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II Kings 13:17

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“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.”

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Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 17

This chapter brings us again to the history of the kings of Israel, and particularly of the family of Jehu. We have here an account of the reign, I. Of his son Jehoahaz, which continued seventeen years. 1. His bad character in general (Kg2 13:1, Kg2 13:2), the trouble he was brought into (Kg2 13:3), and the low ebb of his affairs (Kg2 13:7). 2. His humiliation before God, and God's compassion towards him (Kg2 13:4, Kg2 13:5, and Kg2 13:23). 3. His continuance in his idolatry notwithstanding (Kg2 13:6). 4. His death (Kg2 13:8, Kg2 13:9). II. Of his grandson Joash, which continued sixteen years. Here is a general account of his reign in the usual form (Kg2 13:10-13), but a particular account of the death of Elisha in his time. 1. The kind visit the king made him (Kg2 13:14), the encouragement he gave the king in his wars with Syria (Kg2 13:15-19). 2. His death and burial (Kg2 13:20), and a miracle wrought by his bones (Kg2 13:21). And, lastly, the advantages Joash gained against the Syrians, according to his predictions (Kg2 13:24, Kg2 13:25).

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Original language

The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).

Strong's Concordancev. 17

אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) פָּתַח (pâthach, H6605) — to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve חַלּוֹן (challôwn, H2474) — a window (as perforated) קֶדֶם (qedem, H6924) — the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the East) or time (antiquity);… אֱלִישָׁע (ʼĔlîyshâʻ, H477) — Elisha, the famous prophet יָרָה (yârâh, H3384) — properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an… חֵץ (chêts, H2671) — properly, a piercer, i.e. an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of God)… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God תְּשׁוּעָה (tᵉshûwʻâh, H8668) — rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual) אֲרָם (ʼĂrâm, H758) — Aram or Syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of Shem, a grandson of… נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) אֲפֵק (ʼĂphêq, H663) — Aphek (or Aphik), the name of three places in Palestine כָּלָה (kâlâh, H3615) — to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitived (to complete,…

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

I Kings 20:26rank 6

In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.

I Corinthians 1:18rank 3

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.

I Samuel 4:1rank 2

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.

Exodus 4:2rank 2

And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.

II Samuel 5:24rank 2

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.”

Exodus 4:17rank 2

But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.”

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