What can we learn from Joash's response to Elisha's impending death? Setting the Scene • 2 Kings 13:14 records a real historical moment: “When Elisha had fallen ill with the sickness from which he was going to die, Jehoash king of Israel went down to him, wept over him, and said, ‘My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!’” • Elisha is on his deathbed; Joash (also spelled Jehoash) rules a weakened northern kingdom threatened by Aram. • Joash’s outcry echoes Elisha’s own words at Elijah’s departure (2 Kings 2:12). He realizes Israel’s true defense is not chariots of iron but the presence of God working through His prophet. An Outpouring of Honor Joash’s tears and title “my father” show: • Respect for spiritual authority – a king bows emotionally before a prophet. • Recognition that Elisha’s ministry, not Israel’s army, has been the nation’s real protection (“the chariots and horsemen of Israel”). • Fulfillment of Exodus 20:12 in principle—honoring “father” figures brings blessing. See also Hebrews 13:7. Lessons on Reverence for God’s Servants From Joash we learn to: • Value those who faithfully teach God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). • Mourn the impending loss of godly leadership rather than assume we can manage alone (Psalm 116:15). • Seek counsel while it may still be found. Joash hurried “down to him”—urgency is wise. The Importance of Spiritual Perception Joash saw: • A dying man—yet more: Israel’s spiritual arsenal. • That prophets mattered more than polished strategies (Zechariah 4:6). Application: look beyond outward strength to the unseen “host” (2 Kings 6:17). Opportunity amid Crisis Elisha immediately gives Joash actionable promises (vv. 15-17). • God often pairs grief with fresh opportunity; doors open when we seek Him earnestly (Jeremiah 29:13). • Joash’s visit becomes the setting for a prophetic pledge of victory. Faith That Acts Promptly Joash obeys each directive: 1. Takes bow and arrows. 2. Opens the east window. 3. Shoots when told. Quick obedience unlocked a specific promise: “The LORD’s arrow of victory” (v. 17). Lesson: swift response to God’s Word positions us for deliverance (James 1:22-25). A Caution Against Half-hearted Obedience • When told, “Strike the ground,” Joash stops after three blows (vv. 18-19). • Elisha grows angry: limited zeal limits blessing. • Joash’s earlier passion (tears) needed to translate into persistent action. Compare Revelation 3:15-16—lukewarmness forfeits fullness. Personal Application Today • Esteem godly mentors; their counsel outlasts their lifespan (2 Timothy 2:2). • Approach Scripture with the same urgency Joash showed Elisha. • Obey fully, not partially—every arrow matters. • Recognize that a nation’s true security lies in God’s presence, not merely in military or economic power (Psalm 20:7). |
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