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 Elisha said, “Take the arrows!”
Elisha, the prophet, is speaking to King Jehoash of Israel. This command is part of a prophetic act, a common practice in the Old Testament where physical actions symbolize spiritual truths or future events. Arrows in ancient warfare were symbols of power and victory. Elisha's instruction to take the arrows signifies preparation for battle and the potential for victory over enemies.

So he took them,
The king's compliance with Elisha's command demonstrates a willingness to follow prophetic guidance. This act of obedience is crucial, as it sets the stage for the subsequent prophetic message. In biblical narratives, obedience to God's prophets often leads to divine intervention or blessing.

and Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground!”
Elisha's command to strike the ground is symbolic, representing an act of aggression against Israel's enemies, particularly the Arameans. The ground here can be seen as a metaphor for the battlefield. This action is a prophetic gesture, indicating that the number of strikes will correlate with the number of victories granted by God.

So he struck the ground three times and stopped.
The king's decision to strike the ground only three times reflects a lack of full commitment or understanding of the prophetic act's significance. In the context of the narrative, this limited action results in a limited victory over the Arameans. This moment highlights the importance of faith and complete trust in God's promises. The number three, while often significant in Scripture, here indicates incompleteness, as the king's actions fall short of the full potential victory God intended.

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.