2 Kings 13 Devotional

Gracious Because He Promised

“But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, and He turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day, the LORD has been unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence.”2 Kings 13:23 (BSB)

Israel's kings in this chapter keep walking in the sins of Jeroboam, and the LORD hands Israel over to Aram again and again (13:2-3). Then Jehoahaz seeks the LORD's favor, and the LORD listens, because he sees how cruelly Israel is oppressed (13:4). He sends a deliverer, even though the people still do not turn from their sins (13:5-6).

As Elisha lies dying, he places his hands on King Jehoash's hands to shoot the LORD's arrow of victory (13:16-17). Jehoash strikes the ground only three times, and Elisha is angry, because a fuller victory had been offered (13:19). After Elisha is buried, a dead man thrown into his tomb touches his bones and stands up alive (13:21). The chapter's summary explains it all: the LORD showed Israel grace and compassion because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (13:23). His kindness rests on his own promise. That is why it is safe to ask him for more than you think you deserve.

To think about: Where have you been asking God for too little, as if his kindness depended on your record rather than his promise?