2 Kings 13: Expository Sermon Preaching and Study Guide for Church Leaders

Overview

2 Kings 13 recounts the reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoash (Joash) over Israel, highlighting their struggles, sins, and God’s enduring faithfulness. Despite their idolatry and rebellion, God shows mercy by providing deliverance when His people cry out to Him. The chapter also includes the death of the prophet Elisha, with a miraculous event that underscores God’s power even beyond the prophet’s lifetime.

The chapter opens with Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, becoming king over Israel. Jehoahaz leads the nation in sin, continuing the idolatrous worship of the golden calves established by Jeroboam. As a result, God allows the Arameans to oppress Israel. However, when Jehoahaz humbles himself and seeks God’s favor, the Lord provides a deliverer, granting temporary relief.

Jehoahaz’s son, Jehoash, follows as king and continues in the same idolatry, perpetuating Israel’s spiritual decline. In this context, Jehoash visits the dying Elisha, seeking guidance for deliverance from Aram. Elisha instructs Jehoash in a symbolic act involving arrows, demonstrating the limited victory Israel would achieve due to Jehoash’s lack of faith and obedience.

The chapter closes with the death and burial of Elisha. Remarkably, when a dead man is thrown into Elisha’s tomb, he comes back to life after touching Elisha’s bones—a powerful reminder of God’s power and the enduring legacy of His work through His prophets.

Key themes include God’s sovereignty, His mercy despite human sin, and the lasting power of His promises and purposes. The chapter reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience in experiencing the fullness of God’s deliverance.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Context

The Political and Spiritual State of Israel:
Israel, under Jehoahaz and Jehoash, continues to decline spiritually due to persistent idolatry. The worship of golden calves and Baal demonstrates the nation’s rebellion against God, leading to oppression by the Arameans under King Hazael. This period reflects a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance characteristic of Israel’s history.
Elisha’s Prophetic Ministry:
Elisha’s death marks the end of an era of significant prophetic activity in Israel. His ministry, filled with miracles and faithful proclamation of God’s Word, served as a beacon of hope and truth during a time of widespread unfaithfulness.
Deliverance Despite Sin:
God’s provision of a deliverer for Israel underscores His covenantal faithfulness. Despite the nation’s unworthiness, God shows mercy, fulfilling His promise to preserve His people for His purposes.

Literary Context

Continuation of Kingship and Prophecy:
This chapter continues the narrative of Israel’s kings and their interactions with God’s prophets, a central theme in 1 and 2 Kings. The faithfulness of God is contrasted with the unfaithfulness of Israel’s leaders.
Symbolic Acts:
The episode of Jehoash striking the ground with arrows is a significant example of prophetic symbolism, demonstrating the interplay between human responsibility and divine sovereignty.
Miraculous Events:
The resurrection of a man upon touching Elisha’s bones serves as a literary climax, reinforcing the enduring power of God’s Spirit working through His prophets.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations

God’s control over Israel’s history is evident as He allows Aram to oppress the nation and later provides a deliverer. His sovereign purposes prevail despite human rebellion.

Doctrinal Insight:
God’s sovereignty governs all events in history, and His purposes cannot be thwarted (Isaiah 46:9-10).

2. God’s Mercy in Response to Repentance

When Jehoahaz seeks the Lord, God hears his plea and provides deliverance. This reflects God’s compassionate nature and His readiness to respond to genuine repentance.

Doctrinal Insight:
God is merciful and slow to anger, offering grace to those who humble themselves before Him (Psalm 103:8-10).

3. The Call to Faith and Obedience

Jehoash’s limited faith and half-hearted obedience result in partial victory. This demonstrates that full reliance on God is essential to experiencing the fullness of His blessings.

Doctrinal Insight:
Faith and obedience are key to aligning with God’s will and receiving His promises (Hebrews 11:6).

