King James Version
2 Kings 13
25 verses with commentary
Jehoahaz's Reign in Israel
In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years. three: Heb. twentieth year and third year
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XIII.
(1-3) **THE REIGN OF JEHOAHAZ.**
(1) **In the three and twentieth year of Joash.**—Josephus makes it the twenty-first year of Joash, but wrongly. According to 2Kings 12:1, Joash succeeded in the seventh year of Jehu, and Jehu reigned twentyeight years (2Kings 10:36).
**Seventeen years.**—This agrees with 2Kings 14:1.
(2) **And he did.**—See Notes on 2Kings 3:3.
(3) **He delivered them into t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Reign of Jehoahaz.(1-9)
Jehoash, king of Israel, Elisha dying.(10-19)
Elisha's death, The victories of Jehoash.(20-25)
**Verses 1-9**
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought ...
Read full commentary →And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom. followed: Heb. walked after
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical eve...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Reign of Jehoahaz.(1-9)
Jehoash, king of Israel, Elisha dying.(10-19)
Elisha's death, The victories of Jehoash.(20-25)
**Verses 1-9**
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought ...
Read full commentary →And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael, all their days.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Reign of Jehoahaz.(1-9)
Jehoash, king of Israel, Elisha dying.(10-19)
Elisha's death, The victories of Jehoash.(20-25)
**Verses 1-9**
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought ...
Read full commentary →And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Besought.**—Literally, *stroked the face of;* a metaphor which occurs in Exodus 32:11; 1Kings 13:6).
**And the Lord hearkened unto him.**—Not, however, immediately. (See 2Kings 13:7.) The Syrian invasions, which began under Jehu, were renewed again and again throughout the reign of Jehoahaz (2Kings 13:22), until the tide of conquest began to turn in the time of Joash (2Kings 13:15), whose in...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Reign of Jehoahaz.(1-9)
Jehoash, king of Israel, Elisha dying.(10-19)
Elisha's death, The victories of Jehoash.(20-25)
**Verses 1-9**
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought ...
Read full commentary →(And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime . as beforetime: Heb. as yesterday, and third day
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>(And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **A saviour.**—Jeroboam II., the grandson of Jehoahaz, a vigorous and successful sovereign, of whom it is said that Jehovah “saved” Israel by his hand (2Kings 14:27).
**They went out from under the hand.**—Referring to the oppressive supremacy of Syria. From these words, and from those of 2Kings 13:22, it would appear that Israel was tributary to Syria during some part of this period.
**Dwelt ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-16. he arose, and went down with him--**a marvellous instance of faith and obedience. Though he well knew how obnoxious his presence was to the king, yet, on receiving God's command, he goes unhesitatingly, and repeats, with his own lips, the unwelcome tidings conveyed by the messengers.
2Ki 1:17, 18. Ahaziah Dies, and Is Succeeded by Jehoram.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Reign of Jehoahaz.(1-9)
Jehoash, king of Israel, Elisha dying.(10-19)
Elisha's death, The victories of Jehoash.(20-25)
**Verses 1-9**
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought ...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.) walked: Heb. he walked remained: Heb. stood
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.)</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Nevertheless they departed not.**—The restoration of Divine favour did not issue in the abolition of the irregular worship introduced by Jeroboam I. as the state religion of the northern kingdom. This is written, of course, from the point of view of the Judæan editor of Kings, who lived long after the events of which he is writing in the period of the exile. It does not appear from the histo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-16. he arose, and went down with him--**a marvellous instance of faith and obedience. Though he well knew how obnoxious his presence was to the king, yet, on receiving God's command, he goes unhesitatingly, and repeats, with his own lips, the unwelcome tidings conveyed by the messengers.
2Ki 1:17, 18. Ahaziah Dies, and Is Succeeded by Jehoram.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Reign of Jehoahaz.(1-9)
Jehoash, king of Israel, Elisha dying.(10-19)
Elisha's death, The victories of Jehoash.(20-25)
**Verses 1-9**
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought ...
Read full commentary →Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz.**—Rather, *For he had not left to Jehoahaz *(*any*)* people *(*i.e.*, war folk; 1Kings 16:15). The subject appears to be Jehovah. The narrative returns, after the long parenthesis, to the statement of 2Kings 13:4, “and Jehoahaz besought Jehovah (for he had not left, &c.).” Or we might render, “one had not left,” *i.e.*, “there was not left.”
