2 Kings 13 18

2 Kings 13:18 kjv

And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.

2 Kings 13:18 nkjv

Then he said, "Take the arrows"; so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, "Strike the ground"; so he struck three times, and stopped.

2 Kings 13:18 niv

Then he said, "Take the arrows," and the king took them. Elisha told him, "Strike the ground." He struck it three times and stopped.

2 Kings 13:18 esv

And he said, "Take the arrows," and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, "Strike the ground with them." And he struck three times and stopped.

2 Kings 13:18 nlt

Then he said, "Now pick up the other arrows and strike them against the ground." So the king picked them up and struck the ground three times.

2 Kings 13 verses

2 Kings 13 18 Meaning

This verse describes the initial, direct obedience of King Joash to the prophet Elisha's command to take arrows, marking the first step in a symbolic prophetic act. It sets the stage for a critical moment where the depth of the king's faith and action will determine the extent of God's promised victory over Aram.

2 Kings 13 18 Context

The passage of 2 Kings 13:14-19 takes place as the prophet Elisha lies on his deathbed, visited by King Joash of Israel. During Joash's reign (and that of his father, Jehoahaz), the kingdom of Israel was severely oppressed by Aram (Syria), particularly by King Hazael. Elisha, despite being critically ill, uses his remaining prophetic power to give Joash a series of symbolic instructions that promise deliverance and victory over Aram. Verse 18 is part of the initial set of commands that Joash follows, serving as a preparatory step for the more significant, testing action in the following verse, where the full extent of the victory would be revealed based on Joash's obedience and faith. The broader historical context highlights the constant warfare between Israel and Aram, and God's readiness to intervene on behalf of His people, even when their kings are unfaithful, though His blessings are often contingent on their response.

2 Kings 13 18 Word analysis

• Then he said: The Hebrew phrase וַיֹּאמֶר (wa-yyō’mer) marks the transition and highlights Elisha as the speaker. Elisha, on his deathbed, is delivering his final prophetic word, imbuing the instruction with immense significance and authority.
• "Take": The Hebrew imperative קַח (qaḥ), derived from the verb לָקַח (lāqaḥ), meaning "to take, seize, obtain." This is a direct, emphatic command, requiring immediate action from Joash. It implies accepting responsibility and seizing an opportunity for divine empowerment. It's not a mere suggestion, but a required action for what follows.
• "the arrows.": The Hebrew word חִצִּים (ḥiṣṣîm), the plural of חֵץ (ḥēṣ), refers to actual arrows. In ancient warfare, arrows were common offensive weapons. Here, however, in a prophetic context, they become symbolic instruments for executing God's judgment and achieving victory. Elisha, by commanding their retrieval, prepares them as tools in a divine drama. This signifies that the means of victory were at hand, requiring the king to actively utilize them in faith.
• And he took them.: The Hebrew וַיִּקָּחֵם (wa-yyiqqāḥēm) again uses the verb לָקַח (lāqaḥ), reiterating Joash's direct and prompt obedience to Elisha's specific command. This phrase underscores the king's compliance at this stage. His willingness to physically "take" the arrows signifies his initial engagement with the prophetic act and his desire for deliverance from the Aramean threat. This immediate response establishes his receptiveness, which will be further tested in the next action.

Words-group analysis:

• "Then he said, 'Take the arrows.'": This concise exchange conveys prophetic authority (Elisha's word) and the requirement of physical action (Joash taking the arrows). It introduces a divine setup, where a simple act of obedience becomes instrumental for a greater spiritual outcome. The "arrows" are key instruments for symbolic and real warfare. Elisha, acting as God's representative, bestows purpose upon these ordinary objects, turning them into vehicles for prophecy.
• "And he took them.": This statement emphasizes the king's initial, complete obedience to Elisha's specific instruction. It signifies that Joash was ready to follow the prophet's bidding up to this point, understanding the solemnity of the moment and the source of Elisha's power. This act of "taking" can also be interpreted as accepting the challenge, responsibility, and the means for victory provided by God through His prophet. However, his actions in the subsequent verse reveal a critical lack in the fullness of his faith and action.

2 Kings 13 18 Bonus section

• This episode underscores the principle that prophetic pronouncements often require corresponding human action and faith for their full realization. God’s promise is conditional on the human response.
• The deathbed setting intensifies the weight of Elisha's words, making his final prophecy profoundly impactful for King Joash. It highlights Elisha's steadfast commitment to God's purpose for Israel until his very last breath.
• The scene with Joash highlights a recurring theme in the biblical narrative: even leaders who walk away from God (as Joash did in 2 Kgs 13:11) may still seek Him in times of dire need or benefit from the prophetic gifts among their people.
• The symbolism of arrows is multifaceted; they represent divine judgment (Lam 3:12-13) or divine deliverance and empowerment (Ps 18:14), depending on the context. Here, they were explicitly for deliverance and victory.

2 Kings 13 18 Commentary

2 Kings 13:18 depicts a moment of partial obedience from King Joash during Elisha's deathbed prophecy. Elisha, though dying, retains his prophetic insight, instructing Joash to participate in a symbolic act designed to foretell Israel's victory over Aram. The command to "Take the arrows" is seemingly simple, yet it holds deep significance. Arrows, being instruments of war, represent the power God intended to grant Israel for their deliverance. Joash's immediate compliance ("And he took them") shows an initial readiness and willingness to obey the prophet's instruction, suggesting a desire for the promised victory against their oppressors. This promptness is commendable, signifying he heeded Elisha's words. However, this verse serves as a crucial prelude to the next, where Joash's lack of full conviction or understanding in the following command to strike the ground will determine the limited extent of his future victories. This scene powerfully illustrates that while God provides the means for deliverance, the measure of that deliverance often hinges on human faith, decisiveness, and persistent obedience.