 When Hazael king of Aram died, his son Ben-hadad reigned in his place. 25 Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz took back from Ben-hadad son of Hazael the cities that Hazael had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Jehoash defeated Ben-hadad three times, and so recovered the cities of Israel.

‹ Chapter 12 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 14 ›

Study Notes — 2 Kings 13

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Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the reign of Jehoahaz, who did evil in the sight of the Lord, and Israel was oppressed by the king of Syria. Despite this, God heard the prayers of Jehoahaz and gave Israel a deliverer. The chapter then shifts to the reign of Joash, who also did evil, but sought the counsel of the prophet Elisha. Elisha prophesied the defeat of Syria and the death of the king, which was fulfilled. The chapter also records the events surrounding Elisha's death and the miracle that occurred when a man was thrown into Elisha's tomb and came back to life. Throughout the chapter, we see God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people, despite their disobedience, as recorded in 2 Kings 13:1-25.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 and 2 Kings, which records the history of the kings of Israel and Judah. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's creation, humanity's sin, and God's redemption of His people through Jesus Christ. As seen in 2 Kings 13:1-25, the chapter provides important background information for understanding the later history of Israel and the prophetic ministry of Elisha.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people, despite their disobedience. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His counsel and guidance in our lives, as seen in 2 Kings 13:14-21. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to be faithful to God and to trust in His goodness and love, as recorded in 2 Kings 13:23.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of two kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Joash, who did evil in the sight of the Lord. Despite their disobedience, God showed mercy and faithfulness towards them, as seen in 2 Kings 13:1-25. The chapter also records the prophetic ministry of Elisha, who spoke God's words to the kings and people of Israel. We can learn from this chapter about God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and mercy, as seen in 2 Kings 13:23.

Voices from the Church

“The faithfulness of God is a rock upon which we may build our hopes, and a fountain from which we may draw our comfort.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The mercy of God is not a mere sentiment, but a living and active principle, which moves Him to compassion and pity towards His people.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Reign of Jehoahaz (2 Kings 13:1-9) — The chapter begins with the reign of Jehoahaz, who did evil in the sight of the Lord and was oppressed by the king of Syria.
  2. The Reign of Joash (2 Kings 13:10-13) — The chapter then shifts to the reign of Joash, who also did evil, but sought the counsel of the prophet Elisha.
  3. The Prophecy of Elisha (2 Kings 13:14-21) — Elisha prophesied the defeat of Syria and the death of the king, which was fulfilled.
  4. The Death of Elisha (2 Kings 13:20-21) — The chapter records the events surrounding Elisha's death and the miracle that occurred when a man was thrown into Elisha's tomb and came back to life.
  5. Conclusion (2 Kings 13:22-25) — The chapter concludes with a summary of the reign of Joash and the faithfulness of God towards His people, as seen in 2 Kings 13:23.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty and control over the events of history, as seen in 2 Kings 13:1-5.
Faithfulness of God
The chapter highlights God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people, despite their disobedience, as recorded in 2 Kings 13:23.
Prophetic Ministry
The chapter records the important role of the prophet Elisha, who spoke God's words to the kings and people of Israel, as seen in 2 Kings 13:14-21.
Covenant Theology
The chapter emphasizes God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which are fulfilled in Christ, as seen in 2 Kings 13:23.

Lessons from 2 Kings 13

  1. God is Faithful — This chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people, despite their disobedience, as seen in 2 Kings 13:23.
  2. God is Sovereign — The chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty and control over the events of history, as seen in 2 Kings 13:1-5.
  3. The Importance of Prophetic Ministry — The chapter records the important role of the prophet Elisha, who spoke God's words to the kings and people of Israel, as seen in 2 Kings 13:14-21.
  4. The Covenant Promises of God — The chapter emphasizes God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which are fulfilled in Christ, as seen in 2 Kings 13:23.
  5. The Miracle of Elisha's Tomb — The chapter records the miracle that occurred when a man was thrown into Elisha's tomb and came back to life, as seen in 2 Kings 13:20-21.

