2 Kings 13:14

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.

Now Elisha {H477} was fallen sick {H2470} of his sickness {H2483} whereof he died {H4191}. And Joash {H3101} the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} came down {H3381} unto him, and wept {H1058} over his face {H6440}, and said {H559}, O my father {H1}, my father {H1}, the chariot {H7393} of Israel {H3478}, and the horsemen {H6571} thereof.

Elisha was now ill with the disease from which he would eventually die. Yo'ash the king of Isra'el came down to visit him and wept over him; he said, "My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Isra'el!"

When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”

Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died: and Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over him, and said, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof!

Commentary

2 Kings 13:14 (KJV) records a poignant moment in Israel's history: the final days of the great prophet Elisha and the unexpected visit of King Joash. This verse captures a significant transition, marking the end of a powerful prophetic era and highlighting the nation's dependence on divine intervention rather than military might.

Context

This verse finds Elisha, the successor to Elijah, on his deathbed. His long and impactful ministry, spanning over 60 years and numerous miracles, is drawing to a close. King Joash (also known as Jehoash), who reigned over Israel for 16 years (2 Kings 13:10), was generally an unfaithful king, following in the idolatrous ways of his predecessors. Despite his spiritual shortcomings, Joash recognizes the immense value and spiritual authority of Elisha. At this point, Israel is under severe oppression from the Arameans (Syrians), led by King Hazael and later Ben-hadad, a situation that underscores the nation's vulnerability and dire need for divine assistance.

Key Themes

  • The Passing of a Spiritual Giant: The verse marks the end of Elisha’s prophetic ministry, signifying a profound loss for Israel. He was a pillar of spiritual strength and a conduit for God's power.
  • Recognition of True Strength: King Joash's emotional outburst reveals his understanding that Elisha, not military forces, was Israel's true defense and source of victories against its enemies. The prophet's prayers and divine guidance were more potent than any army.
  • Sorrow and Respect: Despite his flawed reign, Joash shows genuine grief and profound respect for Elisha, acknowledging the prophet's unique and irreplaceable role in the nation's well-being.
  • Echo of Elijah's Ascension: The king's lament, "O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof," is a direct echo of what Elisha himself said when Elijah was taken up into heaven. This powerful phrase symbolizes that Elisha, like Elijah before him, represented the spiritual power and divine protection that truly defended Israel, far more effectively than literal chariots or horsemen.

Linguistic Insights & Symbolic Significance

The phrase "O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof" is highly symbolic. "My father" expresses deep respect and affection, acknowledging Elisha's role as a spiritual mentor and protector of the nation. "The chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof" does not refer to literal military assets, but to Elisha's spiritual power and prayers which were the true strength and defense of Israel. It signifies that God's presence and the work of His prophet were more formidable than any physical army, providing victory and security for the nation. This expression underscores the profound impact a single individual, empowered by God, can have on an entire nation's fate.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true national strength and security ultimately come from God and His appointed servants, not solely from military might or political prowess. It encourages us to:

  • Value Spiritual Leadership: Recognize and respect those who serve as spiritual guides and intercessors, understanding their vital role in God's plan.
  • Depend on God's Power: Learn from Joash's belated realization that divine intervention and God's spiritual "chariots and horsemen" are the ultimate source of protection and victory in life's battles, whether personal or communal. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
  • Acknowledge Legacy: Reflect on the lasting impact of faithful individuals whose lives are dedicated to serving God and His people, even after their passing.
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Cross-References

  • Philippians 2:26 (5 votes)

    For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

  • 2 Kings 2:12 (5 votes)

    And Elisha saw [it], and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.

  • 2 Kings 20:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

  • Genesis 48:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass after these things, that [one] told Joseph, Behold, thy father [is] sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

  • John 11:3 (4 votes)

    Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

  • Isaiah 57:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth [it] to heart: and merciful men [are] taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil [to come].

  • Mark 6:20 (3 votes)

    For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.