And he 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 13:16KJVWhat does 2 Kings 13:16 mean?
2 Kings 13:16 describes the prophet Elisha telling the king of Israel to take hold of a bow, and as the king does so, Elisha places his own hands over the king’s hands. This action shows Elisha guiding or supporting the king in what is about to happen, highlighting a moment of shared purpose or blessing.
In this scene, Elisha is speaking to the king of Israel during a time of conflict with enemies. The gesture of Elisha placing his hands on the king’s hands while holding the bow is a symbolic act, often understood as showing God’s support or empowerment through the prophet. This sets the stage for the next actions Elisha will instruct, connecting the king’s military actions with divine guidance.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 13:16
- The word for "hand" (יָד, yad) appears several times, emphasizing the physical act of grasping and the idea of support or strength being given.
- The verb "put" (רָכַב, rakhav) is used for placing the hand on the bow, which can also carry the sense of mounting or taking up, suggesting readiness for action.
- The name "Elisha" (אֱלִישָׁע, Elisha) is included to show the prophet’s direct involvement, not just as a bystander but as someone actively guiding the king.
Why 2 Kings 13:16 matters
- This verse clarifies that the king’s coming actions are not just his own but are being guided by God through Elisha’s symbolic gesture.
- The repeated mention of "hand" highlights the importance of physical touch in passing on authority, blessing, or support in biblical narratives.
- Understanding this moment helps explain the significance of the following verses, where the king’s actions with the bow become a sign of victory or defeat for Israel, depending on his obedience and faith.