MAY 19, 2026 – EVIL

READ: 2 Kin. 13:1–25: … what was evil in the eyes of the LORD …

Then follow two kings of Israel, Jehoahaz and Joash, who as son and grandson of Jehu are both just as evil as Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin. They also practice self-willed religion and ignore the Word of God. It is a refrain that continually returns. Despite calls from the true prophets of the LORD, they persist in this sin.

In verse 14 we now again read of the prophet Elisha, about forty-five years after the anointing of Jehu (see 2 Kin. 9:1). We may assume that Elisha has been active all that time in prophesying, in calling to repentance, in giving instruction in God’s Word, and in the training of sons of the prophets.

Elisha is now terminally ill. King Joash of Israel is moved when he sees this man of God so sick. That is remarkable in view of the attitude of his predecessors. He even refers to Elisha’s words at the ascension of Elijah: “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen.”

Joash considers how Elisha after Elijah’s departure brought victories to Israel over its enemies. But that he did this in the name of the LORD and as an exhortation to serve the LORD does not occur to Joash. It is more an expression of despondency.

Yet Elisha himself wants at the end still to give Joash encouragement, as an exhortation to faith. Joash must shoot an arrow, symbolically pointing to a victory that will be given to him by the LORD over the Syrians. But Joash shows a lukewarm response to Elisha’s instruction also to strike the ground with the bundle of arrows. By striking several times he would show that he believes this with all his heart. But Joash soon thinks it is enough.

It characterizes the man: he does not have firm faith that the LORD will give him many victories. Elisha shows his indignation and reproach about this. That is the last thing Joash receives from him. Elisha dies and is buried.

That later a dead man in the grave of Elisha came to life again is a miracle that symbolically points to the power of the living Word of God, which Elisha has been allowed continually to bring.

What is necessary for a living faith?                                              

Sing: Ps. 63:4