The F.O.G Commentary:
What is the meaning of 2 Kings 13?
Introduction to 2 Kings 13
The thirteenth chapter of 2 Kings presents a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, chronicling the reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash over the northern kingdom of Israel. This chapter powerfully illustrates the cycle of divine judgment, repentance, and mercy that characterized Israel’s relationship with Yahweh during the divided monarchy period. Through the prophetic ministry of Elisha, even in his final moments, we witness God’s unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel’s persistent unfaithfulness.
Context of 2 Kings 13
This chapter is situated during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, as the northern kingdom faces increasing pressure from Aram (Syria) under Hazael and Ben-hadad III. The narrative follows the continuation of Jehu’s dynasty, which God had promised would last four generations because of Jehu’s zeal in destroying Baal worship. However, despite this divine favor, the kingdom remained entrenched in the “sins of Jeroboam,” maintaining the worship of the golden calves at Dan and Bethel.
The broader context reveals God’s patient dealings with His people even as they repeatedly turn away from Him. This chapter serves as a bridge between the active ministry of Elisha and his death, marking the end of an era in prophetic history. It also demonstrates how God’s mercy operates even within the framework of judgment, as He provides deliverances to Israel despite their continued idolatry, fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Ancient Key Word Study
- וַיַּעַשׂ הָרַע (va’ya’as ha’ra) – “He did evil” (v. 2): This recurring phrase in Kings literally means “he did the bad/evil thing.” The definite article before “evil” suggests not just general wickedness but specific covenant violations, particularly the maintenance of Jeroboam’s religious system.
- וַיְחַל (vay’chal) – “He entreated” (v. 4): This verb comes from the root חלה, indicating intense pleading or becoming weak. Its usage here suggests a desperate seeking of God’s favor, emphasizing genuine contrition rather than mere formal prayer.
- מוֹשִׁיעַ (moshia) – “savior” (v. 5): This term shares the same root as “Yeshua” (Jesus) and carries the concept of comprehensive deliverance. Its use here foreshadows the ultimate Savior who would deliver not just from physical oppression but from sin itself.
- אֲשֵׁרָה (Asherah) – “Asherah pole” (v. 6): This reference to pagan worship objects highlights Israel’s continued spiritual compromise. The term represents both the Canaanite goddess and her cult symbol, demonstrating the syncretistic nature of Israel’s religion.
- חֲמִשִּׁים פָּרָשִׁים (chamishim parashim) – “fifty horsemen” (v. 7): This phrase emphasizes Israel’s military weakness, with the number fifty representing a skeleton force, highlighting the severity of divine judgment through Aramean oppression.
- שְׁלֹשׁ פְּעָמִים (shalosh pe’amim) – “three times” (v. 19): The number three often carries symbolic significance in Hebrew thought, here representing completeness but not fullness, as five or seven strikes would have indicated total victory.
- גְּדוּדֵי מוֹאָב (gedudei Moab) – “bands of Moab” (v. 20): This term refers to raiding parties, highlighting the ongoing threat Israel faced from surrounding nations. The word גְּדוּד (gedud) specifically indicates organized military units engaged in guerrilla warfare.
Compare & Contrast
- Verse 2’s description of Jehoahaz following the “sins of Jeroboam” uses the specific phrase וַיֵּלֶךְ אַחֲרֶיהָ (vayelech achareha – “he walked after them”) rather than the more common וַיַּעֲשֶׂה כֵן (va’ya’aseh chen – “he did likewise”). This stronger phraseology emphasizes active pursuit rather than mere imitation, suggesting deliberate continuation of false worship practices.
- The description of God’s compassion in verse 23 employs וַיָּחָן (vayachon – “he was gracious”) rather than the more common וַיְרַחֵם (vayrachem – “he had mercy”). This choice emphasizes God’s sovereign choice to extend favor rather than merely emotional response to suffering.
- In verse 14, Elisha’s illness is described as חָלְיוֹ אֲשֶׁר־יָמוּת בּוֹ (cholyo asher-yamut bo – “his illness of which he would die”) rather than the simpler מַחֲלָה (machalah – “sickness”). This construction emphasizes the prophetic nature of his death and its significance in Israel’s history.
- The archery symbolism in verses 15-19 uses יְרֵה (yereh – “shoot”) rather than the more military term זָרַק (zaraq – “cast/throw”), suggesting this was primarily a prophetic act rather than military instruction.
