Today's lesson comes from 2 Kings 13: 14-25. We now return to the kingdom of Israel. Jehu died about the time the temple in Jerusalem was repaired. His son Jehoahaz succeeded him to the throne, and he reigned seventeen years. During the reign of Jehoahaz, the Syrians continued to dominate Israel. The kingdom came to its lowest ebb of misfortune. When Jehoahaz died, his son Jehoash took over the throne. There could be some confusion over names. Joash was the king of Judah, and there was Joash king of Israel who is also identified as Jehoash. The primary consideration in today's lesson is Jehoash's lack of zeal to overthrow Israel's enemies. Jehoash smote the ground only three times, and then "stayed." The closing sentence of the lesson reveals that he defeated the Syrians only three times. He reaped his own lack of diligence. In our day, zeal and diligence for the Lord is essential to win the battle of spiritual warfare.
There were nine recorded miracles of Elisha, which only affected individuals. His days passed in the quiet of ordinary life, yet his influence was powerful. Now at the age of ninety, sick and dying, he offers a parting blessing to this new king and to his country.
The first section is "Elisha and Jehoash." vv. 14-19 The king went and visited Elisha's home. This was very unusual. The king addressed Elisha affectionately as "my father, the chariot of Israel...." The king recognized the power of God in Elisha. The power of God is far more powerful than armies and navies. "Take bow and arrow" was a symbolic action. Elisha intended to represent the victory of the king against the Syrians. Elisha placed his hands on the king's hands to signify the divine power that would operate through the king. In everything we do, we want to make sure that we have God's hand on ours. Elisha told the king to smite the ground, but he only did so three times. Perhaps the king felt silly, or at least did not understand the importance of Elisha's words to him. Elisha was displeased at the number of times he smote the ground. The prophet told him he should have shown zeal, faith, and earnestness by smiting with more arrows. Now, Jehoash would gain only three victories from the Syrian bondage. The failure of Jehoash revealed that he was neither strong nor trusting in God.
The second section is "A Death and a Resurrection." vv. 20,21 Elisha dies and is buried. His place of burial is not exactly known. It matters not where one's body is laid because everywhere is equal distance from our eternal home. "It came to pass as they were burying a man," that the Israelites saw one of the roving bands of Moabites. So instead of taking the body to the place they intended, they hastily threw the body into the tomb of Elisha and ran. People were not buried in caskets or placed deep in the ground like we do today. Bodies were wrapped in swaths of cloth and placed them in an excavated in the side of a bluff. It would not be unusual for one dead body to be in contact with another body. When the body came into contact with Elisha's, the man revived and stood on his feet. Why might God perform this miracle after Elisha had died? First, to show that even after we are dead, our testimony and power of our lives live on. Second, to impress the seal of divine attestation upon the prophecy of the dying prophet about victory over the Syrians. Third, that God's power working through Elisha continued after the prophet's death. Fourth, it was another testimony that the God of Israel is the true God.
The third section is "War With Syria." vv. 22-25 The king of Syria was Hazael. Hazael oppressed Israel during the reign of Jehoahaz. The prophecy which Elisha spoke before his death is fulfilled within these verses. Israel defeated Benhadad, the king of Syria who took the throne after his father Hazael died, three times and they recovered the cities of Israel.
The following are lessons that we may learn from the last days of Elisha:
1. Elisha's deathbed was that of a true man of God.
2. From the patient, cheerful submission of a suffering believer, to the glad and bold testimony given to the divine faithfulness, are both useful influences sent forth from the sickbed of God's deliverance in the time of difficulty.
3. God has great and countless blessings ready for man.
4. God is most honored and pleased with the largest requests.
5. The influence of our lives do not die when we do.
The Golden Text is: "And by it he being dead yet speakers." Hebrews 11:4 Our lives continue to speak to those who knew us, long past when our days on earth are completed. This is one reason to live a life well-lived. First, for the comfort of those we have left behind in death. They know our final destination. Second, to continue to testify of God's grace and mercy and the power to change lives.
My summary points:
1. God has an abundance of blessings for those who are His children.
2. The influence of our lives continues long after our passing.
3. When seeking God, go big!
Next week, "The Captivity of Israel." 2 Kings 17: 6-17
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