2 Kings 13:17

"Open the east window," said Elisha. So he opened it and Elisha said, "Shoot!" So he shot. And Elisha declared: "This is the LORD's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram, for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them."

Study Bible

Open the east window
The phrase "Open the east window" is significant in its directional choice. In ancient Israel, the east often symbolized the direction of divine intervention and new beginnings, as the sun rises in the east. The Hebrew word for "east" is "qedem," which can also mean "ancient" or "eternal," suggesting a connection to God's eternal nature and His timeless promises. By instructing the king to open the east window, Elisha is symbolically inviting God's presence and power into the situation, aligning the king's actions with divine will.

said Elisha
Elisha, whose name means "God is salvation," is a central prophetic figure in the narrative. His role as a prophet is to convey God's messages and intentions to the people and their leaders. In this context, Elisha acts as a mediator of God's will, guiding the king to act in faith. His authority is not of his own but is derived from his relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership that is rooted in divine guidance.

So he opened it
The king's obedience in opening the window demonstrates his willingness to follow prophetic instruction. This act of obedience is crucial, as it sets the stage for the subsequent prophetic action. In the biblical narrative, obedience to God's commands often precedes divine intervention and blessing. The king's compliance reflects a moment of faith and submission to God's plan, which is essential for the fulfillment of the prophecy.

and Elisha said, 'Shoot!'
The command to "Shoot!" is a directive for action. In the Hebrew context, the act of shooting an arrow can symbolize launching an initiative or beginning a campaign. This action is not merely physical but carries spiritual significance, representing the initiation of God's deliverance. The imperative form of the verb underscores the urgency and importance of acting in faith, trusting in God's promise of victory.

So he shot
The king's action in shooting the arrow signifies his participation in God's plan. It is a tangible expression of faith, as he acts upon the prophetic word given by Elisha. This moment highlights the partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God's promises are realized through human action in obedience to His word.

And Elisha declared
Elisha's declaration serves as a prophetic confirmation of the symbolic act. In the biblical tradition, a prophet's declaration is not merely a prediction but an authoritative pronouncement of God's will. Elisha's words carry the weight of divine authority, affirming the significance of the king's action and the certainty of God's promise.

This is the LORD’s arrow of victory
The phrase "the LORD’s arrow of victory" identifies the arrow as a symbol of divine intervention and triumph. The Hebrew word for "victory" is "teshuah," which can also mean "deliverance" or "salvation." This emphasizes that the victory is not by human might but by the LORD's power. The arrow represents God's active involvement in the deliverance of His people, assuring them of His support and strength in their battles.

the arrow of victory over Aram
The specific mention of "victory over Aram" identifies the enemy and the scope of God's deliverance. Aram, a recurrent adversary of Israel, represents the challenges and oppressions faced by God's people. The promise of victory over Aram is a reassurance of God's commitment to protect and deliver His people from their enemies, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness and protection.

for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek
The location "Aphek" is historically significant as a site of previous battles between Israel and Aram. By specifying Aphek, the prophecy connects to Israel's history of conflict and God's past interventions. The promise that the king "shall strike the Arameans" indicates a decisive victory, suggesting that God will empower Israel to overcome their adversaries completely.

until you have put an end to them
The phrase "until you have put an end to them" underscores the completeness of the promised victory. It assures the king that the deliverance will be thorough and final, leaving no room for the enemy to regroup or retaliate. This promise of total victory reflects God's ultimate authority over all nations and His ability to bring about complete deliverance for His people, encouraging believers to trust in His power to overcome any opposition.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elisha
A prophet in Israel, successor of Elijah, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel.

2. Jehoash (Joash) of Israel
The king of Israel during this time, seeking guidance and deliverance from the prophet Elisha.

3. Aram (Syria)
A neighboring nation and frequent adversary of Israel, often at war with them.

4. Aphek
A location where significant battles occurred between Israel and Aram, symbolizing conflict and victory.

5. The Arrow
Symbolizes God's deliverance and victory over Israel's enemies, as directed by the prophet Elisha.

Teaching Points

Divine Guidance and Obedience
Elisha's instructions to Jehoash highlight the importance of seeking and following God's guidance in our battles.

Symbolism of Victory
The arrow represents God's promise of victory. We must trust in His promises and act in faith.

Faith in Action
Jehoash's act of shooting the arrow demonstrates faith in action. Our faith should lead to obedient actions that align with God's will.

God's Sovereignty in Battles
The victory over Aram is attributed to God, reminding us that our struggles are ultimately under His control.

Prophetic Assurance
Elisha's declaration assures us that God's word through His prophets is reliable and powerful, encouraging us to trust in His promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of shooting the arrow symbolize faith and obedience in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we seek and recognize God's guidance in our personal battles today?

3. How does the concept of divine victory in 2 Kings 13:17 encourage us in facing our own challenges?

4. What are some modern "arrows" of faith that we can "shoot" in obedience to God's direction?

5. How can we apply the assurance of God's promises, as seen in Elisha's prophecy, to our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 18:34
This verse speaks of God training hands for battle, which connects to the idea of divine empowerment for victory.

Isaiah 49:2
Describes God's word as a polished arrow, symbolizing His precise and powerful intervention.

Ephesians 6:16
Discusses the shield of faith, which can be related to the faith required to trust in God's deliverance as symbolized by the arrow.

1 Samuel 17:47
Reminds us that the battle belongs to the Lord, similar to how the victory over Aram is attributed to God's intervention.

Zechariah 9:14
Speaks of the Lord appearing over His people and His arrow going forth like lightning, symbolizing divine victory.