4. God’s Power Transcends Human Limitations

The miraculous event at Elisha’s tomb illustrates the enduring power of God, working even beyond the prophet’s death. It serves as a reminder that God’s purposes extend far beyond human lifespans.

Doctrinal Insight:
God’s power is not limited by time or human circumstances. His Spirit continues to work to accomplish His will (Romans 8:11).

5. The Legacy of God’s Work Through His Servants

Elisha’s life and ministry leave a lasting impact, demonstrating the enduring influence of those who faithfully serve God.

Doctrinal Insight:
The faithfulness of God’s servants bears fruit that often outlasts their earthly lives, pointing to the eternal value of serving Him (John 15:16).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis: 2 Kings 13

Verses 1–2: The Reign of Jehoahaz

“In the twenty-third year of Joash son of Ahaziah king of Judah, Jehoahaz son of Jehu became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned seventeen years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord by following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit, and he did not turn away from them.”

Explanation:
Jehoahaz follows the idolatry of Jeroboam, maintaining the worship of golden calves in Israel. This sin becomes a defining characteristic of Israel’s kings and results in God’s judgment through the oppression of Aram.
Cross-References:
1 Kings 12:26-30: Jeroboam establishes calf worship to consolidate political control over Israel.
Exodus 20:3-5: God explicitly forbids idolatry in the Ten Commandments.
Doctrinal Insight:
Idolatry is a rejection of God’s rightful place as Lord. Persistent sin leads to spiritual and physical consequences, as seen in Israel’s oppression.
Application:
Examine your life for any “idols” that might distract you from wholehearted worship of God.
Remember that sin, if unrepented, brings both spiritual and practical consequences.

Verses 3–5: God’s Judgment and Mercy

“So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel, and for a long time he kept them under the power of Hazael king of Aram and Ben-Hadad his son. Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel.”

Explanation:
God allows Aram to oppress Israel as a consequence of their rebellion, but He responds with mercy when Jehoahaz humbles himself and prays. A deliverer is sent to provide temporary relief.
Cross-References:
Judges 2:16-18: The pattern of oppression, repentance, and deliverance is repeated throughout Israel’s history.
Psalm 103:13: God shows compassion to those who fear Him.
Doctrinal Insight:
God’s discipline is corrective, designed to bring His people back to Him. His mercy is available to those who genuinely seek Him in repentance.
Application:
In times of hardship, turn to God in humility, trusting in His mercy and faithfulness.
Recognize that God’s discipline is an act of love, meant to restore you to fellowship with Him.

Verses 6–9: Persistent Sin and Limited Deliverance

“But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam… So the Lord gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped from the power of Aram. Yet they continued to worship the golden calves.”

Explanation:
Despite God’s deliverance, Israel persists in their idolatry, demonstrating a shallow repentance. This limits the effectiveness of their deliverance and perpetuates their spiritual decline.
Cross-References:
Isaiah 1:18-20: God calls His people to repentance, promising blessings for obedience and consequences for rebellion.
2 Corinthians 7:10: Godly sorrow leads to true repentance and salvation.
Doctrinal Insight:
True repentance involves a complete turning away from sin and a commitment to obedience. Half-hearted repentance results in incomplete restoration.
Application:
Evaluate the sincerity of your repentance. Are there areas where you’re holding onto sin rather than fully surrendering to God?
Trust that God’s grace is sufficient to help you overcome sin when you turn to Him completely.

Verses 10–13: The Reign of Jehoash (Joash)

“In the thirty-seventh year of Joash king of Judah, Jehoash son of Jehoahaz became king of Israel, and he reigned sixteen years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam.”

