2 Kings 13:20

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

2 Kings 13:20 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, signaling the end of an era and the continuation of national challenges.

Context

This verse immediately follows a brief account of King Jehoash's reign in Israel and his interactions with the prophet Elisha. Elisha, a towering figure in Israel's prophetic tradition, had served as a spiritual guide and miracle-worker for many decades, succeeding the great prophet Elijah. His death signifies the passing of a significant spiritual leader. The phrase "at the coming in of the year" typically refers to the spring season, a time when ancient armies, including the Moabites, would traditionally launch military campaigns due to favorable weather conditions for travel and warfare.

Key Themes

  • The End of a Prophetic Era: Elisha's death closes a chapter on his powerful ministry, which included numerous miracles and divine interventions on behalf of Israel. Despite his passing, God's work would continue through other means.
  • Continuing Threats to Israel: The immediate mention of "bands of the Moabites" invading highlights the persistent external pressures and national insecurity Israel faced. The Moabites were long-standing adversaries, having previously rebelled against Israel (see 2 Kings 3:5). This invasion underscores the challenges that continued even after the loss of a key spiritual protector.
  • God's Sovereignty Beyond Human Leaders: While Elisha was a powerful instrument, the verse subtly points to God's enduring sovereignty. Even with the prophet's death, the divine plan and Israel's journey under God's watchful eye persist, albeit through different circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bands of the Moabites" uses the Hebrew term ื’ึฐึผื“ื•ึผื“ึดื™ื (gedudim), meaning "raiding bands" or "troops." This suggests smaller, mobile units rather than a full-scale national army, often engaged in hit-and-run attacks, pillaging, and harassment, particularly during the opportune "coming in of the year" (ืชึฐึผืฉืื•ึผื‘ึทืช ื”ึทืฉึธึผืื ึธื”, teshuvat hashshanah), which literally means "the return of the year" or "the turn of the year."

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that even great leaders and spiritual giants eventually pass away. However, God's purposes and His work in the world do not cease with their departure. Challenges and adversaries may continue, but believers are called to trust in God's enduring faithfulness, not solely in the presence of human instruments. It encourages us to look to God as the ultimate source of strength and protection, even in times of transition or vulnerability.

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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

    ยถ 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.
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