**...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. Jehoram--**The brother of Ahaziah (see on 2Ki 3:1).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Reign of Jehoahaz.(1-9)
Jehoash, king of Israel, Elisha dying.(10-19)
Elisha's death, The victories of Jehoash.(20-25)
**Verses 1-9**
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought ...
Read full commentary →Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic mini...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And his might.**—Or, *prowess.* The reference is to his wars with the Syrians.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Reign of Jehoahaz.(1-9)
Jehoash, king of Israel, Elisha dying.(10-19)
Elisha's death, The victories of Jehoash.(20-25)
**Verses 1-9**
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought ...
Read full commentary →And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and they buried him in Samaria: and Joash his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline towa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Slept with his fathers.**—Or, *lay down *(*i.e.*, to sleep) *like his fathers, i.e.*, as his fathers had done before him. The same phrase is used even of Amaziah, who came to a violent end (2Kings 14:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 13
Chapter Outline
Reign of Jehoahaz.(1-9)
Jehoash, king of Israel, Elisha dying.(10-19)
Elisha's death, The victories of Jehoash.(20-25)
**Verses 1-9**
It was the ancient honour of Israel that they were a praying people. Jehoahaz, their king, in his distress, besought the Lord; applied himself for help, but not to the calves; what help could they give him? He sought ...
Read full commentary →Jehoash's Reign in Israel
In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic minis...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10-25) **THE REIGN OF JOASH, OR JEHOASH.ELISHA FORETELLS HIS SUCCESSES AGAINST THE SYRIANS.**
(10) **In the thirty and seventh year.**—This does not agree with 2Kings 13:1. The Ald. LXX. reads,” thirty-ninth,” which is right.
**Began . . . to reign, and reigned sixteen years.**—The Hebrew is briefer, *reigned sixteen years.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Ki 2:1-10. Elijah Divines Jordan.
**1-7. when the Lord would take up Elijah--**A revelation of this event had been made to the prophet; but, unknown to him, it had also been revealed to his disciples, and to Elisha in particular, who kept constantly beside him.
**Gilgal--**This Gilgal (Jiljil) was near Ebal and Gerizim; a school of the prophets was established there. At Beth-el th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD; he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin: but he walked therein.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD; he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin: but he walked therein.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **But he walked therein.**—Heb., *in it he walked.* The pronoun is *collective* in force.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Ki 2:1-10. Elijah Divines Jordan.
**1-7. when the Lord would take up Elijah--**A revelation of this event had been made to the prophet; but, unknown to him, it had also been revealed to his disciples, and to Elisha in particular, who kept constantly beside him.
**Gilgal--**This Gilgal (Jiljil) was near Ebal and Gerizim; a school of the prophets was established there. At Beth-el th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **And the rest.**—This is repeated, 2Kings 14:15-16.
**Wherewith he fought.**—Or, *how he fought*. In 2Kings 14:15 *and* is prefixed, and should be restored here.
**Against Amaziah.**—See the account of 2Kings 14:8, *seq*.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Ki 2:1-10. Elijah Divines Jordan.
**1-7. when the Lord would take up Elijah--**A revelation of this event had been made to the prophet; but, unknown to him, it had also been revealed to his disciples, and to Elisha in particular, who kept constantly beside him.
**Gilgal--**This Gilgal (Jiljil) was near Ebal and Gerizim; a school of the prophets was established there. At Beth-el th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Jeroboam sat upon his throne.**—The variation from the stereotyped phrase, “and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead,” is remarkable. (See 2Kings 14:16.) The Talmud (*Seder Olam*) and Kimchi fancy that it is implied that Joash associated Jeroboam with himself on the throne, for fear of a revolt (!).
**Buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.**—So that there were “tombs of the kings” the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Ki 2:1-10. Elijah Divines Jordan.
**1-7. when the Lord would take up Elijah--**A revelation of this event had been made to the prophet; but, unknown to him, it had also been revealed to his disciples, and to Elisha in particular, who kept constantly beside him.
**Gilgal--**This Gilgal (Jiljil) was near Ebal and Gerizim; a school of the prophets was established there. At Beth-el th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →The Death of Elisha
Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human auth...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14-21) The visit of Joash to the dying Elisha.
This section is obviously derived from another documentary source than the preceding. What a fresh and life-like picture it presents in contrast with the colourless abstract which it follows!
(14) **He died.**—Rather, *he was to die.*
**Came down to him***—i.e.*, to his house. Comp, the Note on 2Kings 5:24; 2Kings 6:33.
**Wept over his face.**—As he ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Ki 2:1-10. Elijah Divines Jordan.
**1-7. when the Lord would take up Elijah--**A revelation of this event had been made to the prophet; but, unknown to him, it had also been revealed to his disciples, and to Elisha in particular, who kept constantly beside him.
