King Jehoahaz becomes king of Israel (the northern kingdom). He follows the sins of Jeroboam (idol worship), so God allows Israel to be oppressed by Hazael and later Ben-Hadad, kings of Aram (Syria). Jehoahaz humbles himself and prays, and God shows mercy by giving Israel a deliverer, but the nation still continues in sin.

Jehoahaz’s son Jehoash (Joash) succeeds him as king. He also follows Jeroboam’s sins and does evil in God’s sight.

During this time, the prophet Elisha is very old and sick. King Jehoash visits him, weeping, and Elisha gives him prophetic signs:

• Arrows of victory: Elisha tells Jehoash to shoot an arrow, symbolizing God’s victory over Aram. Then he tells him to strike the ground with arrows. Jehoash strikes only three times, and Elisha becomes upset, saying that Israel will defeat Aram only three times instead of completely destroying them.
• After Elisha dies and is buried, a miracle occurs: a dead man’s body touches Elisha’s bones and comes back to life.

In the end, Israel regains some cities that Aram had captured, fulfilling Elisha’s prophecy that Jehoash would win three victories.

Key Themes:

• God’s mercy even when His people persist in sin.
• The importance of wholehearted faith and obedience (half-hearted actions limit blessings).
• God’s power displayed even after the death of His prophet.