Elisha: Victory: (Even in Death)

The book of Kings has a clear rhythm, with the pace increasing as Israel and Judah head towards destruction

at the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians. Chapters 13 and 14 of Second Kings continue this trend,

seamlessly highlighting how quickly the people resume their mundane, godless, and half---hearted living. Elisha

is now dying, and Israel must have felt hopeless as his death approaches. Despite his over fifty years of efforts

to save God's people from their enemies and guide them away from sins, it seems like there was no significant

progress or outcome.

There seems to be no prophet waiting to take his place which raises questions about what's next. The people

were immoral, their leaders were inept, their army was ineffective, and now their prophet was incapacitated.

The conversation between Elisha and Joash only hints at what could have been, and it is reinforced by a

description of the continuing conflict with the Syrians. This conflict, ultimately unresolved, is attributed to

Joash's lack of faith.

Nothing has changed and God is still keeping his covenant faithfulness as was promised to Abraham. God will not abandon his people even when they forsake him. The God who wields the universe shows that he will give

VICTORY (EVEN IN DEATH).