TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Kings 13:20–25. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We must here attend,
I.The sepulchre of Elisha: he died in a good old age, and they buried him; and what follows shows,
1.What power there was in his life to keep off judgments; for, as soon as he was dead, the bands of the Moabites invaded the land - not great armies to face them in the field, but roving skulking bands, that murdered and plundered by surprise. God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. The king was apprehensive of danger only from the Syrians, but, behold, the Moabites invade him. Trouble comes sometimes from that point whence we least feared it. The mentioning of this immediately upon the death of Elisha intimates that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of judgments coming. When ambassadors are recalled heralds may be expected.
2.What power there was in his dead body: it communicated life to another dead body, Kg2 13:21. This great miracle, though very briefly related, was a decided proof of his mission and a confirmation of all his prophecies. It was also a plain indication of another life after this. When Elisha died, there was not an end of him, for then he could not have done this. From operation we may infer existence. By this it appeared that the Lord was still the God of Elisha; therefore Elisha still lived, for God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And it may, perhaps, have a reference to Christ, by whose death and burial the grave is made to all believers a safe and happy passage to life. It likewise intimated that though Elisha was dead, yet, in virtue of the promises made by him, Israel's interests, though they seemed quite sunk and lost, should revive and flourish again. The neighbours were carrying the dead body of a man to the grave, and, fearing to fall into the hands of the Moabites, a party of whom they saw at a distance near the place where the body was to be interred, they laid the corpse in the next convenient place, which proved to be Elisha's sepulchre. The dead man, upon touching Elisha's bones, revived, and, it is likely, went home again with his friends. Josephus relates the story otherwise, That some thieves, having robbed and murdered an honest traveller, threw his dead body into Elisha's grave, and it immediately revived. Elijah was honoured in his departure. Elisha was honoured after his departure. God thus dispenses honours as he pleases, but, one way or other, the rest of all the saints will be glorious, Isa 11:10. It is good being near the saints and having our lot with them both in life and death.
II.The sword of Joash king of Israel; and we find it successful against the Syrians.
1.The cause of his success was God's favour (Kg2 13:23): The Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them in their miseries and respect unto them. The several expressions here of the same import call upon us to observe and admire the triumphs of divine goodness in the deliverance of such a provoking people. It was of the Lord's mercies that they were not consumed, because he would not destroy them as yet. He foresaw they would destroy themselves at last, but as yet he would reprieve them, and give them space to repent. The slowness of God's processes against sinners must be construed to the honour of his mercy, not the impeachment of his justice.
2.The effect of his success was Israel's benefit. He recovered out of the hands of Benhadad the cities of Israel which the Syrians were possessed of, Kg2 13:25. This was a great kindness to the cities themselves, which were hereby brought from under the yoke of oppression, and to the whole kingdom, which was much strengthened by the reduction of those cities. Thrice Joash beat the Syrians, just as often as he had struck the ground with the arrows, and then a full stop was put to the course of his victories. Many have repented, when it was too late, of their distrusts and the straitness of their desires.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
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After this, another law is published. It says, “Whatever soul touches anything unclean, or the carcass of unclean beasts, and conceals it and is defiled, or if he touches the uncleanness of [a person] or anything unclean by which he is defiled,” and so forth. These, to be sure, are observed by the Jews indecently and uselessly enough. And why should one who, for example, touches a dead animal or the body of a dead person be held to be impure? What if it is the body of a prophet? What if it is the body of a patriarch or even the body of Abraham himself? What if he touches the bones, will he be unclean? What if he should touch the bones of Elisha, which raise a dead person? Will that one be unclean who touches the bones of the prophets and likewise do they make that one himself unclean whom they raise from the dead? See how unsuitable the Jewish interpretation is.
And because temporal death is a mercy for the righteous, death they therefore despise, since it is subjugated to them like a slave. In what manner did death harm [Elisha] who descended into Hades? For whilst he was in the pit of death, he snatched a dead man from its mouth. Because they entrust both body and spirit unto God, they do not become downcast in the face of bodily afflictions.
