2 Kings 13:20-25
"20 So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. 21 And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.
22 Now Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 23 But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion on them, and he turned toward them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, nor has he cast them from his presence until now.
24 When Hazael king of Syria died, Ben-hadad his son became king in his place. 25 Then Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again from Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the cities that he had taken from Jehoahaz his father in war. Three times Joash defeated him and recovered the cities of Israel."
We offer two comments on this unusual and startling miracle. In the first place, it tells us that even in death the prophet was a symbol of life and hope, and that he being dead yet spoke. It is a testimony to the truth that nothing but living faith can give life and that faith is something that never dies, but lives on. (One thinks of the quickening life-giving power that can come through reading the record of past revival movements or the lives of eminent saints of God this is one of God's gracious provisions for His people.)
Secondly - and here we quote from a note by the Rev. William Still, Gilcomston South Church, Aberdeen - 'This miracle tells us something very wonderful that we should never forget when we contemplate sadly the death of saints: even in death we are held by Christ for the power of God was there with the bones of the dead prophet: How we love the wording of the Shorter Catechism. 'The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness and do immediately pass into glory. Their bodies being still united to Christ (some who had perhaps forgotten our present incident have taken exception to this but we should never forget that the formulators of the Westminster Confession knew their Bibles even if we do not) do rest in their graves until the resurrection.' Hallelujah! O grave, where is thy victory?’ Yes, indeed, where is it? We have heard it said that some saints are more useful to God dead than alive, and this can mean different things. We had not thought it could mean this, too!'