2 Kings 2 20

2 Kings 2:20 kjv

And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.

2 Kings 2:20 nkjv

And he said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him.

2 Kings 2:20 niv

"Bring me a new bowl," he said, "and put salt in it." So they brought it to him.

2 Kings 2:20 esv

He said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him.

2 Kings 2:20 nlt

Elisha said, "Bring me a new bowl with salt in it." So they brought it to him.

2 Kings 2 verses

2 Kings 2 20 Meaning

2 Kings 2:20 details Elisha's instruction to the men of Jericho regarding the healing of their unproductive land and bad water. He commanded them to bring a new cruse and to put salt in it, which was a specific preparation for the miraculous act of purification that would follow. The men immediately obeyed his instruction. This action set the stage for Elisha's first recorded miracle as Elijah's successor, demonstrating God's power to reverse barrenness and bring forth life from desolate conditions.

2 Kings 2 20 Context

This verse is pivotal, marking Elisha's first public miracle after inheriting the mantle and spirit of Elijah in 2 Kings 2. Immediately preceding verse 20, the men of Jericho approach Elisha, complaining that their city's "bad water" (מַיִם רָעִים, mayim ra'im) and "unfruitful land" (הָאָרֶץ מְשַׁכֶּלֶת, ha'aretz məshakkem-et) were causing miscarriages and unproductiveness (2 Kgs 2:19). Jericho had been under a curse by Joshua (Jos 6:26), and this persistent barrenness likely stemmed from that ancient judgment, affecting the land's ability to sustain life. Elisha's request in verse 20 for specific, seemingly mundane items—a new cruse and salt—highlights that the impending miracle would not rely on the inherent properties of these objects, but on God's divine power working through His chosen prophet. It demonstrates Elisha stepping into his role, demonstrating the living power of the God of Israel, offering a supernatural reversal of a persistent problem, and countering the effects of an old curse.

2 Kings 2 20 Word analysis

• And he said: Refers to Elisha, establishing his authoritative and prophetic voice in response to the citizens' plight. This signals a divine directive.
• Bring me (קְחֽוּ־לִ֣י, q'ḥū-lī): A plural imperative, directing the people to actively participate by providing the necessary items. Their prompt obedience is part of the divine solution.
• a new (חֲדָשָׁה֙, ḥăḏāšāh): Literally "fresh," "new," "unused." This emphasizes purity and freedom from prior use or contamination. Symbolically, it points to a fresh start or new creation—a break from the past barrenness and a vessel dedicated solely for this sacred purpose. It also implies God's readiness to do something entirely new.
• cruse (צְלֹחִ֤ית, ṣəlōḥît): A small, flask-like vessel or dish, likely made of clay. It's an ordinary, humble container, showing that God's power does not require magnificent or ornate instruments.
• and put: Command to deposit the salt.
• salt (מֶ֔לַח, melaḥ): A substance often associated with preservation, covenants (Lev 2:13, Num 18:19), and wisdom (Col 4:6). Paradoxically, salt spread on land can also symbolize desolation and sterility (Deut 29:23, Jdg 9:45). Its use here, however, demonstrates God's sovereignty over natural properties, turning a potential agent of ruin into an agent of healing, affirming that His power transcends natural law and conventional wisdom. It’s the opposite of what one might expect for improving soil/water, making the divine intervention evident.
• therein: Refers to placing the salt inside the new cruse.
• And they brought it to him: Indicates immediate and complete obedience on the part of the Jericho men, signifying their faith or desperate hope, which allowed the miracle to proceed. This quick response highlights the trust placed in Elisha as God's representative.

2 Kings 2 20 Bonus section

The location of this miracle in Jericho is particularly significant because Joshua had previously pronounced a powerful curse on anyone who would rebuild the city (Jos 6:26). Although the city was indeed rebuilt, indicated by the inhabitants present here, it appears that the lingering effects of the curse, particularly on the land's fertility and water quality, persisted. Elisha’s healing of the water can therefore be seen as a partial reversal or mitigating of this long-standing curse, demonstrating God's compassion and ability to intervene in the natural consequences of disobedience, transforming what was cursed into something blessed. This act sets Elisha's ministry apart, focusing on tangible improvements for daily life.

2 Kings 2 20 Commentary

2 Kings 2:20 portrays a crucial preparatory step in Elisha’s first significant public miracle. The specific command to bring a "new cruse" and "salt" is deeply symbolic, not because of any inherent magical quality in the objects themselves, but because they are chosen by God to demonstrate His power. The "new" vessel signifies the freshness and completeness of the new work God is about to perform, signaling a departure from past curses and conditions of decay. The "salt," usually a preserver, covenant symbol, or agent of desolation, here takes on a unique function of healing and purification when applied supernaturally by the prophet's hand. This defies typical expectations for making land fertile, highlighting that the power rests solely with the Lord who is working through Elisha. This event also showcases the immediate obedience of the people, demonstrating their recognition of Elisha's prophetic authority. The healing of Jericho’s waters symbolizes God's capacity to reverse long-standing curses and bring life, fruitfulness, and health to what was previously barren, ensuring the flourishing of His people and their land. This acts as a profound testimony to the omnipotence and benevolent nature of Yahweh.Practical usage examples:

• God can use unexpected and ordinary means (like a cruse and salt) to achieve extraordinary results.
• Our obedience to divine instruction, even if it seems counterintuitive, opens the way for God's power.
• God has the power to reverse long-standing difficulties and bring healing and fruitfulness where there was barrenness.