2 Kings 13

3 all [their] days. This should be rendered “continually” (R.V.), as in 1 Sam. xviii. 29 and elsewhere; for Ben-hadad was conquered by Joash, the son of Jehoahaz.

5 a saviour. This may refer either to the victories of Joash (25), or to the invasion of Syria by the Assyrians, which caused the invading army to withdraw from Israel.

dwelt in their tents. The fear of hostile inroads had driven the country people to live in the walled towns: they now returned to their rural homes.

6 the grove. R.V., “the Asherah”: see note on 1 Kings xiv. 23. This idol had probably remained from the time of Ahab (1 Kings xvi. 33), as its destruction by Jehu is not mentioned.

[Vers. 12, 13 come more naturally at the close of this chapter.]

14 over his face. i.e., “over him” (R.V.). In the prospect of Elisha’s departure, the king’s conscience was aroused. Hence this visit, and this salutation in the very words which the dying prophet had himself addressed to the ascending Elijah.

16. Put thine hand upon the bow. As a sign that God had appointed Joash to the work of which the shooting was symbolical, and would assist him in it.

17 eastward. Towards Syria, which lay on the north and east of the kingdom of Samaria.

18 and stayed. After Elisha’s encouraging assurance (17), Joash could not be ignorant of the meaning of the symbol; and his conduct showed his want of faith and perseverance.

21 cast. Terrified at the approach of the Moabites.

stood up on his feet. As the dead were only wrapt in linen and laid in the tomb, one body might touch another, and, on returning to life, would not be hindered from moving. This miracle showed that the Divine power was still operating among Israel, even after Elisha’s death; and it was a pledge of the fulfilment of his dying promise of victory over the Syrians, as recorded in the following verses. It was the last manifestation of the power of God through His prophet, foreshadowing Him by whose death we live.