Now also Elijah raised somebody from the dead, and Elisha, too, performed that miracle during his lifetime. But none of the prophets, after dying, ever resurrected anyone. Therefore see how the spirit of Elijah doubly rests on Elisha. In fact, the power that the Lord gives to the bones of Elisha is the symbol and seed of resurrection. And the honor devoted to them shows the glory with which the bodies of the saints will be clothed on the day of the resurrection of all the dead.
Wherefore, of those that live with God, even their very relics are not without honor. For even Elisha the prophet, after he was fallen asleep, raised up a dead man who was slain by the pirates of Syria. For his body touched the bones of Elisha, and he arose and revived. Now this would not have happened unless the body of Elisha were holy.
For not the bodies only but also the very sepulchers of the saints have been filled with spiritual grace. For if in the case of Elisha this happened, and a corpse, when it touched the sepulcher, burst the bands of death and returned to life again, much rather now, when grace is more abundant, when the energy of the spirit is greater, is it possible that one touching a sepulcher, with faith, should win great power. On this account God allowed us the remains of the saints, wishing to lead us by them to the same emulation and to afford us a kind of haven and a secure consolation for the evils that are ever overtaking us. Therefore I beseech you all, if any is in despondency, if in disease, if under insult, if in any other circumstance of this life, if in the depth of sins, let him come here with faith, and he will lay aside all those things and will return with much joy, having procured a lighter conscience from the sight alone. But more, it is not only necessary that those who are in affliction should come here, but if any one be in cheerfulness, in glory, in power, in much assurance toward God, let not this person despise the benefit. For coming here and beholding this saint, he will keep these noble possessions unmoved, persuading his own soul to be moderate by the recollection of this person’s mighty deeds and not suffering his conscience by the mighty deeds to be lifted up to any self-conceit. HOMILIES ON ST. IGNATIUS AND ST.
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Summary
Second Kings 13:21 recounts an extraordinary post-mortem miracle involving the prophet Elisha: a deceased man, being hastily interred to evade a marauding band, was cast into Elisha's sepulchre and immediately revived upon contact with the prophet's bones. This singular event serves as a profound, final divine affirmation of Elisha's prophetic authority and God's sovereign power over life and death, even in a period marked by national decline and spiritual apathy within Israel.
Context
Literary Context
This remarkable event serves as a climactic capstone to the narrative of Elisha's extensive life and ministry, immediately following his death and burial described in 2 Kings 13:20. It is a unique post-mortem miracle, providing a powerful final sign that punctuates a prophetic career already replete with numerous signs and wonders. The preceding verses detail Elisha's final prophecies to King Joash of Israel, concerning the nation's future victories against the Arameans, highlighting the prophet's enduring influence even in his final moments. The miracle in 2 Kings 13:21 underscores that God's power was not confined to Elisha's living presence but continued to operate through his legacy, offering an undeniable testimony to the divine authority that rested upon him throughout his life. This final miracle reinforces the theme of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when their faith wavered, and provides a powerful conclusion to the prophetic era of Elijah and Elisha.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period described in 2 Kings 13 is one of profound national distress for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Under King Jehoahaz and later his son Joash, Israel suffered severe oppression from the Arameans (Syrians), led by Hazael and Ben-Hadad, as prophesied by Elisha earlier (2 Kings 8:12-13). The "band [of men]" mentioned in the verse refers to marauding raiders, likely Moabites or Arameans, who frequently infiltrated Israelite territory during harvest times or periods of military weakness to plunder and harass the populace. The urgency of the burial party, throwing the deceased man into the nearest available tomb, reflects the ever-present danger and the cultural necessity for swift interment in ancient Near Eastern societies to avoid defilement and to honor the dead. Elisha's sepulchre, likely a prominent and accessible tomb, became the unexpected site of this divine intervention due to these perilous and desperate circumstances.
