2 Kings 13:17
2 Kings 13:17 in Multiple Translations
“Open the east window,” said Elisha. So he opened it and Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And Elisha declared: “This is the LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram, for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them.”
And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD’s deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.
And he said, Open the window eastward; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot; and he shot. And he said, Jehovah’s arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.
Then he said; Let the window be open to the east: and he got it open. Then Elisha said, Let the arrow go; and he let it go. And he said, The Lord's arrow of salvation, of salvation over Aram; for you will overcome the Aramaeans in Aphek and put an end to them.
“Open the east window,” he told him. So the king opened it and Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he fired an arrow. Then Elisha explained, “This is the Lord's victory arrow representing the arrow of victory over the Arameans. You will attack the Arameans in Aphek and finish them off.”
And saide, Open the windowe Eastward. And when he had opened it, Elisha said, Shoote. And he shot. And he sayd, Beholde the arrowe of the Lordes deliuerance and the arrowe of deliuerance against Aram: for thou shalt smite the Aramites in Aphek, till thou hast consumed them.
and saith, 'Open the window eastward;' and he openeth, and Elisha saith, 'Shoot,' and he shooteth; and he saith, 'An arrow of salvation to Jehovah, and an arrow of salvation against Aram, and thou hast smitten Aram, in Aphek, till consuming.'
He said, “Open the window eastward;” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot!” and he shot. He said, “The LORD’s arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for you will strike the Syrians in Aphek until you have consumed them.”
And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it . Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou hast consumed them .
And said: Open the window to the east. And when he had opened it, Eliseus said: Shoot an arrow. And he shot. And Eliseus said: The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance, and the arrow of the deliverance from Syria: and thou shalt strike the Syrians in Aphec, till thou consume them.
Then Elisha told him, “Have someone open that window toward the east.” So they opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot!” So the king did. Then Elisha said, “That is the arrow that indicates that your army will defeat the Syrian army. Your army will completely defeat their army at Aphek town.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 13:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 13:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
פְּתַ֧ח
הַ/חַלּ֛וֹן
קֵ֖דְמָ/ה
וַ/יִּפְתָּ֑ח
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֱלִישָׁ֤ע
יְרֵה֙
וַ/יּ֔וֹר
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
חֵץ
תְּשׁוּעָ֤ה
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
וְ/חֵ֣ץ
תְּשׁוּעָ֣ה
בַֽ/אֲרָ֔ם
וְ/הִכִּיתָ֧
אֶת
אֲרָ֛ם
בַּ/אֲפֵ֖ק
עַד
כַּלֵּֽה
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פְּתַ֧ח
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הַ/חַלּ֛וֹן
challôwn
H2474
window
Art | N-cs
קֵ֖דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּפְתָּ֑ח
pâthach
H6605
to open
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלִישָׁ֤ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
Elisha
N-proper
יְרֵה֙
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וַ/יּ֔וֹר
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חֵץ
chêts
H2671
arrow
N-ms
תְּשׁוּעָ֤ה
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
deliverance
N-fs
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וְ/חֵ֣ץ
chêts
H2671
arrow
Conj | N-ms
תְּשׁוּעָ֣ה
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
deliverance
N-fs
בַֽ/אֲרָ֔ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הִכִּיתָ֧
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲרָ֛ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
N-proper
בַּ/אֲפֵ֖ק
ʼĂphêq
H663
Aphek
Prep | N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
כַּלֵּֽה
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Piel-Ptc
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 13:17
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
פְּתַ֧ח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
הַ/חַלּ֛וֹן
challôwn
H2474
"window"
Art | N-cs
A window in ancient times was a hole in the wall, as described in the Bible. The Hebrew word for window is used in the story of Jezebel's death in 2 Kings 9:30-33. Windows were also mentioned in the Song of Solomon.
Definition: window (piercing of the wall)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: window. See also: Genesis 8:6; Proverbs 7:6; Jeremiah 9:20.
קֵ֖דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms | Suff
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
וַ/יִּפְתָּ֑ח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֱלִישָׁ֤ע
ʼĔlîyshâʻ
H477
"Elisha"
N-proper
Elisha was a famous prophet in the Bible who lived during the time of the divided kingdom. His name means God is salvation, and he is first mentioned in 1 Kings 19:16. Elisha succeeded Elijah as a great prophet.
Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.19.16; son of: Shaphat (H8202H) Also named: Elissaios (Ἐλισσαῖος "Elisha" G1666) § Elisha = "God is salvation" the great prophet who succeeded Elijah
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Elisha. See also: 1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 5:20; 2 Kings 13:21.
יְרֵה֙
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
וַ/יּ֔וֹר
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
חֵץ
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
N-ms
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
תְּשׁוּעָ֤ה
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
"deliverance"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means salvation or deliverance, often describing God's rescue of his people. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, where God promises to save and deliver his people.
Definition: : salvation 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) deliverance (usually by God through human agency) 1b) salvation (spiritual in sense) Also means: te.shu.ah (תְּשׁוּעָה ": victory" H8668H)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory. See also: Judges 15:18; Psalms 40:17; Psalms 33:17.
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/חֵ֣ץ
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
Conj | N-ms
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
תְּשׁוּעָ֣ה
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
"deliverance"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word means salvation or deliverance, often describing God's rescue of his people. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, where God promises to save and deliver his people.
Definition: : salvation 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) deliverance (usually by God through human agency) 1b) salvation (spiritual in sense) Also means: te.shu.ah (תְּשׁוּעָה ": victory" H8668H)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory. See also: Judges 15:18; Psalms 40:17; Psalms 33:17.
בַֽ/אֲרָ֔ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
Prep | N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
וְ/הִכִּיתָ֧
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲרָ֛ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
בַּ/אֲפֵ֖ק
ʼĂphêq
H663
"Aphek"
Prep | N-proper
Aphek is the name of three different places in ancient Palestine, and its name means enclosure. These cities were important locations in biblical history and are mentioned in various accounts.
Definition: § Aphek or Aphik = "enclosure" a city in territory of Asher
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Aphek, Aphik. See also: Joshua 12:18; 1 Samuel 4:1; 2 Kings 13:17.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
כַּלֵּֽה
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Piel-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 13:17
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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.
17“Open the east window,” said Elisha. So he opened it and Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. And Elisha declared: “This is the LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram, for you shall strike the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them.”
18Then 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. 19But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 20:26 | In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 5:10–14 | Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored, and you will be clean.” But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out, stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy. Are not the Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not have washed in them and been cleansed?” So he turned and went away in a rage. Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?” So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored and became like that of a little child, and he was clean. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 1:18 | For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. |
| 4 | John 11:39–41 | “Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.” Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 5:24 | As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” |
| 6 | John 2:5–8 | His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. “Now draw some out,” He said, “and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, |
| 7 | Exodus 4:17 | But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.” |
| 8 | Exodus 4:2 | And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 4:1 | Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek. |
| 10 | Judges 7:9–20 | That night the LORD said to Gideon, “Get up and go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand. But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Then your hands will be strengthened to attack the camp.” So he went with Purah his servant to the outposts where armed men were guarding the camp. Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore. And as Gideon arrived, a man was telling his friend about a dream. “Behold, I had a dream,” he said, “and I saw a loaf of barley bread come tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent so hard that the tent overturned and collapsed.” His friend replied: “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand.” When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’” Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” |
2 Kings 13:17 Summary
In 2 Kings 13:17, Elisha tells King Jehoash to shoot an arrow out of the east window, symbolizing God's power and intervention in the battle against Aram. This event teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's power and plans, just like we see in Psalm 20:7, where the Psalmist trusts in God's power to save. By obeying God's instructions, we can experience victory and blessing, as promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask God to give us the faith and obedience to trust in His power and plans for our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the east window in 2 Kings 13:17?
The east window likely symbolizes the direction of the rising sun, representing a new beginning and hope, as seen in other biblical contexts like Ezekiel 43:1-5, where the glory of God enters from the east.
Why did Elisha declare the arrow shot by King Jehoash as the LORD's arrow of victory?
Elisha declared the arrow as the LORD's arrow of victory because it signified God's power and intervention in the battle against Aram, much like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31, where God fought on behalf of the Israelites.
What can we learn from Elisha's instructions to King Jehoash in 2 Kings 13:17?
We can learn about the importance of obedience and faith in God's plans, as Elisha's instructions to King Jehoash demonstrate God's sovereign control over the outcome of the battle, similar to the story of Joshua 6:1-27, where God gives instructions for the conquest of Jericho.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 2 Kings 13?
This verse is part of a larger narrative about the reign of King Jehoash and the prophetic ministry of Elisha, highlighting God's involvement in the affairs of Israel and the consequences of faith or lack thereof, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, where God promises blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's power and intervention, just like King Jehoash did in 2 Kings 13:17?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience and faith, as seen in Elisha's instructions to King Jehoash, to my own life and decisions?
- What are some 'arrows of victory' that God has given me in my life, and how can I use them to glorify Him?
