2 Kings 13:19

KJV

And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed [it]: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria [but] thrice.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} of God {H430} was wroth {H7107} with him, and said {H559}, Thou shouldest have smitten {H5221} five {H2568} or six {H8337} times {H6471}; then hadst thou smitten {H5221} Syria {H758} till thou hadst consumed {H3615} it: whereas now thou shalt smite {H5221} Syria {H758} but thrice {H7969}{H6471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man of God became angry with him; he said, "You should have struck five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram completely. As it is, you will defeat Aram only three times."

Berean Standard Bible

But 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.”

American Standard Version

And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times: then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it; whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 13:19 records the prophet Elisha's profound disappointment and righteous anger at King Joash's partial obedience during a divinely orchestrated symbolic act. This pivotal moment reveals the critical interplay between God's clear instruction, human faith, and the extent of the blessings and victories God intends to bestow. Joash's failure to fully embrace the prophetic opportunity limited Israel's future triumph over their Aramean oppressors, underscoring the spiritual consequences of half-hearted engagement with divine directives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the final narrative concerning the prophet Elisha, specifically his deathbed instructions to King Joash of Israel (2 Kings 13:14-19). Joash, facing severe oppression from Aram (Syria), visits the ailing prophet. Elisha instructs him to open the east window and shoot an arrow, declaring it "the arrow of the Lord's deliverance" against Aram, signifying God's promise of victory. Following this, Elisha commands Joash to strike the ground with arrows. The preceding verse, [2 Kings 13:18](/2_kings/13-18 "2 Kings 13:18 - King Joash Strikes the Ground"), explicitly states that Joash struck the ground only three times before stopping. Elisha's subsequent outburst in [2 Kings 13:19](/2_kings/13-19 "2 Kings 13:19 - Elisha's Anger at Joash's Partial Obedience") is a direct response to this incomplete action, highlighting the immediate consequence of the king's lack of persistence and faith in a moment of crucial prophetic revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of King Joash's reign (c. 798-782 BC) was one of significant weakness and oppression for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. They were under the severe subjugation of Aram (Syria) under King Hazael and his successor Ben-Hadad, as detailed in [2 Kings 13:3-7](/2_kings/13-3 "2 Kings 13:3-7 - Aram's Oppression of Israel"). This oppression was a result of Israel's continued idolatry and disobedience to the Mosaic covenant. In this desperate situation, the people and their king would naturally turn to a prophet like Elisha, who had historically been a source of divine intervention and military counsel, as seen in his earlier interactions with kings and armies throughout [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings"). The symbolic acts commanded by Elisha were a common prophetic means of conveying God's will and empowering human action, often requiring a responsive act of faith from the recipient to actualize the divine promise.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores **The Power of Symbolic Action**, where physical acts performed under prophetic anointing are not mere rituals but potent declarations that unlock divine power and determine future outcomes. The number of times Joash struck the ground was directly linked to the number of victories God intended to grant. Secondly, it highlights the principle that **Obedience and Faith Determine Outcome**, revealing that the extent of God's intervention can be conditioned by human responsiveness. Elisha's anger signifies that Joash's limited action stemmed from a lack of full faith and persistence, thereby limiting the full measure of God's intended deliverance. This principle resonates with the New Testament teaching that asking God in faith, without doubting, is crucial for receiving (cf. [James 1:6-7](/james/1-6 "James 1:6-7 - Asking in Faith Without Doubting")). Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays the **Consequences of Partial Obedience**. Joash's failure to "smite five or six times" meant sacrificing the potential for total victory over Aram, resulting instead in a mere three triumphs. This serves as a cautionary tale that incomplete or half-hearted obedience can hinder the complete fulfillment of God's promises and lead to missed divine opportunities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wroth (Hebrew, _ḥārâ'_):** This verb, often translated as "burned" or "kindled," describes a deep, intense anger. It is not a petty or irrational outburst but a profound indignation, often associated with divine displeasure or righteous zeal. In Elisha's case, his anger was rooted in his understanding of God's perfect will and the spiritual stakes involved. He saw Joash's lack of persistence as a failure to grasp a moment of immense divine empowerment, leading to a diminished outcome for Israel. This was a holy anger, reflecting God's disappointment over His people's missed potential.
* **Smitten (Hebrew, _nākâ'_):** This verb means "to strike," "to beat," "to hit," but in a military context, it frequently signifies "to defeat," "to conquer," or "to slay." Elisha's instruction to "smite" the ground with arrows was a symbolic act of striking down the enemy. The repetition of this action was meant to represent repeated military victories. Joash's limited "smitting" directly correlated to a limited number of future military successes against Aram.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _kālâ'_):** This verb means "to finish," "to complete," "to bring to an end," or "to utterly destroy." Elisha's statement, "then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed [it]," indicates that God's intention was for Israel to achieve a total, decisive, and annihilating victory over Aram. Joash's failure to strike more times meant that this complete consumption of the enemy would not occur, leaving Israel vulnerable to future Aramean incursions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man of God was wroth with him":** This phrase immediately sets the tone, highlighting Elisha's intense emotional reaction. His anger is not arbitrary but a righteous indignation stemming from Joash's failure to fully comprehend and act upon the divine opportunity presented. Elisha, as God's representative, felt the divine disappointment over the king's spiritual dullness and lack of faith.
* **"and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times;":** Elisha reveals the precise measure of faith and action that was expected. The numbers "five or six" suggest a complete and overwhelming victory, indicating that God's desire was for Israel to utterly defeat Aram, not just achieve partial success. This was the threshold for total conquest, a clear divine intention communicated through the prophetic act.
* **"then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed [it]:":** This clause explicitly states the glorious outcome that would have resulted from Joash's full obedience. "Consumed [it]" signifies a complete and decisive victory, implying the total eradication of Aram's threat to Israel. It underscores the direct correlation between the king's faith-filled action and the comprehensive nature of God's intended blessing and deliverance.
* **"whereas now thou shalt smite Syria [but] thrice.":** This final clause delivers the sobering consequence of Joash's partial obedience. Because he only struck the ground three times, Israel would only achieve three limited victories over Aram, rather than the complete consumption of their enemy. This serves as a stark reminder that human hesitation and lack of persistence can directly limit the full manifestation of God's power and promises in a given situation.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Kings 13:19 effectively employs several literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the arrows and the act of striking the ground serving as potent symbols of military engagement and victory. The number of strikes directly symbolizes the extent of the future triumphs. The entire scene functions as a **Prophetic Act**, where Elisha's instructions are not merely physical exercises but divinely ordained actions intended to release spiritual power and determine the course of events. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Joash's limited action directly foreshadows Israel's future limited success against Aram, confirming the principle that human faith and obedience can directly impact the manifestation of divine power. Finally, the narrative presents a poignant **Contrast** between God's boundless intention for Israel's victory and the king's limited faith, highlighting the tragic consequences of missed divine opportunities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Elisha and King Joash profoundly illustrates the dynamic relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God's ultimate plan is unchangeable, the extent and timing of His blessings and victories in specific situations can be conditioned by the faith and obedience of His people. God often invites humanity to participate in His work, and our response—whether wholehearted or hesitant—can determine the measure of His manifest power. Elisha's anger reflects a divine disappointment not because God's power is inherently limited, but because human unbelief or partial obedience can hinder the full outpouring of His intended grace and deliverance. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God desires to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," but our receptivity and persistence in faith are often crucial for experiencing the fullness of His promises.