Key Themes
The miracle in 2 Kings 13:21 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Kings and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights God's Transcendent Power over life and death, demonstrating that His ability to quicken is not limited by human mortality or the physical absence of His chosen servants. This echoes themes found in earlier narratives of resurrection, such as the raising of the Shunammite's son by Elisha himself in 2 Kings 4:32-37. Secondly, it underscores the Enduring Legacy and Divine Validation of a Prophet, affirming Elisha's authentic calling and God's consistent backing of His messengers, even posthumously. This event serves as a final, undeniable sign of God's active presence and power among His people, even when they were in a state of spiritual and national weakness, reinforcing the message that God's word through His prophets endures. Lastly, in a time of profound despair and national decline, this miracle offered a profound Glimmer of Hope, reminding Israel that God was still sovereign, capable of extraordinary intervention, and faithful to His covenant, even when His people were unfaithful, thus providing encouragement for the future as seen in 2 Kings 13:23.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew term גְּדוּד (gᵉdûwd) refers to a "crowd (especially of soldiers)," a "troop (of robbers)," or an "army." In this context, it denotes a marauding group, likely a small, swift raiding party that posed an immediate threat. Their sudden appearance precipitates the desperate actions of the burial party, highlighting the perilous conditions in Israel during this period. The use of this word emphasizes the external pressure and chaos that led to the man's hasty interment.
The Hebrew verb נָגַע (nâgaʻ) means "to touch," "to lay the hand upon," or "to reach." Here, it specifies the direct physical contact between the deceased man's body and Elisha's bones. This precise detail is crucial, as it identifies the immediate catalyst for the miracle. The word implies a direct, albeit unintentional, interaction that God chose to use as the occasion for demonstrating His life-giving power through His deceased prophet.
The Hebrew word עֶצֶם (ʻetsem) primarily means "a bone (as strong)" and by extension, "the body." In this context, it refers specifically to Elisha's skeletal remains. The fact that life emanates from these inert, decaying bones is profoundly significant. It underscores that the power was not inherent in the bones themselves, but that God, in His sovereignty, chose to manifest His life-giving power through the physical remnants of His anointed servant, providing a powerful, final validation of Elisha's prophetic ministry.
The Hebrew verb חָיָה (châyâh) is a fundamental term meaning "to live," "to be alive," "to quicken," "to restore to life," or "to revive." Its use here emphasizes a complete and immediate restoration from death to life, indicated by the man "standing up on his feet." This is not merely a flicker of life but a full, active resuscitation, directly attributed to divine power manifested through Elisha's remains. The immediacy and completeness of the revival underscore the miraculous nature of the event, demonstrating God's absolute dominion over life and death.
Verse Breakdown
"And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band [of men];"
This opening clause establishes the scene, depicting an ordinary, solemn act of burial suddenly interrupted by an extraordinary, life-threatening emergency. The "band [of men]" refers to a raiding party, whose sudden appearance created a desperate and urgent situation for the burial party, forcing them to abandon their traditional burial practices for immediate safety. This element of surprise and danger is crucial for understanding the subsequent, hasty actions.
"and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha:"
Driven by fear, the immediate need for refuge, and the imperative to quickly dispose of the body to escape the approaching raiders, the burial party made a desperate and pragmatic decision. Elisha's tomb, likely a prominent and accessible burial site, was the closest or most convenient option available in their moment of panic. This act was not one of reverence or a deliberate attempt to seek a miracle, but rather a desperate, almost irreverent, response to a sudden and overwhelming danger.
"and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha,"
This is the pivotal moment of divine intervention. The text explicitly states that the man's body made direct physical contact with Elisha's bones. This contact is presented as the immediate trigger for the miracle, highlighting the specific channel through which God chose to work. It underscores the concept of a lingering divine power or anointing associated with the prophet, demonstrating that God's power was not limited by Elisha's physical death.
"he revived, and stood up on his feet."
