2 Kings 13: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Kings 13 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jehoahaz reigned over Israel in Samaria for seventeen years, doing evil in Yahweh’s sight and following the sins of Jeroboam (vv. 1-2). Yahweh's anger against Israel led to oppression from Hazael king of Syria, but Jehoahaz begged Yahweh for help, and Yahweh listened, providing a savior for Israel (vv.

Key verse

“Elisha died, and they buried him. Now the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. As they were burying a man, behold, they saw a band of raiders; and they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb. As soon as the man touched Elisha’s bones, he revived, and stood up on his feet.”
2 Kings 13:20-21 (WEB)

Outline

2 Kings 13:1–3 Jehoahaz reigns and sins
2 Kings 13:4–7 Jehoahaz's plea and God's response
2 Kings 13:8–9 Jehoahaz's legacy
2 Kings 13:10–13 Joash reigns and continues sin
2 Kings 13:14–19 Elisha's prophetic guidance
2 Kings 13:20–21 Elisha's death and miracle
2 Kings 13:22–25 Continued oppression and victory

Discussion questions

In v6, what sins are the people of Israel still following?
What happens in v21 when a dead man touches Elisha's bones?
Elisha's actions in vv. 15-17: what do they symbolize for Joash and Israel?
Why does Elisha react with anger in v19 when Joash strikes the ground?
When have you faced a situation where you needed to trust someone like Joash trusted Elisha?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Kings 13: 2 Kings 14, 2 Kings 10, 2 Kings 4.

Before next time: read 2 Kings 14.