2 Kings 13:15

Elisha told him, "Take a bow and some arrows." So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows.

Study Bible

Elisha told him,
Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, is a central figure in the narrative of 2 Kings. Known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel, Elisha's role here is as a divine messenger. His instructions are not merely personal advice but carry the weight of God's will. This reflects the biblical theme of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

“Take a bow and some arrows.”
The bow and arrows symbolize warfare and deliverance. In the ancient Near East, these were common weapons, representing military strength and readiness. The act of taking them signifies preparation for battle, both physically and spiritually. This instruction foreshadows the impending conflict with Aram (Syria) and serves as a prophetic act, similar to other symbolic actions performed by prophets, such as Jeremiah's yoke (Jeremiah 27:2).

So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows.
Jehoash, also known as Joash, was the king of Israel at this time. His compliance with Elisha's command indicates his recognition of the prophet's authority and the seriousness of the situation. This act of obedience is crucial, as it sets the stage for the subsequent prophetic declaration. The narrative highlights the importance of following divine instructions, a recurring theme in the Bible, where obedience often leads to divine intervention and victory, as seen in the story of Joshua at Jericho (Joshua 6).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elisha
A prophet in Israel, successor to 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 Arameans.

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

4. Aram (Syria)
The nation oppressing Israel, against whom God promises victory through Elisha's prophetic actions.

5. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often struggling with idolatry and seeking deliverance from their enemies.

Teaching Points

Symbolic Acts of Faith
Elisha's instruction to take a bow and arrows is a symbolic act of faith. In our lives, God may call us to take steps that symbolize our trust in His promises.

Obedience to God's Instructions
Jehoash's obedience in taking the bow and arrows demonstrates the importance of following God's guidance, even when the full picture is not clear.

God's Deliverance
The act of taking up arms against Aram symbolizes God's promise of deliverance. We can trust that God is our deliverer in times of trouble.

Prophetic Guidance
Elisha's role as a prophet highlights the importance of seeking and heeding godly counsel in our decision-making processes.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Just as Jehoash prepared for physical battle, we must prepare for spiritual battles by equipping ourselves with God's Word and prayer.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of taking a bow and arrows symbolize in the context of spiritual warfare today?

2. How can we discern and follow God's instructions in our lives, similar to Jehoash's obedience to Elisha?

3. In what ways can we seek and apply prophetic guidance or godly counsel in our daily decisions?

4. How does the promise of God's deliverance in this passage encourage you in your current struggles?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to take a symbolic step of faith. How did it impact your spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 18:34
This verse speaks of God training hands for battle, which connects to the symbolic act of taking up the bow and arrows as a preparation for divine intervention.

Ephesians 6:10-17
The armor of God passage, which includes the "sword of the Spirit," parallels the idea of using physical symbols (like the bow and arrows) to represent spiritual truths and battles.

2 Kings 6:17
Elisha's prayer for his servant's eyes to be opened to see God's army, showing the prophet's role in revealing God's power and protection.