2 Kings 13:21

Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. And as soon as his body touched the bones of Elisha, the man was revived and stood up on his feet.

Study Bible

Once, as the Israelites were burying a man
This phrase sets the scene in a time of turmoil and danger for Israel. The Israelites, God's chosen people, were often under threat from surrounding nations. The act of burying signifies a moment of vulnerability and respect for the dead, a practice deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The Hebrew context here emphasizes the sacredness of burial rites, which were an essential part of honoring the deceased.

suddenly they saw a raiding party
The sudden appearance of a raiding party highlights the constant threat and instability faced by Israel during this period. Historically, Israel was often besieged by neighboring nations, and these raids were common. The Hebrew word for "raiding party" suggests a group of marauders or bandits, emphasizing the danger and urgency of the situation.

so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb
In their haste and fear, the Israelites made a desperate decision to dispose of the body quickly. Elisha, a prominent prophet in Israel, was known for his miracles and close relationship with God. The tomb of Elisha would have been considered a sacred place, and the act of throwing the body into it, though done in panic, signifies a divine intersection between life and death.

When the body touched Elisha’s bones
This phrase marks the miraculous turning point in the narrative. The bones of Elisha, though lifeless, still carried the power of God. In Hebrew tradition, bones were often seen as the essence of a person, and here they symbolize the enduring power of God's spirit working through His prophet. This moment underscores the belief in the power of God to transcend death.

the man came to life and stood up on his feet
The resurrection of the man is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over life and death. This miracle serves as a foreshadowing of the resurrection power that would later be fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The phrase "stood up on his feet" signifies not just physical revival but a restoration to wholeness and purpose. It is a vivid reminder of the hope and life that God offers to His people, even in the most dire circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elisha
A prophet in Israel who succeeded Elijah. Even after his death, his influence and the power of God through him were evident.

2. Moabite Raiders
Groups from Moab who invaded Israel, often during the spring, taking advantage of the harvest season.

3. Israelites
The people of Israel, who were often under threat from surrounding nations, including Moab.

4. The Man
An unnamed Israelite whose body was hastily thrown into Elisha's tomb, leading to a miraculous event.

5. The Tomb of Elisha
The burial place of the prophet Elisha, which became the site of a miraculous resurrection.

Teaching Points

God's Power Transcends Death
The miracle of the man coming back to life upon touching Elisha's bones illustrates that God's power is not limited by physical death. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over all circumstances.

Legacy of Faith
Elisha's life and ministry continued to impact others even after his death. This challenges Christians to consider the legacy of faith they are leaving behind.

God's Unexpected Ways
The resurrection of the man was unexpected and unplanned by human standards, reminding believers that God often works in surprising and miraculous ways.

Hope in Resurrection
This event foreshadows the hope of resurrection for all believers, encouraging them to live with an eternal perspective.

God's Presence in Crisis
The Israelites were in a time of crisis due to the Moabite raids, yet God demonstrated His presence and power. This reassures believers that God is with them in their times of trouble.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the miracle in 2 Kings 13:21 demonstrate God's power over life and death, and how can this truth impact your daily life?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your faith leaves a lasting legacy, similar to Elisha's influence even after his death?

3. Reflect on a time when God worked in an unexpected way in your life. How did it strengthen your faith?

4. How does the hope of resurrection influence your perspective on current challenges and future plans?

5. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's presence during times of crisis, as seen in the account of the Israelites and the Moabite raids?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 4:32-35
This passage describes another miracle involving Elisha, where he raises the Shunammite woman's son from the dead, demonstrating God's power over life and death.

John 11:43-44
The resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus, showing a parallel in the New Testament of God's power to bring life from death.

Acts 9:36-42
The raising of Tabitha (Dorcas) by Peter, illustrating the continuation of God's miraculous works through His servants.

Romans 8:11
This verse speaks of the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead living in believers, connecting the power of resurrection to the life of Christians today.