Explanation:
Jehoash (Joash) continues the pattern of idolatry, perpetuating the sins of Jeroboam. His reign is marked by moral and spiritual failure, although he seeks Elisha’s counsel during a crisis.
Cross-References:
Deuteronomy 28:15-68: Disobedience to God’s commands brings curses, including political instability and oppression.
1 Kings 15:34: The persistent sin of Jeroboam’s idolatry among Israel’s kings.
Doctrinal Insight:
Leadership carries responsibility before God. Persistent sin among Israel’s kings highlights the need for godly leaders who align with His Word.
Application:
Pray for and support godly leaders in your church and community.
As a leader in your home, work, or church, ensure your decisions honor God and reflect His righteousness.

Verses 14–19: Elisha’s Final Prophecy and Symbolism

“Elisha said, ‘Take a bow and some arrows,’ and he said, ‘Strike the ground.’ He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, ‘You should have struck the ground five or six times.’”

Explanation:
Elisha uses a prophetic act to symbolize Israel’s victory over Aram. Jehoash’s lack of persistence reflects limited faith and effort, resulting in only partial victory.
Cross-References:
Hebrews 11:6: Faith is essential to please God and receive His promises.
Philippians 3:14: Press on toward the goal for the prize of God’s upward call.
Doctrinal Insight:
Faith and persistence are key to experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings. Half-hearted effort reflects a lack of trust in God’s power and promises.
Application:
Approach God’s promises with full faith, trusting in His ability to provide complete victory.
Persevere in prayer and obedience, seeking God’s best rather than settling for partial results.

Verses 20–21: Elisha’s Death and Posthumous Miracle

“Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders… When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet.”

Explanation:
Elisha’s death marks the end of his prophetic ministry, but the miracle associated with his bones demonstrates that God’s power transcends human limitations. This event reinforces the enduring nature of God’s Spirit and His ability to give life.
Cross-References:
2 Corinthians 4:7: God’s power is revealed through human vessels.
John 11:25-26: Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life.
Doctrinal Insight:
God’s power is not confined to a person’s lifetime or circumstances. His Spirit continues to work beyond human limitations to accomplish His purposes.
Application:
Trust in God’s power to bring life and restoration, even in seemingly hopeless situations.
Celebrate the enduring legacy of God’s work through faithful servants.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus as the Ultimate Deliverer

In 2 Kings 13, God provides a deliverer to rescue Israel from the oppression of Aram, demonstrating His mercy and faithfulness. This deliverer, though unnamed, prefigures Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer who rescues humanity from the oppression of sin and death.

Connection to Christ:
Matthew 1:21: Jesus is named as the one who will save His people from their sins.
John 8:36: Jesus offers true freedom to those who believe in Him.
The temporary deliverance provided to Israel contrasts with the eternal deliverance found in Christ.
Reflection:
Just as God sent a deliverer to Israel, He sent Jesus to provide a complete and lasting salvation. This invites us to trust Jesus as our ultimate Deliverer.

2. Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life

The miracle of the man being revived after touching Elisha’s bones points to the life-giving power of God, which is fully realized in Jesus. Elisha’s posthumous miracle foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection and His authority over life and death.

Connection to Christ:
John 11:25: Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
1 Corinthians 15:55-57: Jesus’ resurrection secures victory over death.
The temporary resurrection through Elisha’s bones highlights the eternal resurrection made possible through Jesus.
Reflection:
Jesus, unlike Elisha, does not merely point to life—He is life itself. Believers can live with hope, knowing that Jesus has conquered death.

3. Jesus as the Perfect King

The failures of Jehoahaz and Jehoash reveal the need for a King who would perfectly obey God and lead His people in righteousness. Jesus fulfills this need as the sinless King who reigns eternally.

Connection to Christ:
Isaiah 9:6-7: Jesus is the prophesied King who reigns with justice and righteousness forever.
Revelation 19:16: Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Reflection:
Human kings like Jehoash fall short, but Jesus provides perfect leadership and eternal hope for His people.

Connection to the Father

1. The Father’s Sovereignty

The chapter highlights the Father’s control over history. He permits Aram’s oppression as a form of discipline and provides deliverance when Israel turns to Him. His sovereign hand is evident in both judgment and mercy.

