2 Kings 13:5: The Savior

2 Kings 13:5 "Therefore the LORD gave Israel a savior, so that they escaped from the hand of the Syrians, and the people of Israel lived in their homes as formerly."

We see in the New Testament that the word savior constantly refers to Jesus and how he saves us from our sins. However, we must recognize that many of the terms used for Jesus (such as Christ, Messiah, Savior, Son of Man, and many others) have an Old Testament background that we must not forget about. This morning, we are going to take a look at the term savior as it was used in the Old Testament.

2 Kings 13:5 is the second time in scripture we see the word translated "savior," but it is the first time that it is used in reference to another human. In 2 Samuel 22, David refers to God as his "Savior," but here in 2 Kings 13, we see how God sent a "savior, so that they [the Israelites] escaped from the hand of the Syrians." In the context of 2 Kings 13, we see the people of Israel being under great oppression from the Syrians. However, because of the faithfulness of the Lord, he does not allow the Israelites to be destroyed, but sends them a savior to deliver them from their enemies.

Let us note quickly there is very little information about this "savior." We don't know his name, nor do we know how he saved. We simply know that the Lord sent him, and that he was successful in saving Israel from its enemies. However, this information is plenty enough for us to realize how this "savior" pointed to Jesus.

Just as this "savior" showed up when God's people were oppressed, so did Jesus show up when his people were being overcome by sin. Just as this "savior" was sent by God, God sent his very own son to die, so that all who believe in him might not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Just as this "savior" successfully delivered God's people from oppression, so would Jesus do for us, yet not temporarily, but eternally. Through Jesus, we have a savior who delivered us forever from our spiritual enemy. Thus, he is not merely a savior, but the Savior. Amen.