Topical Encyclopedia The account of the young man laid in Elisha's grave is a remarkable narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 13:20-21. This story highlights the enduring power of God working through His prophets, even after their earthly lives have ended.Biblical Account: The narrative begins with the death of Elisha, the prophet who succeeded Elijah and served as a powerful instrument of God's will in Israel. Elisha's ministry was marked by numerous miracles, demonstrating God's sovereignty and compassion. After his death, Elisha was buried, and the story takes an extraordinary turn. The Bible records: "Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. Once, while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet" (2 Kings 13:20-21). Theological Significance: This miraculous event underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it attests to the enduring power of God, which transcends human limitations, including death. The revival of the young man upon contact with Elisha's bones serves as a testament to the divine power that continued to operate through Elisha, even posthumously. Secondly, the incident illustrates the concept of God's grace and intervention in unexpected ways. The young man's revival was not a result of any human action or request but was purely an act of divine will. This emphasizes the sovereignty of God in matters of life and death. Furthermore, the story can be seen as a foreshadowing of the resurrection power that is fully realized in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. It serves as a precursor to the hope of resurrection and eternal life promised to believers, reinforcing the belief in God's ultimate victory over death. Historical and Cultural Context: The presence of Moabite raiders during the time of Elisha's burial reflects the turbulent period in Israel's history, marked by frequent conflicts and invasions. The hasty burial of the young man due to the threat of raiders highlights the precariousness of life during this era. Conclusion: The account of the young man laid in Elisha's grave is a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and the hope of resurrection. It serves as an encouragement to believers, affirming that God's power is not confined by time or circumstance. This story, while unique in its occurrence, aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive work throughout history. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 13:21And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulcher of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. Nave's Topical Index Library A Prophet of Peace Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men A Solemn Deprival The Extent and Reasonableness of Self-Denial Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Homilies on the Statues. Resources What is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said "Let the dead bury the dead" (Luke 9:60)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of the Dead? | GotQuestions.org Dead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms |