Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 13
For the 12 years when Joram was king, God worked through the life of Elisha in an extremely powerful manner (2 Kings chapters 2 to 9). Then, for more than 46 years during the rules of Jehu and Jehoahaz, we read nothing whatever about Elisha. We do not know whether God continued to act in that very powerful manner in Elisha’s life. Of course during those years, Elisha continued to serve God and to pray. He also carried on some public work for God – probably, he taught the people how to serve God. That seems clear from the fact that King Jehoash chose to visit Elisha during his last illness.
It genuinely upset Jehoash to see that Elisha was close to death. Jehoash repeated Elisha’s own words when Elijah rose into heaven (2:12). Elisha spoke those words because he actually saw God’s great army of angels (his special servants from heaven). He realised that this army, and not a human army, was truly defending Israel.
Jehoash did not see that great army from heaven; he only saw the dying prophet (holy man). It seemed to him (Jehoash) that he depended on the prayers of this great man. Elisha could call the armies of heaven to fight in support of Israel – so, his death was truly a great loss for the nation. Jehoash felt desperate, because he did not know God’s power for himself. God had answered Elisha’s prayers – and God even answered the prayers of Jehoahaz, Jehoash’s father (13:4-5). However, Jehoash seemed not even to know how to pray.
Next part: Elisha directs Jehoash to shoot an arrow (2 Kings 13:15-17)
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