God’s purposes continue beyond any one person, and believers today can rest in the knowledge that the Lord’s power is never diminished by the passing of His servants.
“Elisha died, and they buried him. Now the bands of the Moabites would invade the land in the spring of the year.” (v.20)
Elisha was a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel from around 850 to 800 BC, succeeding Elijah and living during the reigns of several Israelite kings (2 Kings 2 - 13). His ministry demonstrated God’s care for His people through miracles, guidance, and the calling of Israel to trust in the LORD rather than rely upon idols or alliances with pagan nations. Here in 2 Kings 13:20, we read of Elisha’s death and burial, signaling the end of a remarkable prophetic era that had challenged Israel to return to a wholehearted worship of God. Although the verse simply states his passing, it speaks volumes about the transition from a time when God’s miraculous word and power were so visibly present in Israel’s life.
The text also notes that soon after Elisha was buried, Moabite raiding parties began causing disruptions. Moab lay east of the Dead Sea, in the region of modern-day Jordan, and its people had a long history of conflict with Israel (Judges 3:12-30; 2 Kings 3). Their raids occurred in the spring of the year, typically a season of renewed warfare across the ancient Near East once winter’s challenges subsided. This ominous turn of events following Elisha’s death underscores the idea that, in Israel’s story, the absence of strong spiritual leadership often coincided with danger from surrounding nations. Elisha’s passing thus highlights the nation’s vulnerability when they did not hold firmly to God’s promises and obey His commands.
Spiritually, this verse reminds believers that human leaders, however faithful, come and go. Ultimately, it is God’s presence and power that sustain His people. Though Elisha’s mortal life ended, the Lord’s work in Israel would continue. Elsewhere in Scripture, we see God raise up prophets and leaders to guide, protect, and direct His covenant family (Judges 2:16; Acts 13:20). Even in seasons of uncertainty, God remains faithful—His story marches on, inviting future generations to trust Him and follow His way.
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2 Kings 13:20 meaning
“Elisha died, and they buried him. Now the bands of the Moabites would invade the land in the spring of the year.” (v.20)
Elisha was a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel from around 850 to 800 BC, succeeding Elijah and living during the reigns of several Israelite kings (2 Kings 2 - 13). His ministry demonstrated God’s care for His people through miracles, guidance, and the calling of Israel to trust in the LORD rather than rely upon idols or alliances with pagan nations. Here in 2 Kings 13:20, we read of Elisha’s death and burial, signaling the end of a remarkable prophetic era that had challenged Israel to return to a wholehearted worship of God. Although the verse simply states his passing, it speaks volumes about the transition from a time when God’s miraculous word and power were so visibly present in Israel’s life.
The text also notes that soon after Elisha was buried, Moabite raiding parties began causing disruptions. Moab lay east of the Dead Sea, in the region of modern-day Jordan, and its people had a long history of conflict with Israel (Judges 3:12-30; 2 Kings 3). Their raids occurred in the spring of the year, typically a season of renewed warfare across the ancient Near East once winter’s challenges subsided. This ominous turn of events following Elisha’s death underscores the idea that, in Israel’s story, the absence of strong spiritual leadership often coincided with danger from surrounding nations. Elisha’s passing thus highlights the nation’s vulnerability when they did not hold firmly to God’s promises and obey His commands.
Spiritually, this verse reminds believers that human leaders, however faithful, come and go. Ultimately, it is God’s presence and power that sustain His people. Though Elisha’s mortal life ended, the Lord’s work in Israel would continue. Elsewhere in Scripture, we see God raise up prophets and leaders to guide, protect, and direct His covenant family (Judges 2:16; Acts 13:20). Even in seasons of uncertainty, God remains faithful—His story marches on, inviting future generations to trust Him and follow His way.