Topical Bible: Syria: Elisha Predicted to Joash his Three Victories Over

◄ Syria: Elisha Predicted to Joash his Three Victories Over ►

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In the historical and prophetic narrative of the Bible, Syria, often referred to as Aram, plays a significant role in the geopolitical and spiritual landscape of ancient Israel. One of the notable interactions between Israel and Syria is found in the prophetic ministry of Elisha, particularly concerning King Joash of Israel.

Context and Background

During the time of Elisha, the northern kingdom of Israel was frequently at odds with Syria. The Arameans, under various kings, posed a persistent threat to Israel's security and sovereignty. The biblical account in 2 Kings 13 provides a glimpse into this tumultuous period, highlighting the divine intervention through the prophet Elisha.

Elisha's Prophecy to Joash

As Elisha lay on his deathbed, King Joash of Israel visited him, expressing concern over the future of his kingdom amidst the Syrian threat. In a symbolic act, Elisha instructed Joash to take a bow and arrows. The prophet then placed his hands on the king's hands, signifying divine guidance and empowerment. Elisha commanded Joash to open the east window and shoot an arrow, declaring, "The LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!" (2 Kings 13:17). This act symbolized the deliverance and victory that God would grant Israel over Syria.

Following this, Elisha instructed Joash to strike the ground with the remaining arrows. Joash struck the ground three times and stopped. Elisha, displeased with the king's lack of persistence, told him, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times" (2 Kings 13:19). This prophecy indicated that Joash would achieve three significant victories over the Syrians, but his incomplete obedience limited the extent of Israel's triumph.

Fulfillment of the Prophecy

The biblical narrative confirms the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy. Joash engaged in military campaigns against the Syrians and successfully defeated them three times, reclaiming cities that had been lost to Aram. "Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz recaptured from Ben-hadad son of Hazael the cities that had been taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Three times Joash defeated him, and so he recovered the cities of Israel" (2 Kings 13:25). These victories underscored the faithfulness of God's word through His prophet, even as they highlighted the limitations imposed by human actions.

Theological Implications

The account of Elisha's prophecy to Joash serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the power of prophetic words. It illustrates the importance of faith and obedience in receiving the fullness of God's promises. The narrative also reflects the ongoing struggle between Israel and Syria, a theme recurrent throughout the Old Testament, symbolizing the broader spiritual battles faced by God's people.

In summary, the prophecy of Elisha to King Joash concerning Syria is a profound example of divine intervention and the conditional nature of prophetic fulfillment, emphasizing the need for wholehearted faith and action in alignment with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 13:14-19
Now 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... that period; secondly, the account of the campaign of his sixth year, followed by
three campaigns not dated, the last of which was in Syria; and thirdly ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm