2 Kings 13:16

Verse

Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” So the king put his hand on the bow, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands.

American Standard Version (1901)

And he said to the king of Israel, Put thy hand upon the bow; and he put his hand upon it. And Elisha laid his hands upon the king’s hands.

Bible in Basic English

And he said to the king of Israel, Put your hand on the bow: and he put his hand on it; and Elisha put his hands on the king's hands.

Douay-Rheims 1899

He said to the king of Israel: Put thy hand upon the bow. And when he had put his hand, Eliseus put his hands over the king’s hands,

Free Bible Version

Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Pick up the bow.” So the king picked up the bow. Elisha placed his hands on the king's hands.

Geneva Bible 1599

And he sayde to the King of Israel, Put thine hand vpon the bowe. And he put his hand vpon it. And Elisha put his hands vpon the Kings hands,

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

Translation for Translators

Then Elisha told the king to put his hands on the bow and prepare to shoot some arrows. And then Elisha put his own hands on the king’s hands.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow,” so he put his hand on it. Then Elisha laid his hands on the king's hands.

Noah Webster Bible

And he said to the king of Israel, Put thy hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it : and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.

World English Bible

He said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow;” and he put his hand on it. Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands.

Young's Literal Translation

And he saith to the king of Israel, 'Place thy hand on the bow;' and he placeth his hand, and Elisha putteth his hands on the hands of the king,

Context

Elisha’s Final Prophecy

¹⁵Elisha told him, “Take a bow and some arrows.” So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows. ¹⁶Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” So the king put his hand on the bow, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands.

Summary

In this verse, Elisha instructs King Joash to shoot an arrow out the east window as a symbol of victory over the Arameans. This act signifies God's promise of deliverance and victory to the Israelites. By striking the ground with the arrows, Joash demonstrates his lack of faith and commitment, resulting in a missed opportunity for complete victory. The passage highlights the importance of obedience and faith in God's instructions for receiving His blessings and achieving success in battles.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And he said, take the arrows, and he took them,.... The rest of them: and he said unto the king of Israel, smite upon the ground; the floor of the room in which the prophet lay: and he smote thrice, and stayed; made a stop, ceased smiting; he might think this action trifling, and beneath him, only was willing to please the prophet, but did not do it with a good will, and therefore smote no more; though this was an emblem of his smiting the Syrians, which he might not understand.