2 Kings 13:15

KJV

And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elisha {H477} said {H559} unto him, Take {H3947} bow {H7198} and arrows {H2671}. And he took {H3947} unto him bow {H7198} and arrows {H2671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha said to him, "Bring a bow and arrows"; and he brought him a bow and arrows.

Berean Standard Bible

Elisha told him, “Take a bow and some arrows.” So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows.

American Standard Version

And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows; and he took unto him bow and arrows.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures the initial command given by the dying prophet Elisha to King Joash of Israel: to take up a bow and arrows. It marks the commencement of a profound prophetic act, designed by God through Elisha to empower King Joash and assure him of divine assistance against the oppressive Arameans. Joash's immediate compliance with this initial instruction sets the stage for a subsequent series of symbolic actions that will determine the extent of Israel's victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the final narrative concerning the prophet Elisha, specifically his deathbed encounter with King Joash. Immediately preceding it, [2 Kings 13:14](/2_kings/13-14 "2 Kings 13:14 - Joash's Visit to Elisha") describes Joash's poignant visit to the ailing prophet, where he weeps and utters the significant lament, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" This expression, previously used by Elisha himself regarding Elijah's ascension ([2 Kings 2:12](/2_kings/2-12 "2 Kings 2:12 - Elisha's Cry for Elijah")), underscores Elisha's immense spiritual and military significance to Israel. Verse 15 initiates Elisha's final prophetic instructions, which continue into [2 Kings 13:16-19](/2_kings/13-16 "2 Kings 13:16-19 - Elisha's Prophetic Actions") with the command to shoot an arrow and strike the ground, culminating in the explanation of the limited victory due to Joash's partial obedience. The immediate response of Joash in this verse ("And he took unto him bow and arrows") is crucial, as it demonstrates an initial willingness to follow divine instruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (circa 8th century BCE), the nation was in a state of severe decline and under immense pressure from the Arameans (Syrians) led by King Hazael and later his son Ben-Hadad. The Arameans had significantly reduced Israel's military strength and territory, as detailed in [2 Kings 13:3-7](/2_kings/13-3 "2 Kings 13:3-7 - Aramean Oppression of Israel"). The visit of King Joash to Elisha, a prophet who had served Israel for decades and performed numerous miracles, reflects the king's desperation and his recognition of Elisha as Israel's primary spiritual and strategic defense. In this period, bows and arrows were standard military equipment, but in this context, they transcend mere weaponry, becoming instruments through which God's power and prophetic decree would be manifested, a common theme in ancient Near Eastern prophetic symbolism.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the broader narrative of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings") and the prophetic literature. First, it highlights **Divine Empowerment for Victory**, emphasizing that Israel's success against its enemies is not dependent on its own strength but on God's intervention, channeled through His prophet. Second, the theme of **Obedience to Prophetic Instruction** is paramount; Joash's initial compliance is noted, but the subsequent narrative will reveal the critical importance of *complete* obedience for full blessing and victory. Third, it powerfully illustrates **Symbolic Action and Faith**, where a physical act (taking the bow and arrows) is imbued with spiritual significance, serving as a conduit for faith and a sign of God's promised deliverance. Finally, it underscores **The Enduring Efficacy of God's Servants**, demonstrating that even on his deathbed, Elisha's prophetic authority and connection to God remain potent, serving as Israel's "chariot and horsemen" ([2 Kings 13:14](/2_kings/13-14 "2 Kings 13:14 - Joash's Lament for Elisha")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bow (Hebrew, _qesheth'_):** This word (קֶשֶׁת) refers to a weapon used for shooting arrows. While a common military implement, in biblical contexts, the "bow" can also symbolize strength, power, and victory (e.g., [Genesis 49:24](/genesis/49-24 "Genesis 49:24 - Joseph's Bow"), [Psalm 46:9](/psalms/46-9 "Psalm 46:9 - God Breaks the Bow")). Here, it is not merely a physical object but becomes an instrument charged with prophetic significance, representing the divine means by which God intends to grant victory to Israel.
* **Arrows (Hebrew, _chittsim'_):** The term (חִצִּים) denotes the projectiles shot from a bow. Like the bow, arrows are instruments of warfare and can symbolize judgment, deliverance, or divine action (e.g., [Psalm 7:13](/psalms/7-13 "Psalm 7:13 - God's Arrows"), [Zechariah 9:14](/zechariah/9-14 "Zechariah 9:14 - God's Arrows Go Forth")). In this context, they are the specific tools for executing the prophetic decree, embodying the strikes against the enemy that Elisha will later command.
* **Take (Hebrew, _laqach'_):** The verb (לָקַח) is an imperative, "take," indicating a direct command. It implies reception, acquisition, and active engagement. Joash's immediate "taking" of the bow and arrows signifies his initial obedience and readiness to participate in the prophetic act, laying the groundwork for the subsequent actions and their consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elisha said unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker and the recipient of the command. Elisha, though on his deathbed, retains his prophetic authority, and King Joash, in his desperation, is present to receive his final instructions. This highlights the weight and importance of the words that follow.
* **"Take bow and arrows."**: This is Elisha's direct, imperative command to King Joash. It is the initiation of a symbolic act designed to convey God's will and power concerning Israel's conflict with Aram. The command is clear and concise, requiring immediate action from the king. The objects specified, bow and arrows, are instruments of warfare, setting the stage for a military-themed prophetic demonstration.
* **"And he took unto him bow and arrows."**: This clause records Joash's immediate and literal obedience to Elisha's command. The repetition of "bow and arrows" emphasizes the direct fulfillment of the instruction. Joash's readiness to participate in this initial step of the prophetic ritual is a positive indication of his willingness to trust Elisha's guidance, even if the full meaning of the action is not yet apparent.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, with "bow and arrows" appearing twice, first in Elisha's command and then in Joash's action. This repetition underscores the importance of the objects and the immediate, direct nature of Joash's obedience. The use of the **imperative mood** ("Take") highlights the authority of Elisha's prophetic word and the expectation of immediate compliance. Furthermore, the objects themselves, the bow and arrows, function as powerful **symbolism**. While literal weapons, in this prophetic context, they symbolize God's intention to grant victory and the means by which that victory will be achieved. This symbolic action also serves as **foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the crucial subsequent actions where Joash will be commanded to shoot an arrow and strike the ground, the extent of his obedience determining the scope of Israel's future victories.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It powerfully illustrates God's sovereign initiative in intervening on behalf of His people, even when their human leadership is weak or faithless. Elisha's command is not born of human strategy but of divine revelation, demonstrating that true victory comes from aligning with God's purposes. The immediate obedience of Joash, taking the instruments of war at the prophet's bidding, underscores the principle that faith often requires tangible action in response to divine directives. This act transforms ordinary weapons into instruments of divine promise, highlighting that God can use common things to accomplish extraordinary ends when consecrated to His will. The subsequent narrative will reveal that the *degree* of obedience directly correlates with the *degree* of blessing and victory, a profound theological truth.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Blessings for Obedience")
* [Joshua 1:7-8](/joshua/1-7 "The Promise to Joshua")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Kings 13:15 serves as a poignant reminder that God often calls us to action, even when the full scope or reason for the command is not immediately clear. Joash's initial response to Elisha's instruction to "Take bow and arrows" was one of immediate compliance. This teaches us the vital importance of prompt and unquestioning obedience to God's revealed will, whether through His written Word, the guidance of His Spirit, or the counsel of godly leaders. Our readiness to step out in faith, even in seemingly mundane or symbolic acts, can unlock divine power and set the stage for greater victories. This verse challenges us to consider if we are truly ready to "take up our bow and arrows" – to engage with the tools and opportunities God places before us – or if we hesitate, waiting for perfect clarity, thereby potentially limiting the extent of God's work in and through us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "bow and arrows" might God be asking me to "take up" in my life today, even if I don't fully understand the outcome?**
* **How does my initial response to God's commands reflect my trust in His wisdom and power?**
* **In what areas of my life might partial obedience be hindering God's full blessing or victory?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha ask Joash to take a bow and arrows specifically?**

