Topical Encyclopedia Background:Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, played a significant role in the history of Israel through his prophetic ministry. His life and works are recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. Elisha's ministry was marked by numerous miracles and prophetic declarations, which served to guide and deliver the people of Israel during tumultuous times. One of the notable prophecies of Elisha involved the victory of King Jehoash (also known as Joash) of Israel over the Syrians. Context: The prophecy concerning Jehoash's victory over Syria is found in 2 Kings 13. During this period, Israel was under constant threat from the kingdom of Aram (Syria), led by King Hazael and later his son Ben-Hadad. The Israelites were suffering due to the military pressure and territorial losses inflicted by the Syrians. It was in this context of national distress that Jehoash sought the counsel of Elisha. The Prophecy: As Elisha lay on his deathbed, King Jehoash visited him, expressing concern over the future of Israel. In 2 Kings 13:14-19, Elisha provided a symbolic act to convey God's promise of victory. Elisha instructed Jehoash to take a bow and arrows. As Jehoash shot an arrow out of the east window, Elisha declared, "The LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram! You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek" (2 Kings 13:17). Elisha then instructed Jehoash to strike the ground with the remaining arrows. Jehoash struck the ground three times and stopped. Elisha was angered by the king's lack of persistence, saying, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat Aram only three times" (2 Kings 13:19). Fulfillment: The prophecy was fulfilled as recorded in 2 Kings 13:24-25. After the death of Hazael, Ben-Hadad succeeded him as king of Aram. Jehoash engaged in battle with Ben-Hadad and, as Elisha had foretold, defeated him three times, recovering the cities of Israel that had been taken by the Syrians. Significance: Elisha's prophecy to Jehoash underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the face of divine promises. The partial fulfillment of victory due to Jehoash's limited action serves as a reminder of the need for complete trust and wholehearted response to God's instructions. This narrative highlights God's sovereignty and His willingness to deliver His people through the guidance of His prophets, even in times of national crisis. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 13:14-19Now 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 The Antiquities of the Jews Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Prophet Joel. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). 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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