**Gilgal--**This Gilgal (Jiljil) was near Ebal and Gerizim; a school of the prophets was established there. At Beth-el th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demons...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Take bow and arrows**.—From one of the royal attendants.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Ki 2:1-10. Elijah Divines Jordan.
**1-7. when the Lord would take up Elijah--**A revelation of this event had been made to the prophet; but, unknown to him, it had also been revealed to his disciples, and to Elisha in particular, who kept constantly beside him.
**Gilgal--**This Gilgal (Jiljil) was near Ebal and Gerizim; a school of the prophets was established there. At Beth-el th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands. Put thine: Heb. Make thine hand to ride
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry ser...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Put thine hand upon the bow.**—Rather, as margin. In drawing a bow, the left hand “rides” upon it, or closes round it, while the right grasps arrow and string.
**Elisha put his hands upon the king’s hands.**—So as to invest the act of shooting with a *prophetic* character; and, further perhaps, to signify the consecration of the king to the task that the shooting symbolised. It is not impli...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Ki 2:1-10. Elijah Divines Jordan.
**1-7. when the Lord would take up Elijah--**A revelation of this event had been made to the prophet; but, unknown to him, it had also been revealed to his disciples, and to Elisha in particular, who kept constantly beside him.
**Gilgal--**This Gilgal (Jiljil) was near Ebal and Gerizim; a school of the prophets was established there. At Beth-el th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name em...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **The window.**—Or, *lattice*. Probably a lattice opening outwards.
**Eastward.**—In the direction of Gilead, which was occupied by the Syrians (2Kings 10:33).
**Shoot.**—The old illustration of declaring war by shooting an arrow into the enemy’s country (Æn. ix. 57) is not without bearing on this case, though it obviously does not exhaust the meaning of the act.
(17) **And he said***—i.e.*, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters--**Like the rod of Moses, it had the divinely operating power of the Spirit.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice , and stayed.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry ser...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **And he said.**—LXX., “and Elisha said unto him,” which, as Thenius remarks, is more appropriate here, in introducing the account of the second symbolic action.
**The arrows**—*i.e.*, the bundle of arrows.
**Smite upon the ground**.—Rather, *smite* (or, *strike*) *earthwards;* as if striking an enemy to the earth.
**He smote thrice.**—Three being a sacred number.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee--**trusting either that it would be in his power to bequeath it, or that God, at his entreaty, would grant it.
**let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me--**This request was not, as is commonly supposed, for the power of working miracles exceeding the magnitude and number of his master's, nor does it mean a higher endowment of the p...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice .
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and H...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **The man of God was wroth with him.**—Because his present want of zeal augured a like deficiency in prosecuting the war hereafter. The natural irritability of the sick man may also have had something to do with it. Thenius well remarks on the manifestly *historical* character of the entire scene. It may be added that, to appreciate it fully, we must remember that βελομαυτεία, or soothsaying ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Thou hast asked a hard thing--**an extraordinary blessing which I cannot, and God only, can give. Nevertheless he, doubtless by the secret directions of the Spirit, proposed to Elisha a sign, the observation of which would keep him in the attitude of an anxious waiter, as well as suppliant for the favor.
2Ki 2:11-18. He Is Taken Up to Heaven in a Chariot of Fire.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-19**
Jehoash, the king, came to Elisha, to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage, to attend the sick-beds and death-beds of good men, that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success; yet he must look up to God for direction and strength; must reckon h...
Read full commentary →And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the declin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **And the bands of the Moabites invaded.**—Rather, *And troops of Moabites used to invade.* They took advantage of the weakened condition of Israel to revenge the devastation of their country described in 2Kings 3:25.
**At the coming in of the year.**—So the Targum and the LXX. The Syriac, Vulg., and Arabic understand,” in that (or, ‘the same’) year.” The preposition *bě *has probably fallen ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire--**some bright effulgence, which, in the eyes of the spectators, resembled those objects.
**went up by a whirlwind--**a tempest or storm wind accompanied with vivid flashes of fire, figuratively used for the divine judgments (Is 29:6).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-25**
God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. Trouble comes sometimes from that point whence we least feared it. The mention of this invasion on the death of Elisha, shows that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of coming judgments. His dead body was a means of giving life to another dead body. This miracle was a confirmation of his prophecies. And it may ...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. was: Heb. went down
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The prophetic ministry served as G...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **As they were burying.**—They—*i.e.*, a party of Israelites. The story is told with vivid *definiteness.*
**A band.**—Rather, *the troop*. The particular troop of Moabites which happened to be making an inroad at the time.
**They cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha.**—Comp. Mark 16:3-4. In this case, we must suppose that the tomb was more easily opened, as the action was obviously done...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father--**that is, spiritual father, as the pupils of the prophets are called their sons.
