II Kings 13:14 · Bible study
2 Kings 13:14 Commentary: Joash Echoes Elisha's Cry
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why a wicked king weeps over a dying prophet, echoing Elisha's own words to Elijah. Commentary on loss, faith, and legacy.
Research Summary
- Meaning: King Joash recognizes the dying prophet Elisha as Israel’s true defense, more valuable than military chariots and horsemen.
- Key words: av (father, honorific for a prophet); rechev (chariotry, mounted force); parash (horsemen, cavalry).
- Main debate: Whether Joash’s faith was genuine or merely superstitious/political respect.
- Theological theme: God’s protection comes through prophetic ministry and prayer, not through human power.
- Best use: Funerals, memorial services, or sermons on valuing spiritual leadership and legacy.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
When Elisha had fallen sick with the illness from which he would die, Jehoash king of Israel came down to him and wept over him, saying, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”
WEB World English Bible 2000
Now Elisha became sick with the illness of which he died; and Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over him, and said, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!”
KJV King James Version 1769
Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died: and Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over him, and said, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof!
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And Elisha hath been sick with his sickness in which he dieth, and come down unto him doth Joash king of Israel, and weepeth on his face, and saith, `My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and its horsemen.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And Elisha fell sick of his sickness in which he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, My father, my father! the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof!
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Now Eliseus was sick of the illness whereof he died: and Joas, king of Israel, went down to him, and wept before him, and said: O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the guider thereof.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Estaba Eliseo enfermo de aquella su enfermedad de que murió. Y descendió á él Joas rey de Israel, y llorando delante de él, dijo: ¡ Padre mío, padre mío, carro de Israel y su gente de á caballo!
Estava Eliseu enfermo daquela sua enfermidade de que morreu. E desceu a ele Joás rei de Israel, e chorando diante dele, disse: Meu pai, meu pai, carro de Israel e seus cavaleiros!
Élisée était atteint de la maladie dont il mourut; et Joas, roi d’ Israël, descendit vers lui, pleura sur son visage, et dit: Mon père! Mon père! Char d’ Israël et sa cavalerie!
Elisa aber war krank, daran er auch starb. Und Joas, der König Israels, kam zu ihm hinab und weinte vor ihm und sprach: Mein Vater, mein Vater! Wagen Israels und seine Reiter!
Elisa nu was krank geweest van zijn krankheid, van dewelke hij stierf; en Joas, de koning van Israel, was tot hem afgekomen, en had geweend over zijn aangezicht, en gezegd: Mijn vader, mijn vader, wagen Israels en zijn ruiteren!
Or Eliseo cadde malato di quella malattia che lo dovea condurre alla morte; e Joas, re d’Israele, scese a trovarlo, pianse su lui, e disse: “Padre mio, padre mio! Carro d’Israele e sua cavalleria!”.
A Elizeusz wpadł w ciężką chorobę, w której też umarł. I przyszedł do niego Joaz, król Izraelski, i płakał nad nim, mówiąc: Ojcze mój, ojcze mój! wozie Izraelski, i jazdo jego.
Елисей заболел болезнью, от которой потом и умер. И пришел к нему Иоас, царь Израильский, и плакал над ним, и говорил: отец мой! отец мой! колесница Израиля и конница его!
以利沙 得了 必死 的 病，以色列 王 約阿施 下來 看他，伏在 他臉 上哭泣，說：「我父啊！我父啊！以色列 的戰車 馬兵啊！」
Now Elisha became ill with the disease which was the cause of his death: and Joash, king of Israel, came down to him, and weeping over him said, My father, my father, the war-carriages of Israel and its horsemen!