Answer: Elisha's instruction was deeply symbolic, connecting the physical instruments of warfare (bow and arrows) with God's intention to grant Israel victory over its Aramean oppressors. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such prophetic acts often served as a tangible representation of divine decrees, preparing the recipient's faith for the coming reality. The bow and arrows were common military tools, but under Elisha's prophetic anointing, they became instruments through which God's power would be channeled, signifying that the impending military success would be a divine gift, not merely human strength. This act set the stage for the subsequent command to shoot an arrow and strike the ground, which further clarified the nature and extent of the promised victory, as detailed in [2 Kings 13:16-19](/2_kings/13-16 "2 Kings 13:16-19 - Elisha's Prophetic Instructions").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prophetic act initiated in [2 Kings 13:15](/2_kings/13-15 "2 Kings 13:15 - Elisha's Command to Joash") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Joash was called to take physical weapons for a temporal victory, Christ is the true "chariot of Israel and its horsemen" ([2 Kings 13:14](/2_kings/13-14 "2 Kings 13:14 - Joash's Lament for Elisha")), the very embodiment of God's power and deliverance. He did not take up a physical bow and arrows but, through His perfect obedience to the Father, became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The victory He secured was not over a regional oppressor but over sin, death, and the devil, a spiritual triumph that has eternal ramifications for all who believe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph")). Just as Elisha's command required Joash's faith-filled action, Christ's call to discipleship requires us to "take up our cross" ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")) and follow Him, engaging in spiritual warfare not with carnal weapons but with the "armor of God" ([Ephesians 6:11-17](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11-17 - The Armor of God")). He is the one who empowers His followers to overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Overcomes the World")), ensuring a complete and eternal victory far surpassing any earthly triumph.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.