A Dead Man Raised by Elisha's Bones
2 Kings 13:20–21
The Story
Elisha had died and was buried. The following year, while some Israelites were burying another man, they spotted Moabite raiders and hastily threw the body into the nearest tomb — which happened to be Elisha's. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man revived and stood up on his feet.
Did You Know
This is the only resurrection in the entire Bible that occurred through contact with a dead man's bones — after the prophet himself had already died. Elisha performed more recorded miracles than any other Old Testament prophet — and his last miracle happened posthumously.
Takeaway
God's power is not limited by the vessel through which it flows — not even by death. Elisha's bones were dry and silent, yet divine life-giving power lingered. This story points forward to resurrection itself: death is not the final word when God is involved.
Context
Elisha's ministry spanned roughly 50 years — twice as long as his mentor Elijah's — and he performed a double portion of Elijah's miracles (2 Kings 2:9), as he had requested. His posthumous miracle perfectly closes a life entirely defined by God's power breaking into ordinary moments.