Journal Through the Bible: Week 54 Monday

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II Kings chapter 13

This chapter deals primarily with the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. The kings of Judah are noted merely to place the kings of Israel in context.

This is also the chapter that tells of the death of Elisha, the prophet in Israel. Notice that when the king of Israel saw that Elisha was dying he quoted Elisha himself. Elisha said the very same words when he saw Elijah being taken to Heaven. (Compare II Kings 13:14 with II Kings 2:12.) Whether taken alive or through death, at the end of their earthly sojourn God's people are taken to Heaven through transportation arranged by God Himself! Even after Elisha had been placed in his grave God performed a miracle through him.

Does God issue any commands?

• Not that I noted.

Does God make any promises?

• Through the dying Elisha God promised that the king of Israel would smite the Syrians three times.
• God showed compassion to Israel because of His previous promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• When King Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, of the northern kingdom of Israel prayed to the LORD He sent a savior to deliver them from the hands of the Syrians just like He did in the day of the judges. Ultimately, Israel's Savior, Judge, and Deliverer is Jesus. He will one day remove all of Israel's oppressors.
• When the dead man's body was placed upon Elisha's bones in the grave the man was resurrected. Through the death of Jesus we have life everlasting.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• One day the Savior will deliver Israel from all who oppress her.