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · II Kings 13:14
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Joash's cry directly echoes Elisha's own words at Elijah's translation (2 Kings 2:12). By repeating “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen,” the king acknowledges Elisha as the nation's true protector, more valuable than military might. Adam Clarke notes that Joash asks, “What shall I do now thou art dying? thou art the only defense of Israel.” Barnes observes that Joash must have known the circumstances of Elijah's removal and intended to apply to Elisha his own words: “thou who hast been … the true defense of Israel.” Keil and Delitzsch see the lament as proof that Joash “knew how to value his labours.” The Targum paraphrases: “my master, who was better to Israel by his prayers than chariots and horsemen.” Despite Joash's continued idolatry, his visit and tears show genuine, if limited, recognition of the prophet's role as God's instrument for Israel's deliverance.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: The king recognized Elisha as a greater defense than military power, echoing the very words Elisha used for Elijah.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Joash's faith | Joash valued Elisha's ministry and wept at his death. | Some commentators see genuine, if weak, faith; others view it as mere superstitious recognition of the prophet's political/military value. |
| Meaning of 'chariots of Israel' | The phrase means the prophet was Israel's true defense. | Whether 'chariot' (singular) or 'chariots' (plural) is original; the collective sense is agreed. |
| Comparison with Elijah's assumption | Joash purposely echoes Elisha's own cry from 2 Kings 2:12. | Whether the parallel implies Elisha would be taken up bodily (like Elijah) or simply die a natural death. |
| Elisha's long retirement | Elisha had been largely inactive for decades before this scene. | Whether his quiet years were a 'hidden faithfulness' or a withdrawal due to disappointment. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Elisha had served Israel for over sixty years, first appearing as Elijah's successor around 850 BC. By the time of his death, the northern kingdom was weakened by periodic Syrian oppression, and Joash (also called Jehoash) was on the throne, a king who “did that which was evil in Yahweh's sight” (13:11), perpetuating Jeroboam's calf worship. Yet this same king left his palace, “came down” to the prophet's house, and wept over the dying man. The Hebrew verb yarad (to go down) suggests both physical descent from Samaria’s hilltop palace and a symbolic lowering of royal dignity.
The cry “My father, my father” was a recognized title for a prophet; the king of Israel had earlier addressed Elisha as “my father” when seeking military advice (2 Kings 6:21). The full phrase, “the chariots of Israel and its horsemen,” originated with Elisha himself when Elijah was taken to heaven (2 Kings 2:12). It means the prophet, through prayer and God's word, was a greater defense than the entire mounted army. Joash’s use of the same words transfers that mantle to Elisha: he too has been Israel’s true protector. The scene sets up the symbolic arrow drama that follows (vv.15, 19), where Joash’s half-hearted striking of the ground limits his victory. His respect for the prophet is real, but his faith is incomplete.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants that affect interpretation. Some manuscripts read “chariot” (singular, so KJV, ASV, YLT, Darby) while others read “chariots” (plural, so WEB, BSB). The Cambridge Bible prefers the plural as “the more correct rendering,” but the meaning, the entire mounted force of Israel, is the same in either reading.
Reception History
This verse has been a touchstone for honoring faithful servants at their deathbed. Early Jewish Targums interpreted the cry as praising Elisha’s prayers above military might. Reformation commentators like Calvin (Geneva Notes) and Matthew Henry stressed the contrast between a wicked king’s tears and his persistent sin. The image of the prophet as “chariots and horsemen” entered Christian hymnody as a metaphor for God’s protective power. In funeral homilies, the passage is often used to affirm that true spiritual leaders leave a legacy greater than any human army.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The prophet’s weakness and God’s strength. Elisha dies, but his final act is to speak promise and direction. God’s power is not exhausted by human frailty.
- The king’s surprising respect. A wicked ruler weeps over a holy man. Joash acknowledged his debt to Elisha even while refusing to abandon his idols. This shows that God’s servants can earn honor even from those who do not fully obey.
- The legacy of a faithful servant. Joash calls Elisha “the chariots of Israel.” The greatest legacy a believer leaves is not wealth or buildings but the way God used them to protect and guide others.
Five-point outline
- The end of an era: Elisha’s illness and approaching death.
- The king who came down: Joash humbles himself to visit a dying subject.
- The tears of a hard king: what made him weep? Loss of protection, genuine affection, or both?
- The borrowed words: why Joash quotes Elisha’s own cry over Elijah. He saw the same pattern of divine protection.
- The measure of faith: Joash’s three strikes in the next verses show his respect was not matched by full trust.
Illustration hooks
- A town loses its only fire station. The fire chief, an ordinary man, is suddenly recognized as “the one who saved us.” People weep not for the person alone but for the protection he represented.
- A child calls a grandfather “my hero” as the grandfather lies in a hospital bed. The phrase says more about the child’s need than about the old man’s current strength.
