2 Kings 13:18

Then Elisha said, "Take the arrows!" So he took them, and Elisha said to the king of Israel, "Strike the ground!" So he struck the ground three times and stopped.

Study Bible

Then he said
This phrase introduces a directive from Elisha, the prophet, to the king of Israel. In the Hebrew text, the word for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used to convey a command or instruction from a person of authority. This highlights the role of prophets in Israel as messengers of God's will, emphasizing the importance of obedience to divine instruction.

Take the arrows
The command to "take" (לָקַח, laqach) signifies an action of receiving or grasping something with intent. Arrows in ancient Israel were not only weapons of war but also symbols of deliverance and divine intervention. The act of taking the arrows is symbolic of preparing for action, suggesting readiness to engage in the spiritual battle that God is orchestrating.

and he took them
The king's compliance with Elisha's command is immediate, indicating a recognition of the prophet's authority. This obedience is crucial in the narrative, as it sets the stage for the subsequent prophetic act. The Hebrew verb "לָקַח" (laqach) is repeated, underscoring the importance of following divine instructions precisely.

And Elisha said to the king of Israel
Elisha, whose name means "God is salvation," serves as God's mouthpiece. His interaction with the king of Israel reflects the ongoing relationship between God and His chosen people, even during times of national apostasy. The king of Israel, though often wayward, is still the recipient of God's guidance through His prophet.

Strike the ground
The instruction to "strike" (נָכָה, nakah) the ground is a symbolic act. In the ancient Near Eastern context, physical actions often represented spiritual realities. Striking the ground with arrows signifies an act of faith and a prophetic declaration of victory over enemies. The ground, representing the land of Israel, is to be claimed through this symbolic gesture.

So he struck the ground three times and stopped
The king's action of striking the ground "three times" and then stopping reveals a partial obedience or lack of full understanding of the prophetic act's significance. The number three in biblical numerology often signifies completeness or divine perfection, yet here it suggests an incomplete action. The king's cessation after three strikes indicates a limitation in his faith or vision, which later results in a limited victory over his enemies.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. King of Israel
At this time, Jehoash (also known as Joash), who sought Elisha's counsel regarding the Arameans.

3. Arrows
Symbolic tools used by Elisha to convey God's message and promise of victory over Aram.

4. Ground
The physical location where the symbolic act of striking the arrows took place, representing the battlefield.

5. Arameans
The enemy nation threatening Israel, against whom the prophetic act was directed.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
The king's partial obedience resulted in limited victory. Complete obedience to God's commands is crucial for full blessings.

Faith in Action
The act of striking the ground was a test of faith. Our actions should reflect our trust in God's promises.

Symbolism in Scripture
Understanding the symbolic nature of biblical events can deepen our comprehension of God's messages.

Perseverance in Faith
The king stopped after three strikes, showing a lack of perseverance. We are called to persist in faith and prayer.

Consequences of Limited Faith
The king's limited action led to limited victory. Our faith should be bold and unwavering to fully experience God's power.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the king's response to Elisha's command reflect his faith, and what can we learn from this about our own responses to God's instructions?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of perseverance from this passage to our daily spiritual battles?

3. How does the symbolism of arrows in this passage connect to other biblical uses of arrows, and what does this teach us about God's messages?

4. What are some areas in our lives where we might be practicing partial obedience, and how can we strive for complete obedience to God's will?

5. How can we ensure that our faith is active and not passive, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 13:14-19
Provides context for the event, showing Elisha's final interactions with the king and the symbolic acts that conveyed God's message.

Psalm 127:4-5
Arrows are used metaphorically in Scripture to represent children or future generations, highlighting the importance of preparation and faith.

Ephesians 6:16
Discusses the "shield of faith," which can be connected to the act of striking the ground as an act of faith and obedience.

Hebrews 11:1
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, which relates to the king's need for faith in God's promise through Elisha's instructions.