What does 2 Kings 13:20 mean?
"¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year." - 2 Kings 13:20
The Bible verse 2 Kings 13:20 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year." This verse is situated within the historical context of the life of the prophet Elisha and the struggles of the Israelites against the Moabites.
In this verse, we see the passing of the prophet Elisha, who had been a prominent figure in Israelite history. Elisha was known for his miraculous deeds and his close relationship with God. His death marks the end of an era and a shift in the leadership of the Israelites. The fact that Elisha was buried signifies the honor and respect that he was given even in his death. It also highlights the importance of honoring and remembering the prophets and their contributions to the faith.
The second part of the verse states that "the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year." This invasion by the Moabites serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and conflicts faced by the Israelites. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites faced numerous invasions and battles with neighboring nations, and this verse reflects the continued challenges they encountered even after the death of Elisha.
In terms of themes, this verse touches on the themes of leadership transition, honoring the dead, and the ongoing struggles of the Israelites. The passing of Elisha represents a transition in leadership and a changing of the guard. This theme of leadership transition is significant in the context of the Israelites' history, as they often faced periods of instability and uncertainty when their leaders passed away.
The act of burying Elisha also speaks to the theme of honoring the dead. Throughout the Bible, there is an emphasis on the importance of respecting and remembering those who have passed away. The burial of Elisha demonstrates the reverence and respect that the Israelites had for their prophets and leaders.
The invasion of the Moabites reflects the theme of ongoing struggle and conflict. Despite the presence of prophets and God's interventions, the Israelites continued to face external threats and challenges. This theme of struggle is a recurring aspect of the Old Testament narrative and serves as a reminder of the difficult circumstances in which the Israelites lived.
Symbolically, the death of Elisha can be seen as representing the end of a particular era or phase in the history of the Israelites. His burial signifies the completion of his earthly journey and the beginning of a new chapter for the Israelites. The invasion of the Moabites can be viewed as a symbol of the ongoing trials and tribulations that the Israelites faced in their journey as a nation.
Overall, 2 Kings 13:20 provides a glimpse into the historical context of the Israelites and the significance of Elisha's death. It touches on important themes of leadership, honoring the dead, and the ongoing struggles of the Israelites. The verse also contains symbolism that reflects the broader narrative of the Israelites' history and their relationship with God.
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2 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."
"¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year." - 2 Kings 13:20
2 Kings 13:13 - "And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
1 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back:"
2 Kings 20:2 - "Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,"
2 Kings 2:20 - "And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him."
2 Kings 20:13 - "And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 10:20 - "And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it."
Joel 1:2-4, 13-20
2 Kings 25:20 - "And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:"
2 Kings 13:22 - "¶ But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz."
2 Kings 13:8 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."
2 Kings 19:13 - "Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?"
2 Kings 11:20 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house."
2 Kings 8:20 - "¶ In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves."
2 Chronicles 20:13 - "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."
2 Kings 2:13 - "He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;"
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 7:20 - "And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died."
1 Kings 20:2 - "And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,"
2 Kings 13:24 - "So Hazael king of Syria died; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 20:4 - "And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,"
2 Kings 12:20 - "And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla."
"And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel." - 2 Kings 13:13