2 Kings 13:20

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

Study Bible

So Elisha died
The phrase marks the end of the earthly life of Elisha, a prophet who succeeded Elijah and performed numerous miracles. The Hebrew root for "died" is "mût," which signifies a physical death but also implies a transition to another state of existence. Elisha's death is significant as it marks the end of an era of prophetic ministry that was characterized by powerful acts of God. His life and ministry were a testament to God's faithfulness and power, and his death reminds us of the mortality of even the most faithful servants of God.

and they buried him
The act of burial was a customary practice in ancient Israel, signifying respect and honor for the deceased. The Hebrew word for "buried" is "qābar," which involves the act of placing the body in a tomb or grave. This practice reflects the belief in the sanctity of the body and the hope of resurrection. Elisha's burial signifies the community's acknowledgment of his role as a prophet and their respect for his contributions to Israel's spiritual life.

Now the Moabite raiders
The Moabites were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with Israel. The term "raiders" suggests bands of warriors who would invade and plunder. Historically, Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, and its people were frequently at odds with Israel. The presence of Moabite raiders indicates a time of instability and vulnerability for Israel, highlighting the ongoing challenges the nation faced from surrounding enemies.

used to come into the land
This phrase suggests a recurring problem, indicating that the Moabite incursions were not isolated incidents but a regular threat. The Hebrew verb "bô'" means "to come" or "to enter," implying an invasion or unwelcome intrusion. This reflects the constant state of tension and conflict in the region, as Israel had to defend its territory against frequent external threats.

every spring
The timing of these raids in the spring is significant, as it was the season when kings typically went to war (2 Samuel 11:1). Spring was also a time of harvest, making it an opportune moment for raiders to attack and seize crops. The cyclical nature of these raids underscores the persistent challenges Israel faced and the need for divine protection and guidance. This context serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles believers face and the importance of relying on God's strength and provision.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elisha
A prophet in Israel, successor to Elijah, known for performing many miracles and being a powerful voice for God during his lifetime.

2. Moabite Raiders
Invaders from Moab, a neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel, who took advantage of Israel's vulnerabilities.

3. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often struggling with idolatry and conflict during this period.

4. Burial of Elisha
Marks the end of an era of prophetic ministry in Israel, highlighting the transition in leadership and spiritual guidance.

5. Spring Raids
A time when the Moabites would exploit the agricultural cycle, raiding during the harvest season when resources were plentiful.

Teaching Points

The Legacy of Faithful Service
Elisha's life and ministry remind us of the impact one faithful servant of God can have. Even after his death, his influence continued, as seen in the subsequent verses.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
The Moabite raids symbolize the ongoing spiritual battles believers face. We must remain vigilant and prepared, recognizing that challenges often come when we are most vulnerable.

God's Sovereignty in Life and Death
Elisha's death was part of God's divine plan. We can trust God's timing and purposes, even when a spiritual leader's earthly ministry ends.

The Importance of Spiritual Succession
Just as Elisha succeeded Elijah, we must prepare the next generation to carry on the work of God, ensuring that His truth and power continue to be proclaimed.

Seasons of Challenge and Opportunity
The spring raids by the Moabites remind us that challenges often coincide with times of growth and harvest. We must be ready to defend and steward what God has entrusted to us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elisha's life and ministry inspire you to serve God faithfully in your own context?

2. In what ways can we prepare for spiritual "raids" or attacks in our lives, especially during times of growth or harvest?

3. How can we ensure that the legacy of faith is passed on to the next generation in our families and communities?

4. What does Elisha's death teach us about trusting God's timing and sovereignty in the transitions of life?

5. How can we apply the lessons from the recurring conflicts between Israel and Moab to our own spiritual battles today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 2:9-14
Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit and his subsequent ministry, showing the continuity of God's work through His prophets.

Judges 3:12-30
The Moabites' oppression of Israel and God's deliverance through Ehud, illustrating the recurring conflict between Israel and Moab.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
The concept of seasons, both in life and in spiritual leadership, reflecting on the timing of Elisha's death and the raids.

Hebrews 11:32-34
The faith of the prophets, including Elisha, who through faith performed miracles and faced adversities.