2 Kings 13: Facing Losses

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of 2 Kings.

My friend Jan sat at her kitchen table and cried. Her husband had lost his job. Their living room now stood warehouse-vacant; the furniture had been repossessed. The large country home in which they lived was next in line; the bank would no longer carry the loan. And now (surprise) a new baby was on the way. Jan would also have to give up her job. Losses like these make us take a hard look at ourselves. Have we displeased God? Have we made foolish errors in planning? Or are we simply caught in the fallout of a world that is overrun by sin? Sometimes we can find no answers, but if we bring the questions to God, we will come away with something of value to sustain us through that time.

Warming Up to God

How has a personal loss of your own or of a friend or relative caused you to feel abandoned by God?

Read 2 Kings 13

Discovering the Word

• Describe the conditions in Israel during the reign of Jehoahaz and Jehoash (vv. 13:10-11).
• What do you think King Jehoash meant when he said to Elisha, "My father! My father! . . . The chariots and horsemen of Israel" (v. 14)?
• Why do you think Elisha had Jehoash act out his message from God (vv. 15-19)?
• What effect was Elisha's final miracle likely to have on the Israelites who saw it (vv. 20-21)?
• Why did God bring relief from Hazael's attacks (vv. 22-25)?

Applying the Word

• When have you seen evidence of God's mercy in a time of personal loss?
• How has personal loss increased your trust in God?

Responding in Prayer

Pray that God will teach you about himself through the losses you experience.