- A community mourns a retired teacher who quietly shaped generations. The public grief reveals what the community truly valued.
Questions your congregation is asking
- “Why would God let a wicked king honor a prophet? Doesn’t that seem inconsistent?”
- “Did Joash really believe in God, or was he just using Elisha for political protection?”
- “What does this story tell us about how we should value spiritual leaders today?”
Leading a Discussion
This scene shows a wicked king grieving the loss of a prophet. It raises difficult questions about mixed motives, genuine respect, and the legacy of faithful service. Use these questions to guide your group toward honest reflection.
Discussion questions
- What catches your attention most in this verse? The king’s tears? The repeated “my father”? The title “chariots of Israel”?
- Read 2 Kings 2:12. Why do you think Joash repeats Elisha’s own words? What does he mean by calling Elisha “the chariots of Israel”?
- Given that Joash practiced idolatry (13:11), how do you understand his grief? Is it possible to admire and value someone without following their God?
- The Targum paraphrases that Elisha “was better to Israel by his prayers than chariots and horsemen.” What does that say about the power of intercessory prayer?
- Joash visited the dying prophet; he did not stay away. What does that action tell you about his view of Elisha’s importance?
- How do you decide whom to honor in your own life? What makes someone a “chariot of Israel” in your community today?
- In verses 15, 19, Joash strikes the ground only three times. How does his limited faith in that scene match or contrast with his tears in verse 14?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 48:1 | After these things, someone said to Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. |
| II Kings 2:12 | Elisha saw it, and he cried, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” He saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. |
| II Kings 6:21 | The king of Israel said to Elisha, when he saw them, “My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?” |
| II Kings 20:1 | In those days Hezekiah was sick and dying. Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Yahweh says, ‘Set your house in order; for you will die, and not live.’” |
| Psalms 12:1 | For the Chief Musician; upon an eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm of David. Help, Yahweh; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men. |
| Proverbs 11:11 | By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. |
| Isaiah 57:1 | The righteous perish, and no one lays it to heart. Merciful men are taken away, and no one considers that the righteous is taken away from the evil. |
| Ezekiel 14:14 | though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only their own souls by their righteousness,” says the Lord Yahweh. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke points out that King Joash addresses the dying Elisha with the same words Elisha had used when Elijah was taken to heaven. This echo shows Joash saw Elisha as Israel's only remaining defense, lamenting that the nation would lose its protector.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes observes that Joash, not Elisha, initiates this final meeting, and the king deliberately applies to Elisha the same words once spoken of Elijah—"the chariot of Israel." This shows Joash recognized Elisha as the nation's true defense, just as Elijah had been.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator notes the striking contradiction that King Jehoash wept over the dying Elisha and honored him as Israel's true defense, yet stubbornly kept the golden calves. This shows how powerful the political attachment to those idols must have been, overriding the prophet's influence that should have removed them.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva notes highlight how King Joash’s lament identifies Elisha as the nation’s true defense, calling him the chariot and horsemen of Israel even as he lay dying. The king’s weeping on Elisha’s face underscores that the prophet, not military might, was Israel’s real protection.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill points out that Joash, a wicked king who ignored Elisha's advice, still wept over the dying prophet and repeated the same tribute Elisha gave Elijah. The king valued Elisha's prayers as a greater defense than chariots and horsemen, even though he had not reformed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB notes the contrast between Elisha’s death by ordinary sickness and Elijah, who did not die. Joash weeps not from personal love for the prophet but for the national loss his death will bring. The king’s weak faith is still accepted, and Elisha responds with a dying blessing.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch sees Joash's three arrow shots as the hinge: his weak faith stopped him from claiming the full victory God offered. The posthumous miracle of a dead man revived by Elisha's bones was not meant to outdo Elijah but to seal the dying prophecy as truly from the living God.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights that Joash's half-hearted obedience—striking the ground only three times—directly limited the deliverance God was offering. The king had the opportunity for complete victory over Syria, but his lack of zeal and weak faith cost him the full blessing.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that Elisha's sixty years as a prophet were a mercy to Israel, yet his final forty-five years go unrecorded. Though less famous than earlier, he remained useful to the last. God gives each prophet a longer or shorter season