2 Kings 13 Unique Insights
The chapter contains a fascinating parallel between physical and spiritual warfare. The archer’s symbolic act of shooting arrows eastward carries deep prophetic significance in ancient Near Eastern culture. In Mesopotamian royal inscriptions, the shooting of arrows toward enemy territory symbolized both the declaration of war and claiming sovereignty over that land. By having Jehoash perform this act, Elisha was orchestrating a prophetic declaration of victory that required the king’s active participation in faith.
The mention of Elisha’s bones bringing a dead man to life (verse 21) represents more than just a miracle story. In Jewish tradition, this incident is seen as a powerful testimony to the concept of זכות אבות (zechut avot – “merit of the fathers”). The fact that even Elisha’s remains could transmit life speaks to the enduring power of righteousness and God’s faithfulness to His servants. This event also foreshadowed the greater resurrection power that would be manifested through the Messiah.
The recurring theme of “three times” in the arrow-shooting incident connects to numerous other biblical triads, particularly in prophetic literature. The rabbinical commentary Pesikta Rabbati notes that this number often represents the minimum fulfillment of divine promise while leaving room for greater fulfillment. This interpretation aligns with the text’s suggestion that Jehoash could have achieved more complete victory had he struck the ground more times.
2 Kings 13 Connections to Yeshua
The chapter’s emphasis on God’s faithfulness to His covenant despite Israel’s unfaithfulness powerfully prefigures the new covenant in Yeshua. Just as God provided a מוֹשִׁיעַ (moshia – savior) to deliver Israel from physical oppression, He would ultimately send the perfect Savior to deliver His people from spiritual bondage.
The miraculous resurrection through contact with Elisha’s bones serves as a type and shadow of the greater resurrection power manifested through Yeshua. This incident demonstrates that God’s power over death was already being revealed in the Old Testament, pointing toward the ultimate victory over death achieved through the Messiah’s resurrection. As 1 Corinthians 15:55 declares, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
2 Kings 13 Scriptural Echoes
The pattern of divine judgment followed by mercy echoes throughout Scripture, particularly in Judges 2:16-19, where God repeatedly raises up deliverers for Israel. The specific mention of God’s compassion because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob connects to Exodus 2:24 and Leviticus 26:42.
The arrow-shooting incident recalls 1 Kings 22:11, where prophetic symbolism is similarly used to predict military victory. The resurrection miracle anticipates Ezekiel 37:1-14, where dry bones come to life as a picture of Israel’s spiritual revival.
2 Kings 13 Devotional
This chapter powerfully reminds us that God’s faithfulness transcends our failures. Just as He remembered His covenant with the patriarchs and showed compassion to an unfaithful Israel, He remains faithful to us today through His new covenant in Yeshua. We are called to examine our own hearts: Are we, like Jehoash, limiting God’s work in our lives through partial obedience or lack of faith?
The story of the arrows teaches us about partnership with God in faith. Victory required both the prophet’s direction and the king’s participation. Similarly, while God’s promises are sure, we are called to actively participate in faith, not limiting His work through unbelief or half-hearted commitment.
Did You Know
- The phrase “according to the word of the Lord” appears repeatedly in Kings, but in this chapter, it specifically refers to prophecies about Aramean oppression dating back to Elisha’s encounter with Hazael in 2 Kings 8.
- Archaeological evidence from this period shows widespread destruction layers in northern Israel’s cities, confirming the biblical account of Aramean oppression under Hazael and Ben-hadad.
- The reference to “fifty horsemen” represents the smallest possible cavalry unit in ancient Near Eastern military organization, emphasizing Israel’s severe military reduction.
- The practice of shooting arrows as a prophetic act has parallels in other ancient Near Eastern royal ceremonies, particularly in Assyrian and Babylonian victory rituals.
- The mention of Asherah poles remaining in Samaria provides archaeological correlation, as numerous Asherah figurines from this period have been discovered in Israelite contexts.
- The description of Elisha’s final prophecy includes specific body positioning (hands on hands) that parallels ancient Near Eastern practices of transferring authority or blessing.
- The resurrection miracle involving Elisha’s bones is the only recorded instance in Scripture of resurrection occurring through contact with a prophet’s remains.