This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 2 Kings 13:14-20, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Elisha. He was a prophet of God who did many good things. One day, Elisha got very sick, and he knew he was going to die soon.
The king of Israel, named Joash, came to see Elisha and cried because he was so sad. Joash called Elisha his father and said he was like the chariots and horsemen of Israel. It means that Elisha was very important to the people, like a big army.
Elisha wanted to give Joash a message from God, so he asked him to get a bow and arrows. Joash did what Elisha asked, and Elisha told him to shoot an arrow out of the window. Then Elisha said that the arrow meant that Joash would have victory over the enemy Syria.
After that, Elisha told Joash to hit the ground with the arrows. Joash did it three times and then stopped. Elisha got upset with Joash and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck down Syria until you had made an end of it, but now you will strike down Syria only three times.”
This means that Elisha wanted Joash to do more, because if he had, he could have won more battles against Syria. Joash should have listened and done exactly what Elisha said, but he didn’t.
Eventually, Elisha died and was buried. Then the Moabites come and invade the land in the springtime.
Biblical Lessons
- It is important to show respect and honor to our elders and those in positions of authority.
- Obedience is key to fulfilling God’s plan for our lives.
- Sometimes we may not fully understand what God is asking of us, but we must trust in His plan.
- We should always strive to do our best and not settle for doing the minimum required.
Related Stories
Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son
Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath
The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath
Must-Read Christian Books
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Grace
Shows how God's grace and our disciplined effort work together in sanctification.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
Explains and defends the doctrines of grace and God's sovereign election from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Redemption Accomplished and Applied
A concise, biblical study of Christ's atonement and the application of salvation to believers.
View on Amazon
Trusting God
Encourages believers to trust God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
The Bruised Reed
A tender Puritan work on Christ's gentleness toward weak and struggling believers.
View on Amazon
All of Grace
A simple, powerful explanation of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
View on Amazon
Christian Beliefs
A shorter, accessible overview of 20 basic Christian doctrines for everyday believers.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
Encourages and equips Christians to share the gospel faithfully and simply.
View on Amazon
Christian Mission in the Modern World
Clarifies key biblical concepts like evangelism, mission, and social action.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon