2 Kings Chapter 13 · Verse 16
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.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיַּרְכֵּ֖ב
And he put
H7392
וַיַּרְכֵּ֖ב
And he put
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
4 of 15
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
יְדֵ֥י
hands
H3027
יְדֵ֥י
hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַקֶּ֔שֶׁת
upon the bow
H7198
הַקֶּ֔שֶׁת
upon the bow
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
7 of 15
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
וַיַּרְכֵּ֖ב
And he put
H7392
וַיַּרְכֵּ֖ב
And he put
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
8 of 15
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
יְדֵ֥י
hands
H3027
יְדֵ֥י
hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
put
H7760
וַיָּ֧שֶׂם
put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
10 of 15
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
יְדֵ֥י
hands
H3027
יְדֵ֥י
hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 15
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.