Reflection:
The Father’s sovereignty assures believers that even difficult circumstances are under His control and serve His purposes (Romans 8:28).

2. The Father’s Mercy

Despite Israel’s persistent sin, the Father responds with compassion when Jehoahaz humbles himself. This mercy reflects His covenantal love for His people.

Reflection:
The Father’s mercy invites believers to approach Him in repentance, trusting in His readiness to forgive (Psalm 86:5).

3. The Father’s Faithfulness

God’s provision of a deliverer and preservation of Israel demonstrate His faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Reflection:
The Father’s faithfulness encourages believers to trust that His promises will never fail (Numbers 23:19).

Connection to the Holy Spirit

1. The Spirit’s Empowering Presence

Elisha’s ministry and the posthumous miracle through his bones demonstrate the Spirit’s power working through God’s servants. This points forward to the Spirit’s role in empowering believers for God’s purposes.

Reflection:
The same Spirit that worked through Elisha now dwells in believers, equipping them to live for God’s glory (Acts 1:8).

2. The Spirit’s Role in Renewal

The Spirit’s power brings life, as seen in the resurrection associated with Elisha’s bones. This foreshadows the Spirit’s role in regenerating and renewing believers through Christ.

Reflection:
The Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual renewal, enabling believers to live in alignment with God’s will (Titus 3:5).

Connection to God’s Love

1. God’s Love in Responding to Repentance

When Jehoahaz humbles himself and seeks God, the Lord responds with compassion, providing deliverance despite Israel’s ongoing sin. This demonstrates God’s patient and forgiving nature.

Reflection:
God’s love is evident in His willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him (1 John 1:9).

2. God’s Love in Offering Deliverance

The deliverance provided to Israel points to God’s desire for His people to live in freedom and peace. This ultimately points to Jesus, who secures eternal deliverance for all who believe.

Reflection:
God’s love is most fully expressed in Jesus, whose sacrifice offers freedom from sin and eternal life (John 3:16).

3. God’s Love in Overcoming Death

The miraculous resurrection associated with Elisha’s bones reflects God’s love and power to bring life even in the face of death. This points to the ultimate victory over death secured by Jesus.

Reflection:
Believers can trust in God’s love, which conquers death and promises eternal life (Romans 8:38-39).

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “Faith, Deliverance, and the Power of God: Lessons from 2 Kings 13”

Introduction

Opening Illustration:
Share a story of someone experiencing deliverance in a time of crisis, such as a family rescued during a natural disaster. Relate this to God’s deliverance of Israel despite their ongoing rebellion.
Main Idea:
2 Kings 13 highlights God’s sovereignty, mercy, and power to bring life and restoration. It calls us to repentance, faith, and obedience, pointing to the ultimate deliverance in Jesus Christ.
Purpose:
Encourage believers to trust in God’s power, seek His deliverance through faith and repentance, and live in alignment with His will.

I. God’s Sovereignty in Discipline and Deliverance (Verses 1–9)

Key Verse: “Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him” (v. 4).
Main Point: God allows discipline to draw His people back to Him, but He is always ready to show mercy when they humble themselves and repent.
Transition: If God is sovereign in both discipline and deliverance, how should we respond to His work in our lives?
Application:
Recognize God’s discipline as an act of love, intended to restore your relationship with Him.
Humbly seek God’s forgiveness and guidance in times of hardship.
Illustration:
Compare God’s discipline to a loving parent correcting a child to guide them toward maturity and safety.

II. The Danger of Partial Repentance (Verses 6–9)

Key Verse: “But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam” (v. 6).
Main Point: Jehoahaz and Israel cry out to God in their distress, but their repentance is incomplete. Their failure to fully abandon idolatry limits the blessings they receive.
Transition: Partial repentance leads to partial blessings. What would full obedience to God look like in your life?
Application:
Identify areas of your life where you may be holding back from full surrender to God.
Commit to removing any idols or distractions that hinder your relationship with Him.
Illustration:
Use the analogy of patching only part of a leaking roof—without full repair, the damage will continue to spread.

