Elisha is gravely ill, and a grieving Joash recognizes his vital prophetic role in Israel’s defense and future.
In this verse we read that “Now Elisha became sick with the illness of which he was to die; and Joash the king of Israel came down to him and wept over him and said, ‘My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’” (v.14). Here, the prophet Elisha, who ministered primarily in the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 9th century BC, finds himself at the end of his life. The location of this exchange, although not explicitly stated in this verse, would have been somewhere in the bounds of the Northern Kingdom, whose capital was Samaria. Historically, Elisha served as a successor to Elijah and was active during the reigns of several kings of Israel. By this time, he carried a legacy of miracles and prophetic declarations that contributed mightily to guiding God’s people (2 Kings 2).
The verse also introduces Joash (also spelled Jehoash) of Israel, who likely reigned from around 798 to 782 BC. He approaches Elisha in a time of desperation and grief, referring to him in a phrase reminiscent of what Elisha himself once addressed to Elijah, calling him “the chariots of Israel and its horsemen” (v.14). This phrase underscores the belief that a prophet’s presence in Israel was a greater safeguard to the nation than earthly armies. In the greater context of the Hebrew Scriptures, God often provided deliverance through His prophets (2 Kings 6:17). Joash’s tears reflect both respect and a recognition of how critical Elisha’s guidance has been for national security and spiritual direction.
The imagery of chariots and horsemen not only looks back to moments when God revealed fiery chariots for protection (2 Kings 2:11) but also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God’s ultimate deliverer found in Christ Jesus (Luke 1:68-69). At this moment, however, the verse focuses on the poignant scene of Israel’s king acknowledging the prophet’s imminent departure and the nation’s vulnerability.
Elisha’s final days underscore the transitory nature of even the most potent spiritual leadership.
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2 Kings 13:14 meaning
In this verse we read that “Now Elisha became sick with the illness of which he was to die; and Joash the king of Israel came down to him and wept over him and said, ‘My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’” (v.14). Here, the prophet Elisha, who ministered primarily in the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the 9th century BC, finds himself at the end of his life. The location of this exchange, although not explicitly stated in this verse, would have been somewhere in the bounds of the Northern Kingdom, whose capital was Samaria. Historically, Elisha served as a successor to Elijah and was active during the reigns of several kings of Israel. By this time, he carried a legacy of miracles and prophetic declarations that contributed mightily to guiding God’s people (2 Kings 2).
The verse also introduces Joash (also spelled Jehoash) of Israel, who likely reigned from around 798 to 782 BC. He approaches Elisha in a time of desperation and grief, referring to him in a phrase reminiscent of what Elisha himself once addressed to Elijah, calling him “the chariots of Israel and its horsemen” (v.14). This phrase underscores the belief that a prophet’s presence in Israel was a greater safeguard to the nation than earthly armies. In the greater context of the Hebrew Scriptures, God often provided deliverance through His prophets (2 Kings 6:17). Joash’s tears reflect both respect and a recognition of how critical Elisha’s guidance has been for national security and spiritual direction.
The imagery of chariots and horsemen not only looks back to moments when God revealed fiery chariots for protection (2 Kings 2:11) but also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God’s ultimate deliverer found in Christ Jesus (Luke 1:68-69). At this moment, however, the verse focuses on the poignant scene of Israel’s king acknowledging the prophet’s imminent departure and the nation’s vulnerability.
Elisha’s final days underscore the transitory nature of even the most potent spiritual leadership.