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
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A comprehensive, evangelical overview of Christian doctrine with Scripture at every point.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
Knowing Scripture
Teaches how to interpret the Bible rightly, emphasizing its clarity and our responsibility to study it.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
Living the Cross-Centered Life
A call to keep Christ's cross at the center of our thinking, worship, and daily living.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
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
The Attributes of God
Devotional meditations on God's character that stir reverence and worship.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
Christian Beliefs
A shorter, accessible overview of 20 basic Christian doctrines for everyday believers.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Worship Matters
Helps worship leaders and churches keep the gospel central in congregational worship.
View on Amazon
The Universe Next Door
Surveys competing worldviews and contrasts them with the Christian view of reality.
View on Amazon
Gentle and Lowly
Meditates on Christ's heart for sinners and sufferers from key biblical texts.
View on Amazon
