“And Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. And as the man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen, and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha. And as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.”
2 Kings 13:20-21
Summary
2 Kings chapter 13 details the continued decline of the northern kingdom of Israel, focusing on the reign of Jehoahaz and his son Jehoash. Jehoahaz succeeds his father Jehu but faces a time of oppression from Hazael, king of Aram, as a result of Israel’s sins. In his distress, Jehoahaz seeks the Lord, and God graciously responds by providing a deliverer, although the oppression continues for a time. Jehoash later becomes king and seeks the guidance of the prophet Elisha, who is nearing death. Elisha gives Jehoash instructions that symbolize the victory God will give him over Aram, which serves as a reminder of God's enduring faithfulness even amidst Israel’s unfaithfulness. The chapter concludes with the account of Elisha’s death and how his bones later bring about a miraculous revival in a dead man, emphasizing God’s power over life and death.