Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Kings 13:20-25

"And Elisha died, and they buried him. Now the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet. And Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. But Jehovah was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. And Hazael king of Syria died; and Benhadad his son reigned in his stead. And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash smite him, and recovered the cities of Israel." — 2 Kings 13:20-25 (ASV)

God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. Trouble sometimes comes from that point from which we least feared it.

The mention of this invasion, following Elisha's death, shows that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a sign of coming judgments.

His dead body was a means of giving life to another dead body. This miracle was a confirmation of his prophecies. And it may refer to Christ, by whose death and burial the grave is made a safe and happy passage to life for all believers.

Jehoash was successful against the Syrians for exactly the number of times he had struck the ground with the arrows; then a stop was put to his victories. Many have repented, when too late, of their distrust and the limitation of their desires.