Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, salt is often symbolically associated with purification, preservation, and covenant. One of the most notable miracles involving salt is performed by the prophet Elisha, as recorded in the Old Testament. This event underscores the transformative power of God working through His prophets and the symbolic significance of salt in biblical history.Context and Background The miracle of Elisha healing the bad water with salt is found in 2 Kings 2:19-22. This event occurs shortly after Elisha succeeds Elijah as the leading prophet in Israel. Elisha's ministry is marked by numerous miracles, demonstrating God's continued presence and power among His people. The Miracle The people of Jericho approached Elisha with a pressing problem: "The men of the city said to Elisha, 'Please note, our lord, that the city's location is good, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.'" (2 Kings 2:19). The water source, essential for the city's survival and prosperity, was contaminated, leading to unproductive land and potential health hazards. In response, Elisha instructed them to bring him a new bowl with salt in it. "Then he went out to the spring, threw the salt into it, and said, 'This is what the LORD says: I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.'" (2 Kings 2:21). The act of throwing salt into the spring, accompanied by the prophetic declaration, resulted in the immediate purification of the water. The scripture concludes, "And the waters have been healthy to this day, according to the word spoken by Elisha." (2 Kings 2:22). Symbolism and Significance The use of salt in this miracle is rich with symbolic meaning. In ancient times, salt was a valuable commodity, often used for its preservative and purifying properties. In the context of this miracle, salt represents the purifying power of God, who alone can cleanse and restore. The new bowl signifies a fresh start, a new beginning for the city of Jericho, free from the curse of unfruitfulness. Furthermore, the miracle highlights the authority of God's word spoken through His prophet. Elisha's declaration, "This is what the LORD says," emphasizes that the healing power comes not from the salt itself but from the divine command. This reinforces the biblical theme that God uses ordinary elements to accomplish extraordinary purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and grace. Theological Implications This miracle serves as a testament to God's concern for the well-being of His people and His ability to bring life and fertility to barren places. It also prefigures the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who refers to His followers as "the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13), calling them to be agents of preservation and purification in a fallen world. In summary, the miracle of Elisha healing the bad water with salt is a powerful illustration of God's redemptive work through His chosen servants. It underscores the transformative impact of divine intervention and the enduring significance of salt as a symbol of God's covenantal faithfulness and purifying power. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 2:21And he went forth to the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus said the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from there any more death or barren land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Homilies on the Gospel of John. The City of God. Index of Subjects. part ii Resources Why was Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Brigham Young? | GotQuestions.org Salt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salt of the Saving Efficacy of the Ekklesia of Christ Salt used for Ratifying Covenants Salt used for Seasoning Sacrifices Salt used for Strengthening New-Born Infants Salt used in Ratifying Covenants Salt: (Salted With Fire) Preparation of the Wicked For Salt: (Without Savour) Graceless Professors Salt: All Animal Sacrifices Were Required to be Seasoned With Salt: Characterised As Good and Useful Salt: Elisha Throws, Into the Pool of Jericho, to Purify It Salt: Liberally Afforded to the Jews After the Captivity Salt: Lost Its Savour when Exposed to the Air Salt: Lot's Wife Turned Into a Pillar of Salt: Miracles Connected With: Elisha Healed the Bad Water With Salt: Miracles Connected With: Lot's Wife Turned Into a Pillar of Salt: Often Found: Near the Dead Sea Salt: Partaking of Another's a Bond of Friendship Salt: Places Sown With, to Denote Perpetual Desolation Salt: Places where It Abounded Barren and Unfruitful Salt: The Valley of, Celebrated for Victories Related Terms Meat-offering (111 Occurrences) |
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