2 Kings 13:5
So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before.
So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer
In the context of 2 Kings 13, Israel was suffering under the oppression of the Arameans due to their disobedience to God. The "deliverer" mentioned here is not named, but it is understood to be a leader or a series of leaders who were raised by God to rescue Israel from their enemies. This reflects a recurring theme in the Old Testament where God raises deliverers, such as the judges in the Book of Judges, to save His people. This deliverance is a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverer, Jesus Christ, who delivers humanity from sin.

and they escaped the power of the Arameans
The Arameans, also known as the Syrians, were a significant threat to Israel during this period. Their power and influence were substantial, and they frequently clashed with Israel. The escape from their power signifies a temporary reprieve and a return to peace, which was a direct result of divine intervention. This deliverance underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to rescue His people from seemingly insurmountable odds.

Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before
This phrase indicates a restoration of normalcy and peace for the Israelites. Living in their own homes suggests a return to stability and security, which had been disrupted by the Aramean oppression. This restoration is reminiscent of the peace and prosperity promised to Israel when they obeyed God, as seen in Deuteronomy 28. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant, providing for His people when they turn back to Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who intervenes to deliver His people.

2. Israel
The northern kingdom, often struggling with idolatry and oppression from surrounding nations.

3. The Deliverer
An unnamed figure raised by God to rescue Israel from the oppression of the Arameans.

4. The Arameans
A neighboring nation that frequently oppressed Israel during this period.

5. Homes of Israel
Symbolic of peace and stability, representing a return to normalcy and divine favor.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness
Despite Israel's repeated disobedience, God remains faithful to His covenant promises, providing deliverance when they cry out to Him.

Divine Deliverance
God often raises unexpected deliverers to rescue His people, reminding us that His ways and timing are perfect.

Repentance and Restoration
True repentance leads to restoration and peace, as seen when Israel returns to their homes.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The LORD's control over Israel's enemies demonstrates His sovereignty over all nations and circumstances.

Living in Peace
The return to their homes signifies a period of peace and stability, which is a blessing from God that we should seek and cherish.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of a "deliverer" in 2 Kings 13:5 relate to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our lives, even when we have been unfaithful?

3. How can we apply the lesson of divine deliverance in our current struggles or challenges?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in peace and stability, as symbolized by the Israelites returning to their homes?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and circumstances affect our trust in Him during uncertain times?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 2:16
This verse describes how God raised judges to deliver Israel from their oppressors, similar to the deliverer in 2 Kings 13:5.

2 Kings 14:27
This passage highlights God's mercy in not blotting out Israel, showing His continued faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness.

Psalm 106:43-45
These verses reflect on God's repeated deliverance of Israel despite their rebellion, emphasizing His compassion and covenant faithfulness.
Israel's Humiliation Under JehoahazJ. Orr 2 Kings 13:1-7
The Reigns of Jehoahaz and Joash, Kings of IsraelC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 13:1-13
The Death of ElishaD. Thomas 2 Kings 13:1-21
Defection2 Kings 13:2-13
People
Ahaziah, Amaziah, Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Hazael, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joash, Moabites, Nebat, Syrians
Places
Aphek, Samaria, Syria
Topics
Aram, Aramaeans, Arameans, Beforetime, Deliverer, Dwell, Dwelt, Escaped, Formerly, Free, Giveth, Hands, Heretofore, Homes, Israelites, Past, Power, Savior, Saviour, Sons, Syrians, Tents
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 13:5

     1320   God, as Saviour
     5339   home
     5457   power, human
     6738   rescue

2 Kings 13:1-25

     5366   king

Library
The Spirit of Power
'And Elisha said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.'--2 KINGS xiii. 16. This is part of one of the strangest narratives in the Old Testament. Elisha is on his deathbed, 'sick of the sickness' wherewith he 'should die.' A very different scene, that close sick-chamber, from the open plain beyond Jordan from which Elijah had gone up; a very different way of passing from life by wasting sickness than by fiery
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS ii. 12. '...And Joash, the King of Israel, came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said. O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS xiii. U. The scenes and the speakers are strangely different in these two incidents. The one scene is that mysterious translation on the further bank of the Jordan, when a mortal was swept up to heaven in a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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