2 KINGS 13

THE REIGN OF JEHOAHAZ + JEHOASH

Back in Israel, Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, reigns for seventeen years. Jehoahaz is wicked and lives an evil life. Because of his unfaithfulness, God allows Israel to be repeatedly defeated by the kingdom of Aram.

Jehoahaz turns to God and prays for favor upon Israel. God responds and saves Israel, bringing them out of the oppression of Aram. Even after experiencing God’s faithfulness, the people of Israel continue to live in sin and worship other gods.

After Jehoahaz dies, his son Jehoash succeeds him as king over Israel. Jehoash reigns for sixteen years and lives an evil life, similar to Jeroboam years prior.

Meanwhile, the prophet Elisha becomes very ill and is nearing his death. Jehoash goes to visit him in his sickness. Elisha tells him to get a bow and arrow and shoot the bow out the window towards the east, symbolizing Israel’s future victory over the Arameans. Then, Elisha instructs Jehoash to strike the ground with an arrow and Jehoash struck the ground three times, symbolizing the three future victories over Aram. After his final prophecy, Elisha dies and is buried.

After some time had passed, the Moabites invade the land near Elisha’s burial. The Moabites lay a dead body near the grave of Elisha. When the body touches Elisha’s remains, he is revived and brought back to life!

Hazael, king of Aram, continues to oppress Israel. God does not allow Hazael to completely destroy Israel, keeping His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. After Hazael dies, his son Ben-Hadad rules Aram. Joash defeats him three times, just as Elisha prophesied.