* [James 1:6-7](/james/1-6 "James 1:6-7 - Asking in Faith Without Doubting")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Hebrews 11:6 - Faith is Essential to Please God")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of King Joash and Elisha's final prophecy offers profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to examine the areas in our lives where God may be calling us to a deeper level of faith and persistence. Just as Joash's half-hearted effort limited Israel's deliverance, our own doubts, fears, or spiritual complacency can inadvertently restrict the full manifestation of God's power and blessings in our personal lives, families, churches, or ministries. God often provides "arrows" – opportunities, instructions, or divine nudges – that require us to "strike the ground" with unwavering faith, not just once or twice, but with the tenacity that reflects a complete trust in His ability to bring about total victory. This passage calls us to "go all in" when God gives a clear directive, to press on in prayer, obedience, and service, refusing to settle for partial victories when God intends a complete triumph. Our spiritual persistence is not about earning God's favor, but about aligning ourselves with His perfect will and unlocking the full measure of His redemptive power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might I be limiting God's work in my life through partial obedience or a lack of persistence in faith?**
* **What "symbolic acts" or divine instructions has God given me that require wholehearted faith and sustained effort?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual tenacity and trust in God's abundant power, even when the path seems unclear or repetitive?**

### FAQ

**Why was Elisha so angry with King Joash?**

Answer: Elisha's anger was not a petty personal outburst but a righteous indignation rooted in his understanding of God's perfect will and the spiritual stakes involved for Israel. He was "wroth" because Joash's lack of persistence and faith during the symbolic act of striking the arrows on the ground meant that Israel would miss out on a complete and decisive victory over their Aramean oppressors. God had intended for Israel to utterly "consume" Syria, but Joash's half-hearted obedience limited the divine blessing to only three victories. Elisha saw the tragic missed opportunity for his nation, which stemmed from the king's spiritual dullness and hesitation to fully embrace God's promised deliverance.

**Does this story imply that God's power is limited by human faith?**

Answer: This story does not imply that God's absolute power is limited, for God remains sovereign and omnipotent. Rather, it illustrates that the *manifestation* and *extent* of God's blessings and interventions in our lives can be conditioned by our faith, obedience, and willingness to cooperate with His divine instructions. God often chooses to work through human agency, inviting us to participate in His plans. While His ultimate purposes will prevail, the specific outcomes and the measure of His power experienced by individuals or nations can be directly impacted by their responsive faith. Joash's failure was not a limitation on God's *ability* to grant total victory, but a limitation on the *reception* of that victory due to human unbelief and partial obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joash's partial obedience and Elisha's disappointment finds its ultimate resolution and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Where Joash failed to strike with full faith, Jesus, the perfect Son, demonstrated absolute and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His "striking" against the powers of sin, death, and the devil was not a partial effort but a complete and decisive victory, a triumph that utterly "consumed" our spiritual enemies (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). Unlike Joash's limited success, Christ's victory is comprehensive and eternal, securing for all who believe an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (cf. [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - The Imperishable Inheritance")). Through His perfect obedience and complete sacrifice, Jesus ensures that believers participate in a victory that is not dependent on their own fluctuating faith or partial efforts, but on His finished work (cf. [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")). He is the true "man of God" who fully seized the divine opportunity, securing not just three limited victories, but an eternal triumph for His people.

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.

Cross-References

2 Kings 13:25

And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.

2 Kings 4:16

And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

Mark 6:5

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed [them].

2 Kings 6:9

And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.

2 Kings 4:40

So they poured out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O [thou] man of God, [there is] death in the pot. And they could not eat [thereof].

Mark 10:14

But when Jesus saw [it], he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Leviticus 10:16

And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burnt: and he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron [which were] left [alive], saying,