- In what ways can I, like King Jehoash, be an instrument of God's victory and blessing to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 13:17
And he said, open the window eastward,.... Syria lying east of the land of Israel, as the Jewish commentators in general observe, and for which they quote Isaiah 9:12, but it lay northeast, or rather
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 13:17
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:17
Eastward; either towards Syria, which lay north-eastward from the land of Israel; or towards the Israelites’ land beyond Jordan, which lay eastward from Canaan, and which was now possessed by the Syrians. Either way this arrow is shot against the Syrians, as a token what God intended to do against them. In Aphek; not in the city, but in the territory of it, where it seems there was a great battle to be fought between the Israelites and Syrians. Of Aphek, see 29:1 , though it is possible there might be several cities of that name. Or, as in Aphek, i.e. thou shalt smite them as they were smitten in the city and territory of Aphek, i.e. utterly destroy them; see ,29,30; the particle as being oft understood, as hath been formerly and frequently proved. Till thou have consumed them, i.e. the Syrians; not all that people, but their armies, or at least that which was to be at Aphek, where a dreadful battle was to be fought. Or if this be meant of all the Syrian armies, this is to be understood conditionally, if he did not hinder it by his unbelief or neglect, signified in the following verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:17
2 Kings 13:17 And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened [it]. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD’ S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed [them].Ver. 17. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot.] The old Romans were wont to denounce war against their enemies by shooting an arrow or dart into their country, Alexander the Great did the like when he first set foot in Persia, as Justin reporteth. Till they have consumed them.] Usque ad consumere, vel usque ad consummare. Serv. in Virg. Hist., lib. ii.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:17
(17) And he said—i.e., Elisha said. The arrow of the Lord’s . . . Syria.—Literally, An arrow of victory for Jehovah, and an arrow of victory over Aram!In Aphek.—Joshua 13:4; 1 Kings 20:26. The scene of former defeats was to become that of triumph. Till thou have consumed them.—Literally, unto finishing. The annihilation of the opposing army at Aphek, not of the entire forces of Syria, is predicted. (See 2 Kings 13:19.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:17
Verse 17. Open the window eastward] This was towards the country beyond Jordan, which Hazael had taken from the Israelites. The arrow of - deliverance from Syria] That is, As surely as that arrow is shot towards the lands conquered from Israel by the Syrians, so surely shall those lands be reconquered and restored to Israel. It was an ancient custom to shoot an arrow or cast a spear into the country which an army intended to invade. Justin says that, as soon as Alexander the Great had arrived on the coasts of Iona, he threw a dart into the country of the Persians. "Cum delati in continentem essent, primus Alexander jaculum velut in hostilem terram jacit." - Just. lib. ii. The dart, spear, or arrow thrown, was an emblem of the commencement of hostilities. Virgil (AEn. lib. ix., ver. 51) represents Turnus as giving the signal of attack by throwing a spear: - Ecquis erit mecum, O Juvenes, qui primus in hostem? En, ait: et jaculum intorquens emittit in auras, Principium pugnae; et campo sese arduus infert. "Who, first," he cried, "with me the foe will dare?" Then hurled a dart, the signal of the war.
PITT. Servius, in his note upon this place, shows that it was a custom to proclaim war in this stay: the pater patratus, or chief of the Feciales, a sort of heralds, went to the confines of the enemy's country, and, after some solemnities, said with a loud voice, I wage war with you, for such and such reasons; and then threw in a spear. It was then the business of the parties thus defied or warned to take the subject into consideration; and if they did not, within thirty days, come to some accommodation, the war was begun. Thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek] This was a city of Syria, and probably the place of the first battle; and there, it appears, they had a total overthrow. They were, in the language of the text, consumed or exterminated.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 13:17
17. And he said, Open the window] That there might be a free space for the arrow to be shot through. The command must be directed to some attendant, as the king was holding the bow ready to shoot when he was bidden. The windows of this time were merely open gratings, not filled with anything transparent. eastward] Because eastward from Samaria lay the land of Gilead, the country on which the Syrians were so constantly making their attacks, and which they now had to a great degree in their possession. The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance] R.V. The Lord’s arrow of victory. The R.V. represents more exactly the force of the Hebrew, which describes this arrow of victory as belonging to the Lord, i.e. as being specially directed by Him, and so assured of its result. and the arrow of deliverance from Syria] R.V. even the arrow of victory over Syria. The sentence is in apposition with the previous clause. The former looks to the prompter of the battle, the latter clause to the result. in Aphek] This is probably the place of that name which was on the east of the sea of Galilee. See note on 1 Kings 20:26.
The region east of the Jordan was the constant battle-ground between Israel and Syria. See above on 2 Kings 10:32-33. till thou have consumed them] This was the prophet’s thought and the purport of his message. The lack of zeal in Joash by the giving of only three strokes when Elisha hoped for five or six, diminished the completeness of the victory which God had promised.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 13:17
Eastward - Syria of Damascus lay partly east, but still more north, of the holy land.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 13:17
17. Open the window eastward — Israel’s relation to Syria was now a subject of the greatest concern to both king and prophet, and therefore uppermost in their minds.
Sermons on 2 Kings 13:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Sovereignty and Salvation by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity and universality of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. He highlights the power of a simple act of looking to Jesus for |
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Gods Love by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being introduced in Alaska and compares it to the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of not standing in the |
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And They Crucified Him by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the av |
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Spiritual Treason by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses seven tests that can help believers evaluate the impact of their faith on various aspects of their lives. These tests include examining one's |
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(Biographies) Charles Spurgeon by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance in preaching, even in the face of adversity and criticism. He encourages preachers to have a long-term perspec |
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Christ Crucified by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher describes two contrasting scenes. The first scene depicts a martyr being bound to a stake and burned alive. Despite the intense pain and suffering, the |
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They Have Done Away With the Cross by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the rise of a new generation of ministers who are focused on building large complexes that offer various amenities and entertainment. While th |