2 Kings 13:20

KJV

¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elisha {H477} died {H4191}, and they buried {H6912} him. And the bands {H1416} of the Moabites {H4124} invaded {H935} the land {H776} at the coming in {H935} of the year {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha died, and they placed him in a burial cave. Now the raiding parties of Mo'av used to make yearly incursions into the land at the start of the year.

Berean Standard Bible

And Elisha died and was buried. Now the Moabite raiders used to come into the land every spring.

American Standard Version

And Elisha died, and they buried him. Now the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 13:20 marks a profound transition in Israel's history, chronicling the death and burial of the revered prophet Elisha, a spiritual giant whose ministry spanned decades. Immediately following this significant event, the narrative abruptly shifts to the persistent external threat faced by the nation, as raiding bands of Moabites invade the land at the customary time for military campaigns, underscoring Israel's ongoing vulnerability despite the passing of a powerful divine instrument.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a poignant conclusion to Elisha's earthly ministry, which has been extensively detailed since his anointing in [1 Kings 19](/1_kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah Anoints Elisha"). It directly follows the account of Elisha's final prophetic acts and interactions with King Jehoash of Israel, where the prophet, even in his final illness, imparted a crucial prophecy regarding Israel's limited victories over Aram ([2 Kings 13:14-19](/2_kings/13-14 "2 Kings 13:14-19 - Elisha's Final Prophecy to King Jehoash")). The abrupt juxtaposition of Elisha's death with the immediate invasion by the Moabites highlights the sudden void left by his departure and the persistent challenges Israel faced, suggesting that even a prophet's powerful presence could not permanently avert the consequences of national sin or the realities of geopolitical conflict.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Elisha's ministry spanned the reigns of several Israelite kings, including Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Jehoash, making him a central figure for over half a century. His death signifies the end of an extraordinary era of prophetic miracles and direct divine intervention in Israel's affairs. The Moabites, a Transjordanian people, were long-standing adversaries of Israel, often engaging in raiding and harassment, particularly after their rebellion against Israelite tribute ([2 Kings 3:5](/2_kings/3-5 "2 Kings 3:5 - Moab's Rebellion Against Israel")). The phrase "at the coming in of the year" (`תְּשׁוּבַת הַשָּׁנָה`, _teshuvat hashshanah_) refers to the spring season, a traditional time for military campaigns in the ancient Near East due to favorable weather conditions for travel and foraging, as noted in [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - Kings Go Out to Battle"). This timing emphasizes the predictable and relentless nature of the threats Israel faced.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes. Firstly, it marks **The End of a Prophetic Era**, signaling the departure of a spiritual giant whose life was characterized by divine power and guidance for Israel. Elisha's death underscores the mortality of even the most divinely gifted individuals, reminding the reader that human instruments, no matter how mighty, are temporary. Secondly, the immediate mention of the Moabite invasion highlights **Israel's Persistent Vulnerability and External Threats**. Despite the presence of powerful prophets and occasional divine interventions, the nation continuously faced adversaries, a consequence often tied to their spiritual backsliding and idolatry, as seen throughout the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings"). Lastly, the narrative subtly points to **God's Enduring Sovereignty Beyond Human Leaders**. While Elisha's physical presence is gone, the subsequent miraculous event involving his bones in [2 Kings 13:21](/2_kings/13-21 "2 Kings 13:21 - The Man Revived by Elisha's Bones") demonstrates that God's power and purposes are not extinguished with the death of His servants but continue to operate through various means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elisha (Hebrew, _'Eliysha'_):** Meaning "My God is salvation" or "God is salvation." This name is highly significant, as Elisha's ministry was indeed characterized by God's salvific acts on behalf of Israel, from providing sustenance and healing to delivering the nation from foreign invaders. His death, therefore, signals the passing of a human vessel through whom God's salvation had frequently flowed.
* **bands (Hebrew, _g'dudim'_):** This plural noun refers to "raiding parties," "troops," or "marauding bands." It typically denotes smaller, mobile units rather than a full-scale national army. These groups would engage in hit-and-run attacks, pillaging, and harassment, rather than sustained conquest, making them a constant, irritating threat to border communities and agricultural areas, particularly during opportune times like the spring harvest.
* **coming in of the year (Hebrew, _t'shuvat hashshanah'_):** Literally "the return of the year," this idiom refers to the spring season (March-April). This was the traditional time when ancient armies would commence military campaigns after the winter rains made travel difficult and before the intense summer heat. The mention of this specific timing emphasizes the predictable nature of the threat and the cyclical pattern of warfare in the region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elisha died, and they buried him."**: This concise statement marks the definitive end of a profound prophetic era. Elisha, a man who performed more miracles than any other prophet in the Old Testament save Moses, finally succumbs to the universal human fate. The simple declaration of his death and burial underscores the reality of mortality, even for those most intimately connected with God's power. It signifies a transition point, closing a significant chapter in Israel's spiritual history and leaving a void that would be keenly felt.
* **"And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."**: Immediately following the account of Elisha's death, the narrative shifts abruptly to a stark reality: Israel's persistent external vulnerability. The invasion by Moabite raiding parties, occurring at the predictable spring season, highlights the ongoing challenges and insecurity faced by the nation. This juxtaposition suggests that even with the departure of a powerful spiritual protector, the physical threats and consequences of a fallen world, often exacerbated by Israel's own disobedience, did not cease but rather continued unabated.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Juxtaposition** as its primary literary device, starkly placing the death of a great prophet against the immediate invasion of a foreign enemy. This creates a sense of vulnerability and impending doom, suggesting that Israel's spiritual protection has been diminished. There is also an element of **Irony**: the prophet whose name means "God is salvation" dies, and immediately, Israel faces a new threat, emphasizing that while God works through human instruments, ultimate salvation and security come from Him alone. The swift transition also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the continued struggles and challenges that Israel will face in the absence of such a powerful prophetic voice, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of Jehoash's reign and the ongoing conflicts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of Elisha in 2 Kings 13:20 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty and human mortality. While Elisha was an extraordinary instrument of God's power, his passing reminds us that all human leaders, no matter how gifted or divinely appointed, are temporary. God's plan and purposes, however, are eternal and do not cease with the departure of any individual. The immediate invasion by the Moabites underscores the persistent reality of living in a fallen world, where challenges and adversaries continue even after periods of spiritual strength or the loss of revered figures. It calls believers to place their ultimate trust not in human leaders or their presence, but in the unchanging faithfulness and power of God Himself, who continues to work even in times of transition and vulnerability. The subsequent resurrection of a man touched by Elisha's bones ([2 Kings 13:21](/2_kings/13-21 "2 Kings 13:21 - The Man Revived by Elisha's Bones")) further reinforces that God's power transcends death and is not confined to the living.

