Topical Encyclopedia Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his powerful miracles and unwavering dedication to God. His death is recorded in 2 Kings 13:14-21, providing a significant moment in the narrative of Israel's history.Context and Circumstances Elisha's death occurs during the reign of King Joash of Israel. By this time, Elisha had served as a prophet for many years, guiding the nation through turbulent times and performing numerous miracles that demonstrated God's power and presence among His people. As Elisha's life drew to a close, he fell ill with the sickness that would lead to his death. Visit from King Joash In 2 Kings 13:14, we read, "When Elisha became sick with the illness from which he would die, Joash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him, saying, 'My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!'" This visit from King Joash highlights the respect and reverence that even the king had for Elisha. Joash's lamentation, "My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel," echoes the words Elisha himself had spoken when Elijah was taken up to heaven (2 Kings 2:12), signifying the recognition of Elisha's role as a spiritual protector and leader of Israel. Elisha's Final Prophecy Despite his illness, Elisha continued to fulfill his prophetic role. In 2 Kings 13:15-19, Elisha instructs Joash to take a bow and arrows. Elisha tells him to shoot an arrow out of the window, symbolizing the Lord's deliverance and victory over Aram. Elisha then commands Joash to strike the ground with the arrows. Joash strikes the ground three times, and Elisha, displeased, tells him that he should have struck the ground five or six times to ensure a complete victory over Aram. This final prophecy underscores Elisha's enduring commitment to guiding Israel, even in his last moments. Elisha's Death and Posthumous Miracle Elisha's death is briefly mentioned in 2 Kings 13:20: "And Elisha died and was buried." However, the narrative does not end with his burial. In a remarkable posthumous miracle, a dead man is revived when his body comes into contact with Elisha's bones. 2 Kings 13:21 recounts, "Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a raiding party, 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." This miracle serves as a testament to the enduring power of God working through Elisha, even after his death. Significance Elisha's death marks the end of an era of prophetic ministry that was characterized by miraculous signs and divine intervention. His life and death illustrate the profound impact a faithful servant of God can have on a nation. Elisha's unwavering faith and dedication to God's will left a lasting legacy, influencing both the spiritual and political landscape of Israel. His posthumous miracle further emphasizes the belief in the power of God to bring life from death, foreshadowing the ultimate resurrection hope found in the New Testament. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 13:14-20Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. Nave's Topical Index Library How Joram and Jehoshaphat Made an Expedition against the Moabites ... Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed Elisha's Closing Ministry How virtuous and Useful was that which Elisha Did. ... The Evil one Wailed "Where Now, is There a Place for Me to Flee to ... Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ... The Call of Elisha After the Terrible Siege of Samaria was Ended in Accordance with ... God's Low Whisper The Evil one Said, "I Fear Him, Even Jesus, Lest He Destroy My ... Resources Why did Elisha request a double portion of Elijah's spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elijah and Elisha? | GotQuestions.org Why did the Prophet Elisha curse the “youths” for making fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Elisha: Bones of, Restore a Dead Man to Life Elisha: Causes the King to Restore the Property of the Hospitable Shunammite Woman Elisha: Elijah Instructed to Anoint Elisha: Instructs That Jehu be Anointed As King of Israel Elisha: Life of, Sought by Jehoram Elisha: Miracles of Brings Blindness Upon the Army of Syria Elisha: Miracles of Divides the Jordan Elisha: Miracles of Heals Naaman the Leper Elisha: Miracles of Increases the Bread to Feed One-Hundred Men Elisha: Miracles of Increases the Oil of the Woman Whose Sons Were to be Sold for Her Debt Elisha: Miracles of Neutralizes the Poison of the Stew Elisha: Miracles of Opens the Eyes of his Servant to See the Hosts of the Lord Elisha: Miracles of Purifies the Waters of Jericho by Casting Salt Into the Fountain Elisha: Miracles of Raises the Son of the Shunammite Woman from the Dead Elisha: Miracles of Recovers the Ax That had Fallen Into a Stream by Causing It to Float Elisha: Miracles of Reveals the Counsel of the King of Syria Elisha: Miracles of Sends Naaman's Leprosy Upon Gehazi As a Judgment Elisha: Mocked by the Young Men of Beth-El Elisha: Prophecies of Bounty to the Starving People in Samaria Elisha: Prophecies of Elevation of Hazael to the Throne Elisha: Prophecies of Seven Years of Famine in the Land of Canaan Elisha: Prophecies of The Birth of a Son to the Shunammite Woman Elisha: Prophecies of The Death of Ben-Hadad, King of Syria Elisha: Prophecies of The Death of the Unbelieving Prince Elisha: Prophecies of The Victory of Jehoash Over Syria Elisha: Witnesses Elijah's Transporting, Receives a Double Portion of his Spirit Select Readings: Elisha and the Widow's Oil Related Terms |
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