2 Kings 13:21

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.

Study Bible

Once, as the Israelites were burying a man,
This phrase sets the scene during a time of instability and frequent conflict in Israel. The act of burying the dead was a significant cultural and religious practice, reflecting the Israelites' respect for the deceased. The burial customs of ancient Israel often involved placing the body in a tomb or grave, which was a communal and familial responsibility.

suddenly they saw a band of raiders,
The presence of raiders indicates a period of insecurity and threat, likely from neighboring nations such as the Moabites, who frequently invaded Israelite territory. This reflects the historical context of the divided kingdom, where Israel faced constant threats from surrounding enemies.

so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb.
Elisha was a prominent prophet in Israel, and his tomb would have been a place of reverence. The act of throwing the body into Elisha's tomb was likely a hasty decision made out of fear of the raiders. This reflects the urgency and desperation of the situation, as well as the belief in the sanctity of the prophet's resting place.

And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha,
This phrase highlights the miraculous nature of the event. Elisha, known for his many miracles during his lifetime, continues to be a vessel of God's power even in death. The touching of Elisha's bones signifies a direct contact with the divine power that resided with the prophet.

the man was revived and stood up on his feet.
The revival of the man is a testament to the power of God working through His prophets. This miracle serves as a sign of God's continued presence and power in Israel, even during times of turmoil. It also prefigures the resurrection power seen in the New Testament, drawing a parallel to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life for believers. This event underscores the theme of life triumphing over death, a central tenet of Christian faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elisha
A prophet in Israel who succeeded Elijah. Even after his death, his influence and the power of God through him were evident.

2. Moabite Raiders
Groups from Moab who invaded Israel, often during the spring, taking advantage of the harvest season.

3. Israelites
The people of Israel, who were often under threat from surrounding nations, including Moab.

4. The Man
An unnamed Israelite whose body was hastily thrown into Elisha's tomb, leading to a miraculous event.

5. The Tomb of Elisha
The burial place of the prophet Elisha, which became the site of a miraculous resurrection.

Teaching Points

God's Power Transcends Death
The miracle of the man coming back to life upon touching Elisha's bones illustrates that God's power is not limited by physical death. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over all circumstances.

Legacy of Faith
Elisha's life and ministry continued to impact others even after his death. This challenges Christians to consider the legacy of faith they are leaving behind.

God's Unexpected Ways
The resurrection of the man was unexpected and unplanned by human standards, reminding believers that God often works in surprising and miraculous ways.

Hope in Resurrection
This event foreshadows the hope of resurrection for all believers, encouraging them to live with an eternal perspective.

God's Presence in Crisis
The Israelites were in a time of crisis due to the Moabite raids, yet God demonstrated His presence and power. This reassures believers that God is with them in their times of trouble.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the miracle in 2 Kings 13:21 demonstrate God's power over life and death, and how can this truth impact your daily life?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your faith leaves a lasting legacy, similar to Elisha's influence even after his death?

3. Reflect on a time when God worked in an unexpected way in your life. How did it strengthen your faith?

4. How does the hope of resurrection influence your perspective on current challenges and future plans?

5. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's presence during times of crisis, as seen in the account of the Israelites and the Moabite raids?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 4:32-35
This passage describes another miracle involving Elisha, where he raises the Shunammite woman's son from the dead, demonstrating God's power over life and death.

John 11:43-44
The resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus, showing a parallel in the New Testament of God's power to bring life from death.

Acts 9:36-42
The raising of Tabitha (Dorcas) by Peter, illustrating the continuation of God's miraculous works through His servants.

Romans 8:11
This verse speaks of the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead living in believers, connecting the power of resurrection to the life of Christians today.