What does 2 Kings 13:16 mean?
"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 13:16
The Bible verse 2 Kings 13:16 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "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 is part of the Old Testament, specifically from the book of 2 Kings. It is a small but significant moment in the story of Elisha, a major prophet in the Hebrew Bible. At this point in the narrative, the king of Israel had come to visit Elisha, who was on his deathbed. The king sought Elisha's advice and help in defending Israel from their enemies, the Syrians. Elisha instructs the king to take a bow and arrows and shoot out the window. This act symbolized the king's need to prepare for battle and defend his kingdom against the Syrians.
The significance of this verse lies in the symbolism of the actions described. Elisha's instruction for the king to "put thine hand upon the bow" signifies the king's role as a leader and warrior in defending his people. By putting his hand on the bow, the king demonstrates his willingness and commitment to take up arms and fight for his kingdom. However, the subsequent action of Elisha "putting his hands upon the king's hands" adds an additional layer of meaning to the passage.
This act of Elisha placing his hands on the king's hands symbolizes divine intervention and guidance. It signifies that the king's ability to defend his kingdom is not solely dependent on his own strength and skills, but rather on the support and blessing of God. By laying his hands on the king's hands, Elisha is imparting spiritual power and anointing, empowering the king for the task ahead.
In a broader context, this verse speaks to the theme of divine assistance and partnership in the face of adversity. It highlights the idea that human efforts alone are insufficient in overcoming challenges and enemies. Instead, the intervention of a higher power is necessary for victory and success. In this case, Elisha serves as the intermediary between the king and God, conveying God's support and guidance to the king.
The verse also carries the theme of mentorship and leadership. Elisha, as a respected prophet and spiritual leader, takes on the role of guiding and advising the king in matters of war and defense. His actions demonstrate the importance of wise counsel and mentorship in making crucial decisions and facing difficult circumstances. It underscores the significance of seeking guidance from those with greater wisdom and spiritual insight.
Furthermore, there is an element of trust and obedience present in this verse. The king's willingness to follow Elisha's instructions and submit to his spiritual authority reflects a level of trust in the prophet's guidance. This trust is essential in the realm of faith, as believers are called to submit to God's will and trust in His guidance, even when it may seem unconventional or challenging.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 13:16 from the King James Version of the Bible carries rich symbolism and themes of divine intervention, mentorship, trust, and obedience. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual guidance and support in facing difficulties and challenges. The passage also highlights the importance of human collaboration with and reliance on the divine in achieving victory and success.
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2 Kings 13:16 - "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."
"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 13:16
2 Kings 16:13 - "And he burnt his burnt offering and his meat offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings, upon the altar."
Proverbs 16:13 - "Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right."
2 Kings 13:13 - "And Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat upon his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 16:16 - "Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded."
2 Kings 3:16-19
2 Kings 16:19 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 13:22 - "¶ But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz."
2 Kings 6:16 - "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 13:8 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."
2 Kings 19:13 - "Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?"
"Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right." - Proverbs 16:13
2 Kings 3:16 - "And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches."
1 Kings 13:16 - "And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:"
1 Kings 16:13 - "For all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which they made Israel to sin, in provoking the LORD God of Israel to anger with their vanities."
2 Kings 2:13 - "He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;"
2 Kings 16:1 - "In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign."
2 Kings 16:8 - "And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria."
"Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded." - 2 Kings 16:16
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 16:12 - "And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon."
2 Chronicles 13:16 - "And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand."
2 Kings 16:4 - "And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
2 Kings 16:18 - "And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria."
2 Kings 13:24 - "So Hazael king of Syria died; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead."