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2 Kings 13

25 verses

TL;DR

The chapter records the reigns of Jehoahaz and Joash of Israel, the continued oppression by Syria, and the death of Elisha with associated post‑mortem miracles.

Summary

Jehoahaz reigned for seventeen years, following in the sinful path of Jeroboam, which provoked divine anger and led to Syrian oppression. He prayed for relief and was delivered from Syrian hands, yet Israel did not abandon its idolatry. Jehoash succeeded Jehoahaz, also engaging in sinful practices and fighting against King Amaziah of Judah; his reign ended with burial in Samaria. The narrative then shifts to the death of Elisha, after which the king of Israel weeps over him and receives prophetic instruction to use a bow and arrows against Syria. Elisha demonstrates divine power by shooting arrows that smite the Syrians at Aphek, though he admits the strike was insufficient to fully conquer them. The chapter concludes with the death of Hazael, succession by Benhadad, and the eventual recovery of cities by Jehoash from Benhadad’s control.

Outline
  1. Reigns of Jehoahaz and Joash and continued oppression by Syria
  2. Elisha’s death, prophetic guidance to the king, and divine arrows against the Syrians
  3. Political transition: death of Hazael, succession of Benhadad, and territorial recovery
Themes
Sin and its consequencesDivine deliverance and prophetic agencyLegacy of conflict and political instability
Keywords
evilsinoppressiondeliveranceSyriaIsraelJeroboambowarrowsElisha
People
JehoahazJoash (Israel)JehoashAmaziahHazaelBenhadadElishaJeroboam
Places
SamariaSyriaAphekIsrael
Things
bowarrowswindowcitieschariots
Key Verses
  • 2 Kings 13:5: Highlights God's deliverance from Syrian oppression.
  • 2 Kings 13:14: Marks the death of Elisha, a pivotal turning point.
  • 2 Kings 13:18: Shows Elisha’s prophetic instruction and divine action against the Syrians.
Questions
  • Why did Israel continue in sin despite repeated deliverance?
  • What role does the prophetic figure of Elisha play in the political conflict?
  • How does the narrative portray the relationship between divine judgment and human agency?
  • In what ways does the death of Hazael influence the power dynamics of the region?
Sentiment

mixed
Contains both oppression and deliverance, reflecting a complex historical context.