**the chariot of Israel, and the horseman thereof--**that is, that as earthly kingdoms are dependent for their defense and glory upon warlike preparations, there a single prophet had done more for the preservation and prosperity of Israel than all her chariots and horse...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-25**
God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. Trouble comes sometimes from that point whence we least feared it. The mention of this invasion on the death of Elisha, shows that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of coming judgments. His dead body was a means of giving life to another dead body. This miracle was a confirmation of his prophecies. And it may ...
Read full commentary →Jehoash Defeats Aram
But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings an...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **But Hazael . . . oppressed.**—Rather, *Now Hazael . . . had oppressed.* The narrative returns to 2Kings 13:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. He took up also the mantle of Elijah--**The transference of this prophetic cloak was, to himself, a pledge of his being appointed successor, and it was an outward token to others of the spirit of Elijah resting upon him.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-25**
God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. Trouble comes sometimes from that point whence we least feared it. The mention of this invasion on the death of Elisha, shows that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of coming judgments. His dead body was a means of giving life to another dead body. This miracle was a confirmation of his prophecies. And it may ...
Read full commentary →And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. presence: Heb. face
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relations...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **And the Lord was gracious.**—The verse is a remark of the compiler’s, as is evident from the style, the reference to the Covenant, and the expression “as yet,” or rather, *until now—i.e.*, the day when he was writing, and when the northern kingdom had finally perished.
**Had respect.**—*Turned*.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. smote the waters--**The waving of the mantle on the river, and the miraculous division of the waters consequent upon it, was an evidence that the Lord God of Elijah was with him, and as this miracle was witnessed by the scholars of the prophets from Jericho, they forthwith recognized the pre-eminence of Elisha, as now the prophet of Israel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-25**
God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. Trouble comes sometimes from that point whence we least feared it. The mention of this invasion on the death of Elisha, shows that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of coming judgments. His dead body was a means of giving life to another dead body. This miracle was a confirmation of his prophecies. And it may ...
Read full commentary →So Hazael king of Syria died; and Benhadad his son reigned in his stead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So Hazael king of Syria died; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both ki...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Ben-hadad**—III., not mentioned in the As Syrian inscriptions. His reign synchronises with that of Samas-Rimmon in Assyria, who made no expeditions to the West (B.C. 825-812). The name Ben-hadad does not, of course, signify any connection with the dynasty overthrown by Hazael. It was a Divine title (Comp. Note on 2Kings 6:24.)
Benhadad was probably a feebler sovereign than Hazael. The rule,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. smote the waters--**The waving of the mantle on the river, and the miraculous division of the waters consequent upon it, was an evidence that the Lord God of Elijah was with him, and as this miracle was witnessed by the scholars of the prophets from Jericho, they forthwith recognized the pre-eminence of Elisha, as now the prophet of Israel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-25**
God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. Trouble comes sometimes from that point whence we least feared it. The mention of this invasion on the death of Elisha, shows that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of coming judgments. His dead body was a means of giving life to another dead body. This miracle was a confirmation of his prophecies. And it may ...
Read full commentary →And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel. took: Heb. returned and took
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The prophetic ministry served as God's pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **The cities, which he had taken**—*i.e.*, which *Hazael* had taken. The cities referred to must have been cities on the *west* of Jordan (comp, 2Kings 13:3; 2Kings 13:7), for the trans-Jordan had been subdued by Hazael in the time of Jehu (2Kings 10:32, *seq*.). Jeroboam II, the son of Joash, restored the ancient boundaries of Israel (2Kings 14:25).
**By war.**—Or, *in the war.*
**Beat him.*...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. smote the waters--**The waving of the mantle on the river, and the miraculous division of the waters consequent upon it, was an evidence that the Lord God of Elijah was with him, and as this miracle was witnessed by the scholars of the prophets from Jericho, they forthwith recognized the pre-eminence of Elisha, as now the prophet of Israel.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-25**
God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. Trouble comes sometimes from that point whence we least feared it. The mention of this invasion on the death of Elisha, shows that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of coming judgments. His dead body was a means of giving life to another dead body. This miracle was a confirmation of his prophecies. And it may ...
Read full commentary →