2 Kings 13
McGeeCHAPTER 13THEME: The final acts of ElishaFriend, this is a rugged portion of Scripture; yet it can minister to our hearts. This is an especially good section for the rulers of nations. We are following both kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In the north the ten tribes constitute the northern kingdom, and in the south the tribes of Judah and Benjamin constitute the southern kingdom. In the south the line of David is reigning. That is the line that will be followed right on into the New Testament to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we have seen, the line of David was almost eliminated by Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who married into the family of David.
2 Kings 13:1
JEHOAHAZ REIGNS OVER ISRAELIn chapter 13 we find that Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, reigned over Israel for seventeen years. He followed in the sinful steps of Jeroboam. Actually, there is nothing very sensational or interesting about his reign. Many people feel that sin brings excitement into life. There is nothing quite as boring as sin after a while. The man who starts drinking reaches the day when he is a drunkard; and, at that point, he is as boring as anyone can possibly be. And his life loses its purpose. The same thing is true of any individual who indulges in sin. This period of history is very boring. There is excitement only when God is moving. How we need Him today on the scene! Jeroboam is the one who instituted calf worship in Israel. He led Israel away from the worship of the true God and led them into sin. When Ahab and Jezebel came to the throne, they went way beyond that. They began an active worship of Baal, which actually was demonism. Now Jehoahaz, like his father Jehu, does not go into Baal worship, nor sink into the depths of sin like Ahab and Jezebel did. He does go as far as Jeroboam did, however, and that is bad enough.
2 Kings 13:3
REPENTANCE OF JEHOAHAZBecause of Israel’s sin, God allowed the king of Syria to come against Israel. This man knew he was in danger and in trouble. So in fear he turns to the Lord.
2 Kings 13:5
Notice how gracious God is. The minute the king called upon Him, He heard and answered prayer! He delivered the people from Syria’s oppression. My friend, you and I today do not realize how good God is and how good He is to you and me today. Oh, how wonderful He is!
2 Kings 13:6
We see the goodness of the Lord in the life of Jehoahaz. The king called upon God and He answered. But the king and his people went on in sin, and they continued their idol worship. The king of Syria so destroyed the defense of Jehoahaz that he was never able to properly defend his kingdom again.
2 Kings 13:8
Here we have the record of the death of Jehoahaz. This is the record of man: The king is dead, long live the king.
2 Kings 13:10
JEHOASH REIGNS OVER ISRAELAnother king comes to the throne of the northern kingdom. Now we come to a very confusing period because the names of the kings in both kingdoms are similar, if not identical. It is difficult to know who is reigning, where he is reigning, and the circumstances of the reign. I am not so sure but what the Lord left it that way for a definite reason.
2 Kings 13:11
Jeroboam was the standard. When a king reached his level of sin, God always judged.
2 Kings 13:14
ELISHA’S DEATH: HIS PROPHECY IS FULFILLEDIt was at this time that Elisha fell sick; it was the illness that brought death to him. Elisha had been a tower of strength to the northern kingdom in a way that Elijah had not been. (When the news of Elijah’s translation reached the palace, I imagine there was a celebration party!) However, Elisha had been a tremendous help to the king, and he was heartbroken when the prophet became ill.
2 Kings 13:15
When the king visits him, Elisha does not just accept his sympathy and flowers. He is still a prophet of God, and he is giving God’s message to him.
2 Kings 13:16
Well, Joash is not noted for his faith. Although he is weeping over the prophet who is dying, he is not a man of great faith, and he doesn’t believe God is going to give him the victory over Syria.
2 Kings 13:18
Because he didn’t have the faith that God would give him deliverance, discouragement caused him to quit. Many wonderful projects for God never come to fruition, are never executed, because a child of God meets opposition or discouragement. He gives up, and says, “The project is not in God’s will.” That is the attitude of Joashhe smote only three times. He is saying by this, “I don’t think God will see me through.” Today I see so much soft “faith.” Folk sit on the sidelines and engage in wishful thinking. They say, “Oh, I want to do something for God.” And the next time I see them, they are still sitting there. God expects you to get on the move for Him. If you believe God can use you, then get busy! Elisha gives us a very practical lesson here.
2 Kings 13:20
THE MIRACLE AT HIS TOMBEven in death Elisha was a miracle-working individual. What a tremendous tower of strength he had been in that nation.
2 Kings 13:22
While God is punishing Israel with the word of Hazael, He does not allow the oppression to go too far.
2 Kings 13:24
In other words, as his faith, so was it done unto himthree times God gave him victory.