Themes from 2 Kings 13

  1. Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people, despite their disobedience, as recorded in 2 Kings 13:23.
  2. Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty and control over the events of history, as seen in 2 Kings 13:1-5.
  3. Prophetic Ministry — The chapter records the important role of the prophet Elisha, who spoke God's words to the kings and people of Israel, as seen in 2 Kings 13:14-21.
  4. Covenant Theology — The chapter emphasizes God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which are fulfilled in Christ, as seen in 2 Kings 13:23.
  5. Redemption and Salvation — The chapter points to the ultimate redemption and salvation that is found in Jesus Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Romans 8:28.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does this chapter teach us about God's sovereignty and control over the events of history?
  2. How does the chapter highlight God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people?
  3. What role does the prophet Elisha play in this chapter, and what can we learn from his ministry?
  4. How does the chapter emphasize God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
  5. What practical lessons can we apply to our lives from this chapter?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Reign of Jehoahaz (2 Kings 13:1-9)

13:1 The chapter begins with the reign of Jehoahaz, who did evil in the sight of the Lord and was oppressed by the king of Syria.
13:2 Jehoahaz did evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord was angry with Israel.
13:3 The Lord gave them into the hand of the king of Syria, and they were oppressed by him.
13:4 Jehoahaz prayed to the Lord, and the Lord heard him.
13:5 The Lord gave Israel a deliverer, and they were rescued from the hand of the king of Syria.
13:6 But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.
13:7 The army of Jehoahaz was reduced to fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers.
13:8 The rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
13:9 Jehoahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria.

2. The Reign of Joash (2 Kings 13:10-13)

13:10 Joash the son of Jehoahaz became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years.
13:11 He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.
13:12 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 written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel.
13:13 Joash slept with his fathers, and Jeroboam sat on his throne.

3. The Prophecy of Elisha (2 Kings 13:14-21)

13:14 Elisha the prophet fell ill with the illness of which he would die.
13:15 Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over him, and said, 'My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!'
13:16 Elisha said to him, 'Take a bow and arrows,' and he took a bow and arrows.
13:17 Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, 'Put your hand on the bow,' and he put his hand on it.
13:18 Elisha put his hands on the king's hands, and said, 'Open the window toward the east,' and he opened it.
13:19 Elisha said, 'Shoot,' and he shot. And Elisha said, 'The Lord's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Syria! For you will strike the Syrians until you have consumed them.'
13:20 The man of God said, 'Where the arrow falls, there you will strike them.'
13:21 And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band came and threw the man into the tomb of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet.

4. The Death of Elisha (2 Kings 13:20-21)

13:20 The man of God said, 'Where the arrow falls, there you will strike them.'
13:21 And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band came and threw the man into the tomb of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood up on his feet.

5. Conclusion (2 Kings 13:22-25)

13:22 The king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.
13:23 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 was unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence.
13:24 So Hazael died, and Ben-hadad his son became king in his place.
13:25 Then Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again from Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities which he had taken from Jehoahaz his father in war.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of this chapter?

The main theme of this chapter is God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people, despite their disobedience, as seen in 2 Kings 13:23.

Who is the prophet Elisha, and what role does he play in this chapter?

Elisha is a prophet who speaks God's words to the kings and people of Israel, as seen in 2 Kings 13:14-21. He plays a significant role in this chapter, prophesying the defeat of Syria and the death of the king.

What is the significance of the miracle that occurred when a man was thrown into Elisha's tomb and came back to life?

The miracle that occurred when a man was thrown into Elisha's tomb and came back to life is a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness, as seen in 2 Kings 13:20-21.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Kings 13:1 → 1 Kings 19:15 The king of Syria, Hazael, is mentioned in both 2 Kings 13:1 and 1 Kings 19:15, highlighting God's sovereignty and control over the events of history.
2 2 Kings 13:14 → 2 Kings 2:12 Elisha's prophetic ministry is mentioned in both 2 Kings 13:14 and 2 Kings 2:12, emphasizing the importance of prophetic ministry in the biblical narrative.
3 2 Kings 13:20 → 2 Kings 2:13-14 The miracle that occurred when a man was thrown into Elisha's tomb and came back to life is similar to the miracle that occurred when Elisha parted the Jordan River, as seen in 2 Kings 2:13-14.
4 2 Kings 13:23 → Genesis 12:1-3 God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are mentioned in both 2 Kings 13:23 and Genesis 12:1-3, highlighting the significance of covenant theology in the biblical narrative.
5 2 Kings 13:1 → Romans 8:28 The sovereignty of God is mentioned in both 2 Kings 13:1 and Romans 8:28, emphasizing God's control over the events of history and His commitment to His people.
6 2 Kings 13:14 → John 1:1 The prophetic ministry of Elisha is mentioned in 2 Kings 13:14, and the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist is mentioned in John 1:1, highlighting the importance of prophetic ministry in the biblical narrative.
7 2 Kings 13:20 → Acts 2:24 The miracle that occurred when a man was thrown into Elisha's tomb and came back to life is similar to the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 2:24.
8 2 Kings 13:23 → Hebrews 11:13 God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are mentioned in both 2 Kings 13:23 and Hebrews 11:13, highlighting the significance of covenant theology in the biblical narrative.

