Elisha-His Last Duty

by Mary Vee

II Kings13

From Elisha's Assistant's Journal

Photo Courtesy

I have been assisting the prophet Elisha as he grew older. I see that he has food, take care of his needs, and go with him when he has duties to perform.

Elisha has become quite ill in his old age. He spends more time in bed than ever before.

Jehoash, king of Israel came to the door, yesterday. "I heard Elisha is ill. I'd like to see him."

I showed him to Elisha's bed chamber and stepped back. I didn't leave the room in case either of the men needed something.

King Jehoash ran to Elisha's bedside and wept. "My father! My father! What should I do? The army of Aram is heavy upon us. We will all die. Tell me what to do."

Elisha opened his eyes and spoke. "Get a bow and some arrows."

King Jehoash left the room and returned with the bow and arrows. He kneeled at Elisha's bedside and said, "Look I have done as you asked."

Elisha said, "Take the bow in your hands." 

King Jehoash remained by the bedside but picked up the bow. Elisha put his hands on the king's hands and said, "Open the east window."

The king slid his hands away from Elisha's, walked to the window, and opened it.

Elisha softly said, "Shoot an arrow."

As the king obeyed, Elisha said, "The Lord's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram! You will completely destroy the Arameans at the battle of Aphek."

The king smiled and returned to Elisha's bedside. Elisha said, "Take up your remaining arrows."

Jehoash obeyed and waited for the next instruction. 

Elisha said, "Strike the ground."

Jehoash picked up the arrows and struck the ground three times and stopped. 

Elisah's face turned red with anger. "You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroy his army. But now you will defeat it only three times."

King Jehoash closed his eyes and sighed. I helped him to leave the room.

As the sun set that day, Elisha closed his eyes and breathed his last breath ending his life here. 

I know, though, that one day I shall see him in heaven.

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1. Who came to visit Elisha?

2. What problem did the king have?

3. What did Elisha tell him to do with the bow?

4. What did Elisha tell him to do with the arrows?

5. What battle did Elisha say the king would win?

6. What did the king do wrong?

7. What happened later that day to Elisha?