2 kings 13:21 - 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.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 13:21

What does "2 kings 13:21" mean?


This verse from 2 Kings 13:21 is a remarkable testament to the residual power of God that remained even in the bones of the prophet Elisha after his death. Here's a breakdown of what it means and its significance:

Context: The passage describes a time of political and military instability in Israel. Raiding parties were common, posing a constant threat to the people.

Sudden Danger and Desperation: A group of people are in the process of burying a man when they suddenly spot a band of raiders approaching. In their panic and haste, they have no time for a proper burial and simply throw the corpse into the nearest available place – Elisha's tomb.

Miraculous Revival: The key element is the miraculous revival of the dead man when he touches Elisha's bones. This is a dramatic and unexpected event.

Significance:

God's Power: The miracle highlights God's power working even through the remains of a faithful servant. It demonstrates that God's power is not limited to a person's lifetime.
Affirmation of Elisha's Ministry: The revival serves as a posthumous confirmation of Elisha's ministry and his relationship with God. It underscores that Elisha was a true prophet of God and that his life was marked by divine favor.
Hope in Death: This event could have provided hope and encouragement to the Israelites during a difficult period. It suggested that even in the face of death, God's power could bring life.
Unusual Miracle: It's an unusual miracle in the Old Testament as it involves physical contact with a dead person's bones. This is unique compared to other resurrections or healings.

In essence, this verse speaks to the enduring power of God, even after the death of his prophets. It's a powerful reminder that God's influence can extend beyond the physical realm and offer hope in unexpected ways.

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