March 4, 2025, 2 Kings 13:20-25

March 4, 2025, 2 Kings 13:20-25

²⁰ So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. ²¹ And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.

²² Now Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. ²³ But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them, and he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, nor has he cast them from his presence until now.

²⁴ When Hazael king of Syria died, Ben-hadad his son became king in his place. ²⁵ Then Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again from Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities that he had taken from Jehoahaz his father in war. Three times Joash defeated him and recovered the cities of Israel.

These verses recount of the death of the prophet Elisha and the miracle of a dead man being brought back to life simply by being place in contact with Elisha’s bones.  What a demonstration of the power of Elisha even after his death.  This occurs while Israel if still facing oppression from the Syrian King Hazael, but God shows compassion and continues to protect them due to his covenant with the Israelites. 

God’s continued faithfulness is demonstrated here as He remains gracious to Israel and protected them due to his covenant with their ancestors.  What life challenges are you facing today?  Has your faith and trust wavered under these hardships?  Take heart as you read and pray and remember God’s faithfulness long ago has not changed.  Determine to give your best to God in all things.  Pray for God to help in our disbelief.  Lord, help us to believe and trust in you fully. 

Robin Adams