17. Elisha said, “Open the east window.” Jehoash opened the window. Then Elisha said, “Shoot.” Jehoash shot. Then Elisha said, “This is the Lord’S arrow of victory over Aram! You will defeat the Arameans at Aphek until you destroy them.”
18. Elisha said, “Take the arrows.” Jehoash took the arrows. Then Elisha said to him, “Hit on the ground.” Jehoash hit the ground three times. Then he stopped.
19. The man of God was angry with Jehoash. Elisha said, “You should have hit five or six times! Then you would have defeated Aram until you destroyed it! But now, you will defeat Aram only three times.”
20. Elisha died, and the people buried him. One time in the spring a group of Moabite soldiers came to fight against Israel.
21. Some Israelites were burying a dead man when they saw that group of soldiers. The Israelites quickly threw the dead man into Elisha’s grave. As soon as the dead man touched the bones of Elisha, he came back to life and stood up on his feet.
22. During all the days that Jehoahaz ruled, King Hazael of Aram caused trouble to Israel.
23. But the Lord was kind to the Israelites. He had mercy and showed his care for them because of his agreement with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He did not want them to be destroyed. He has never completely left them.
24. King Hazael of Aram died, and Ben-Hadad became the new king after him.
25. Before he died, Hazael had taken some cities in war from Jehoahaz, Jehoash’s father. But now Jehoash took back these cities from Hazael’s son Ben-Hadad. Jehoash defeated Ben-Hadad three times and took back the cities of Israel.