Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, "Put your hand on the bow." So the king put his hand on the bow, and Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. Then Elisha said to the king of Israel,Elisha, Elijah’s successor, addressed Jehoash during Israel’s conflict with Aram. Though weakened by illness, the prophet continued to speak with God’s authority, directing the king to depend upon the Lord rather than military calculation alone. 2Ki 3:15-17 But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played… “Put your hand on the bow.” The bow represented Israel’s coming struggle against the Arameans. Elisha called Jehoash to take up the responsibility entrusted to him as king while recognizing that Israel’s deliverance would come from the Lord. Psa 18:34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can… So the king put his hand on the bow, Jehoash obeyed Elisha’s command, placing himself under the prophet’s direction. His response prepared him to receive a sign that God would grant Israel victory over its enemy. 1Ch 12:2 they were archers using both the right and left hands… and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. Elisha joined his hands to those of the king, showing that the strength needed for battle would be supplied by God. Jehoash would wield the bow, but the victory belonged to the Lord, who works through His servants and calls His people to faithful obedience. 2Ki 4:34 Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy,… Persons / Places / Events 1. ElishaA prophet in Israel, successor of Elijah, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel. 2. King of Israel At this time, Jehoash (also known as Joash), who sought Elisha's counsel in battle against Aram. 3. Bow and Arrow Symbolic tools used in this passage to represent God's deliverance and victory over Aram. 4. Aram A neighboring nation often at war with Israel, representing opposition and challenges faced by God's people. 5. Prophetic Action Elisha's act of placing his hands on the king's hands symbolizes divine empowerment and guidance. Teaching Points Divine EmpowermentJust as Elisha placed his hands on the king's hands, we must seek God's empowerment in our battles, recognizing that true strength comes from Him. Symbolic Actions The use of the bow and arrow as symbols teaches us that God often uses tangible means to convey spiritual truths and promises. Prophetic Guidance Elisha's role highlights the importance of seeking godly counsel and wisdom in our decisions and challenges. Faith in Action The king's obedience to Elisha's instructions demonstrates the necessity of faith and action working together in our spiritual journey. Victory through God The passage assures us that victory over our adversaries is possible when we align ourselves with God's will and power. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the symbolic act of Elisha placing his hands on the king's hands relate to the concept of divine empowerment in your life?2. In what ways can you seek and apply godly counsel in your current challenges, similar to the king seeking Elisha's guidance? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "battle" in your life. How did you see God's hand at work, and how can this passage encourage you in future struggles? 4. How can the symbolism of the bow and arrow in this passage inspire you to use tangible reminders of God's promises in your daily walk? 5. Consider the connection between this passage and Ephesians 6:10-18. How can you better equip yourself with the "armor of God" in your spiritual battles? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 18:34This verse speaks of God training hands for battle, similar to how Elisha empowers the king for victory. Ephesians 6:10-18 The armor of God passage, which emphasizes spiritual preparation and reliance on God's strength, akin to Elisha's symbolic act. Isaiah 41:10 God's promise of support and strength, reflecting the assurance given through Elisha's actions. 1 Samuel 17:45-47 David's reliance on God in battle, paralleling the king's need for divine intervention through Elisha. Philippians 4:13 The empowerment through Christ, similar to the empowerment symbolized by Elisha's hands on the king's.
People Ahaziah, Amaziah, Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Hazael, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joash, Moabites, Nebat, SyriansPlaces Aphek, Samaria, SyriaTopics Bow, Draw, Drew, Elisha, Eli'sha, Hands, King's, Laid, Placeth, PuttethDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 13:1-25Library The Spirit of Power'And Elisha said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.'--2 KINGS xiii. 16. This is part of one of the strangest narratives in the Old Testament. Elisha is on his deathbed, 'sick of the sickness' wherewith he 'should die.' A very different scene, that close sick-chamber, from the open plain beyond Jordan from which Elijah had gone up; a very different way of passing from life by wasting sickness than by fiery … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Kings Links 2 Kings 13:16 NIV2 Kings 13:16 NLT 2 Kings 13:16 ESV 2 Kings 13:16 NASB 2 Kings 13:16 KJV 2 Kings 13:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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