* [Deuteronomy 34:5-6](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5-6 - The Death and Burial of Moses")
* [Joshua 1:1-2](/joshua/1-1 "Joshua 1:1-2 - God's Commission to Joshua After Moses' Death")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The passing of Elisha, a towering figure of faith and divine power, followed by the immediate onset of external threat, offers a potent lesson for believers today. It reminds us that even spiritual giants and beloved leaders are mortal, and their departure can leave a palpable void. Yet, this verse simultaneously challenges our tendency to place undue reliance on human instruments rather than on the unchanging God. When figures we depend on are gone, whether through death, transition, or simply a change in circumstances, it is then that our faith is truly tested. The "bands of the Moabites" represent the persistent challenges, anxieties, or spiritual attacks that often emerge or intensify during times of vulnerability or transition. This passage calls us to soberly acknowledge the realities of a fallen world while steadfastly anchoring our hope and security in God's enduring sovereignty and faithfulness. His work continues, His promises remain, and His power is not limited by human mortality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elisha's death challenge our tendency to rely on human leaders or spiritual figures rather than cultivating a direct and abiding trust in God alone?**
* **What "invasions" or challenges (spiritual, emotional, relational) do we often face immediately after periods of stability or the departure of key figures in our lives?**
* **How can we maintain our trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness even when circumstances seem vulnerable or threatening, and familiar sources of strength are removed?**

### FAQ

**Why is Elisha's death mentioned so abruptly, and what is its significance in the narrative?**

Answer: Elisha's death is mentioned abruptly to create a stark and immediate contrast with the subsequent invasion. It signifies the end of a pivotal prophetic era, marking the departure of a spiritual giant who had been a source of divine guidance and miraculous intervention for Israel. The abruptness emphasizes the sudden void left by his absence and highlights Israel's immediate vulnerability, underscoring that even the most powerful human instruments of God are temporary, and the nation's spiritual and physical security ultimately rests with God alone.

**What is the significance of "the coming in of the year" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "the coming in of the year" (`תְּשׁוּבַת הַשָּׁנָה`, _teshuvat hashshanah_) refers to the spring season, typically around March or April. This was the customary time for kings and armies to go out to war in the ancient Near East, as the winter rains had ceased, making travel and military campaigns feasible and allowing for foraging from new growth. Its mention here emphasizes that the Moabite invasion was a predictable, recurring threat, highlighting Israel's persistent insecurity and the cyclical nature of warfare in the region, particularly after the perceived weakening of Israel's spiritual defenses with Elisha's passing, as seen in [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - Kings Go Out to Battle").

**Who were the Moabites, and why were they invading Israel at this time?**

Answer: The Moabites were an ancient Semitic people, descendants of Lot, who inhabited the land east of the Dead Sea. They were long-standing adversaries of Israel, with a history of conflict and rebellion, notably their revolt against Israelite tribute in [2 Kings 3:5](/2_kings/3-5 "2 Kings 3:5 - Moab's Rebellion Against Israel"). The "bands" (`גְּדוּדִים`, _gedudim_) mentioned here refer to raiding parties rather than a full national army. They typically invaded to plunder, harass, and assert their independence, often exploiting perceived weaknesses or times of transition in Israel. Elisha's death would have been seen as a moment of national vulnerability, prompting such opportunistic incursions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The account of Elisha's death in 2 Kings 13:20, immediately followed by the Moabite invasion, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate reality of Christ's eternal reign in contrast to the mortality of even the greatest human leaders. Elisha, despite his powerful ministry and miraculous deeds, was subject to death, demonstrating the inherent limitation of all human instruments, no matter how divinely appointed. His passing left Israel vulnerable to external threats, symbolizing humanity's persistent struggle against sin and evil in the absence of perfect divine intervention. However, in Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of God's "salvation" (the meaning of Elisha's name). Unlike Elisha, Jesus conquered death itself, rising triumphantly from the grave ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ's Resurrection and Eternal Life")). His resurrection ensures that His presence, power, and protection are not bound by human mortality or the limitations of time and space ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")). The "bands of the Moabites" represent the myriad spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil—that continually threaten humanity. While human leaders pass, Christ's eternal priesthood and kingship mean that His people are never left without a perfect intercessor and an invincible protector ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Jesus' Unchanging Priesthood")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing a salvation that transcends earthly vulnerabilities and offers eternal victory over all adversaries ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 24:2

And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets.

2 Kings 3:7

And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I [am] as thou [art], my people as thy people, [and] my horses as thy horses.

2 Chronicles 24:16

And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.

Judges 3:12

¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Kings 5:2

And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.

2 Kings 6:23

And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

Acts 8:2

And devout men carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.