III. The Call to Bold Faith and Obedience (Verses 14–19)

Key Verse: “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram completely” (v. 19).
Main Point: Jehoash’s half-hearted obedience reflects a lack of faith, resulting in limited victory. God calls us to trust Him fully and act boldly in response to His promises.
Transition: How can we approach God’s promises with the boldness and faith needed to experience His full blessings?
Application:
Trust God’s power and goodness, stepping out in faith even when the path is uncertain.
Obey God wholeheartedly, knowing that partial obedience limits the fullness of His blessings.
Illustration:
Share a story of someone who missed an opportunity due to hesitation or lack of confidence, contrasting it with an example of bold action leading to success.

IV. The Enduring Power of God (Verses 20–21)

Key Verse: “When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet” (v. 21).
Main Point: The resurrection associated with Elisha’s bones demonstrates God’s power to bring life and restoration, pointing to Jesus as the source of eternal life.
Transition: If God’s power transcends death, how does this truth transform the way we live and face challenges today?
Application:
Trust in God’s power to restore and bring life, even in seemingly hopeless situations.
Celebrate the eternal hope we have in Christ, who has conquered death and given us victory.
Illustration:
Compare God’s power to a defibrillator bringing a stopped heart back to life, showing that even in moments of finality, God can act powerfully.

Conclusion

Summary of Main Points:
God disciplines and delivers His people, showing both His justice and mercy.
Partial repentance limits God’s blessings; full obedience and faith are necessary.
Bold faith and wholehearted obedience open the door to greater victory.
God’s power is limitless, offering life and restoration even in the face of death.
Call to Action:
Reflect on areas where you need to fully trust and obey God.
Commit to seeking His deliverance through repentance and bold faith.
Rest in the assurance of God’s power, mercy, and sovereignty in every aspect of your life.
Closing Illustration:
Share a testimony of someone who experienced God’s transformative power through faith and obedience, encouraging the congregation to trust in His promises.

Illustrations and Examples

Discipline and Mercy:
A parent teaching a child to ride a bike: discipline and correction are necessary, but the parent is always there to catch and guide.
Partial Obedience:
A student studying only part of the material for an exam but failing because they neglected key areas.
Bold Faith:
A story of an entrepreneur who took a risk based on a firm belief in their vision, reflecting the need for confidence in God’s promises.
God’s Power:
The imagery of a phoenix rising from ashes, symbolizing God’s ability to bring life and restoration even in hopeless situations.

Application for Today’s Christian

Trust God’s Sovereignty:
Recognize that God is in control of both blessings and discipline. Surrender your fears and uncertainties to His plan.
Practice Full Repentance:
Identify any areas where you may be clinging to sin or half-heartedly following God. Confess and fully surrender those areas to Him.
Live by Bold Faith:
Step out in faith, trusting God to work in your life as you follow His leading. Avoid half-hearted obedience, which limits His blessings.
Celebrate God’s Power:
Rejoice in the hope of resurrection and restoration through Jesus Christ. Share this hope with others as a testimony of God’s work in your life.

Reflection Questions

How have you experienced God’s discipline in your life? How did it draw you closer to Him?
In what areas do you need to trust God’s sovereignty more fully, especially during challenging times?
Are there areas in your life where you’ve practiced partial obedience or held onto “idols”? What steps can you take to surrender these areas to God completely?
How does recognizing the consequences of partial obedience challenge you to pursue greater faithfulness?
When have you hesitated to fully trust God or act on His promises? How did that affect the outcome?
What would bold faith look like in your current circumstances? How can you take a step of faith this week?
Share a time when God used a challenging situation to teach or grow you spiritually. How did you respond?
How can we encourage one another to view God’s discipline as an act of love rather than punishment?