Sermons on 2 Kings 13

SermonDescription
J.C. Ryle Alive or Dead (Reading) by J.C. Ryle In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a consistent and faithful life as a witness for God. He urges listeners to let their words, actions, and attitudes
From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons Anointed for Battle - Reinhard Bonnke by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons Reinhard Bonnke delivers a powerful message titled 'Anointed for Battle,' emphasizing the importance of being equipped with God's anointing to face life's challenges. He draws from
Robert Constable Skyland Conference 1979-05 Elisha by Robert Constable In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Elisha, a man who lived a life that had a lasting impact even after his death. The preacher emphasizes the importance of living a
Ed Miller Miracles of Elisha, Message 5 by Ed Miller In this sermon, the preacher discusses the inseparable connection between the man and the message of God. He emphasizes that the man and the message cannot be separated, yet in the
Roger Ellsworth Satisfied to Do Little When We Should Be Doing Much by Roger Ellsworth In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Joash and the good cause that was placed before him. The sermon is divided into three parts: the good cause, the sufficien
Denis Lyle Blessings From Bones by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches on the blessings that can come from the bones of a man of God, using the story of Elisha's death and the miraculous revival of a dead man who touched Elisha's b
Denis Lyle Elisha's Last Sermon by Denis Lyle Denis Lyle preaches on Elisha's last sermon, highlighting the touching death-bed scene where King Jehoash pays his respects and Elisha delivers his final message. Elisha, despite h
Jon Courson The Sweetness of Sweat - Acts 19:10-12 by Jon Courson Jon Courson delves into the story of the people of Ephesus collecting Paul's sweatbands and aprons, drawing parallels to modern-day obsessions with celebrity memorabilia. He emphas
T. Austin-Sparks The Power of His Resurrection - Closing Scenes by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the power of resurrection in the life of Elisha, illustrating how his final acts symbolize triumph over death. The arrow of the Lord's deliverance signi
J.R. Miller Miller's Year Book - July to December by J.R. Miller J.R. Miller emphasizes the transformative power of Scripture in daily life, illustrating how a single verse can guide, comfort, and inspire throughout the day. He discusses the imp

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 13

In this chapter, we see the reigns of two kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Joash, who both did evil in the sight of the Lord. Despite their disobedience, God showed mercy and faithfulness towards them, as seen in 2 Kings 13:23. The chapter also records the prophetic ministry of Elisha, who spoke God's words to the kings and people of Israel, as seen in 2 Kings 13:14-21. The miracle that occurred when a man was thrown into Elisha's tomb and came back to life is a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness, as seen in 2 Kings 13:20-21. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is gracious and merciful, and His mercy is not limited to the living, but extends even to the dead, as seen in 2 Kings 13:20-21.' The chapter emphasizes God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which are fulfilled in Christ, as seen in 2 Kings 13:23 and Genesis 12:1-3. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Sovereignty

Throughout the chapter, we see God's sovereignty and control over the events of history. He is the one who raises up kings and delivers His people, as seen in 2 Kings 13:1-5.

Human Disobedience

The chapter also highlights the disobedience and sin of the kings of Israel, which leads to God's judgment and discipline, as recorded in 2 Kings 13:1-9.

Prophetic Ministry

The chapter records the important role of the prophet Elisha, who speaks God's words to the kings and people of Israel, as seen in 2 Kings 13:14-21.

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