The result is instantaneous, undeniable, and complete. The man, previously dead, is fully restored to life and demonstrates this by standing upright. The phrase "stood up on his feet" signifies complete physical restoration, vitality, and mobility, leaving no doubt about the miraculous and comprehensive nature of the event. It is a clear, unambiguous demonstration of God's life-giving power, manifested in an unexpected and astonishing way.
Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 13:21 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Irony is prominently featured, as life springs forth from death, and a desperate, almost irreverent act of casting a body into a tomb leads to a profound display of divine power. The very place of death (a sepulchre) becomes the site of resurrection, and the inert remains of a deceased prophet become the conduit for life. Symbolism is also deeply at play; Elisha's bones symbolize the enduring power and anointing of God that rested upon him, demonstrating that God's work through His chosen servants transcends their mortal existence. The miracle itself functions as a powerful sign or wonder, a narrative device common in prophetic literature to validate the prophet's divine commission and to confirm God's active presence among His people. This climactic event provides a powerful narrative contrast between the national despair and spiritual decline of Israel and the extraordinary, life-affirming power of God, offering a final, unexpected burst of hope.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The miracle of the revived man in Elisha's tomb stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, reinforcing the biblical truth that life originates and is sustained by Him alone. It demonstrates that God's power is not limited by human mortality or physical presence, and that His anointing upon His servants can have lasting effects beyond their earthly lives, serving as a final, undeniable validation of Elisha's prophetic ministry. This event uniquely highlights God's ability to work through unexpected means and in surprising circumstances, offering a powerful reminder to a struggling Israel that God remained active and capable of extraordinary intervention, even in their darkest hour. It foreshadows the ultimate triumph over death achieved by the Messiah.
Reflection and Application
The astonishing account in 2 Kings 13:21 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's power is not confined by human limitations, by the grave, or even by our own spiritual "dry bones" or seemingly dead situations. This miracle encourages us to place our hope in a God who can bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and light into the darkest, most desperate circumstances. It underscores the lasting impact of a life fully devoted to God; even after physical death, the spiritual legacy and divine connection can continue to bear witness to God's greatness and His enduring purposes. For us, it's a powerful call to trust in God's unexpected ways of working, to recognize His sovereignty even in chaotic moments, and to remember that His life-giving power is available even when our circumstances seem utterly hopeless or when we face "bands of raiders" in our spiritual, emotional, or physical lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this miracle imply that Christians should venerate relics or the bones of saints?
No, the miracle in 2 Kings 13:21 should not be interpreted as a biblical endorsement for the veneration of relics. The text does not suggest that the man was revived because of any inherent magical power in Elisha's bones, nor does it command or encourage people to seek out and venerate such remains. Rather, it is a singular, sovereign act of God, demonstrating His power and affirming His prophet's authority, even in death. The contact with Elisha's bones was the occasion for God's miracle, not the source of the power. The focus remains squarely on God's transcendent life-giving power and His unique decision to manifest it through the remains of His prophet, providing a final sign to Israel. The Bible consistently directs all worship, reverence, and hope to God alone, as seen throughout the Scriptures (e.g., Exodus 20:3-5).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Kings 13:21 presents a unique and astonishing display of God's power over death through His prophet, it ultimately points forward to the supreme and ultimate victory over death achieved by Jesus Christ. Elisha's bones, though a conduit for God's life-giving power in this isolated instance, were themselves subject to death and decay, and the man revived by them would eventually die again. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is not merely a conduit of life, but the very source and embodiment of it, declaring, "I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." Unlike any Old Testament miracle of resuscitation, Jesus conquered death definitively through His own resurrection, becoming "the firstfruits of them that slept" and guaranteeing eternal resurrection life for all who believe in Him. The power that raised the dead man in Elisha's tomb is the same divine power that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 6:4), and it is this same Spirit of God that will one day "quicken also your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Romans 8:11). Thus, this Old Testament miracle serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph of life over death found in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, who holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18).