2 Kings 2:20

KJV

And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought [it] to him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Bring {H3947} me a new {H2319} cruse {H6746}, and put {H7760} salt {H4417} therein. And they brought {H3947} it to him.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Bring me a new jug," he said, "and put salt in it." They brought it to him.

Berean Standard Bible

“Bring me a new bowl,” he replied, “and put some salt in it.” So they brought it to him,

American Standard Version

And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 2:20, the prophet Elisha, newly endowed with Elijah's prophetic mantle, issues a precise command to the distressed men of Jericho: to bring him a new cruse filled with salt. This seemingly simple instruction marks the immediate prelude to his first recorded miracle, a divine act of purification that transforms the city's barren and deadly water supply into a source of life. The verse underscores Elisha's burgeoning authority and the readiness of the people to obey, setting the stage for a powerful demonstration of God's restorative power through His chosen servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the dramatic ascension of Elijah into heaven in [2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah's Ascension") and Elisha's subsequent reception of a double portion of his spirit and the prophet's mantle in [2 Kings 2:13](/2_kings/2-13 "2 Kings 2:13 - Elisha Takes the Mantle"). Having crossed the Jordan and been recognized by the "sons of the prophets" as Elijah's true successor, Elisha arrives in Jericho. The city's inhabitants immediately approach him with a pressing problem: "The situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, causing the land to miscarry" ([2 Kings 2:19](/2_kings/2-19 "2 Kings 2:19 - Jericho's Water Problem")). Elisha's command in [2 Kings 2:20](/2_kings/2-20 "2 Kings 2:20 - Elisha's Command for Salt") is his direct, divinely-inspired response to this reported crisis, initiating the miraculous solution detailed in the following verses. It serves as a pivotal moment, validating Elisha's prophetic office and demonstrating God's continued active presence among His people through His new prophet.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, was strategically located in the Jordan Valley, known for its lushness due to its springs. However, the mention of "bad water" causing "miscarriage" (both of the land's produce and potentially human life) indicates a significant and persistent problem, possibly a natural contamination or even a lingering curse from Joshua's pronouncement against the city's rebuilding in [Joshua 6:26](/joshua/6-26 "Joshua 6:26 - Joshua's Curse on Jericho"). Water sources were absolutely vital for ancient cities, directly impacting agriculture, health, and survival. The people's appeal to Elisha reflects their understanding of a prophet's role as an intermediary between God and humanity, capable of seeking divine intervention for practical problems. The use of a "cruse" (a common household vessel) and "salt" (a ubiquitous commodity used for preservation, seasoning, and purification) grounds the miracle in everyday objects, yet their application here transcends natural properties, highlighting the supernatural nature of God's work.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader prophetic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the theme of **Divine Healing and Restoration**, showcasing God's ability to reverse barrenness and affliction, transforming sources of death into sources of life. This echoes God's creative and redemptive power seen from [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") onwards. Secondly, it immediately affirms **Elisha's Prophetic Authority** and succession, demonstrating that the "spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha" ([2 Kings 2:15](/2_kings/2-15 "2 Kings 2:15 - Recognition of Elisha")). This miracle serves as a public validation of his divine calling, much like Elijah's initial miracles. Thirdly, it highlights the **Symbolism of Ordinary Means**, where God chooses to work through simple, accessible objects like a new cruse and salt, emphasizing that the power resides solely in His divine command and not in the inherent properties of the materials. This theme recurs throughout biblical history, from Moses' staff to Jesus' use of mud and spit. Finally, the "new cruse" can subtly suggest a theme of **New Beginnings** and the initiation of a fresh work of God through Elisha, bringing radical change and blessing to the community of Jericho.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **New (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** from חָדַשׁ; new; fresh, new thing. The emphasis on "new" is significant; it implies a vessel that is untainted, unused, and therefore ritually pure and symbolic of a fresh, unadulterated work of God. It signifies that the miracle is not a continuation of old practices or a re-purposing of something already "used," but a distinct, new act of divine intervention, emphasizing the purity and completeness of the impending healing.
* **Cruse (Hebrew, _tsᵉlôchîyth'_):** from צָלַח; something prolonged or tall, i.e. a vial or salt-cellar; cruse. Elisha specifically requests a "new" cruse. The choice of a common, yet "new" and untainted, household vessel highlights that God can use ordinary objects as instruments for extraordinary, pure acts of divine intervention. The newness further emphasizes the fresh start and complete transformation God intends to bring to Jericho's water supply.
* **Salt (Hebrew, _melach'_):** from מָלַח; properly, powder, i.e. (specifically) salt (as easily pulverized and dissolved); salt(-pit). Salt was a vital commodity in the ancient world, used for preservation, seasoning, and covenant symbolism. Paradoxically, in high concentrations, salt makes water undrinkable and can symbolize desolation. Elisha's command to use salt, therefore, highlights a supernatural reversal of natural properties, demonstrating that the power to purify comes not from the salt itself, but from God's sovereign command, which transcends natural laws.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes Elisha's active role and authority. His words are not suggestions but commands, indicating that he is acting under divine inspiration and with prophetic power. This is the direct response to the community's plea in the preceding verse, demonstrating his immediate engagement with their problem.
* **"Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein."**: This is the core of Elisha's instruction. The specificity of "a new cruse" underscores the fresh, pure nature of the divine work. The command to "put salt therein" is counter-intuitive from a natural perspective, as salt typically contaminates fresh water. This seemingly contradictory instruction forces reliance on God's supernatural power rather than human logic or the inherent properties of the materials. The objects themselves are ordinary, but their use in obedience to a divine command makes them instruments of an extraordinary miracle.
* **"And they brought [it] to him."**: This concluding clause is crucial as it demonstrates the immediate and obedient response of the men of Jericho. Their compliance signifies their faith in Elisha's prophetic authority and their desperation for a solution. This obedience is a prerequisite for the miracle that follows, highlighting the interplay between divine command and human receptivity.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [2 Kings 2:20](/2_kings/2-20 "2 Kings 2:20 - Elisha's Command for Salt") employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "new cruse" representing a fresh start, purity, and the initiation of a new work of God through Elisha. The "salt" carries rich symbolic weight, paradoxically used here for purification despite its natural tendency to make water undrinkable in large quantities; it also alludes to preservation and covenant. This paradoxical use of salt is a powerful instance of **Irony** or **Paradox**, where the natural properties of a substance are supernaturally reversed to achieve a divine purpose, thereby emphasizing that the power resides solely with God and not in the material itself. The narrative also features **Divine Command**, as Elisha's simple, direct instructions are the catalyst for the miracle, underscoring God's sovereignty and His ability to work through seemingly humble means. The immediate **Obedience** of the men of Jericho is also a key narrative element, highlighting their faith and trust in the newly established prophet.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command in [2 Kings 2:20](/2_kings/2-20 "2 Kings 2:20 - Elisha's Command for Salt") serves as a powerful theological statement about God's active involvement in the physical well-being of His people and His ability to bring life out of barrenness. It underscores that God is not distant but intimately concerned with the practical needs of communities. The paradox of using salt to purify water highlights God's power to transcend and even reverse natural laws, demonstrating that His ways are often contrary to human logic, yet always effective. This miracle, Elisha's first significant public act, firmly establishes his prophetic ministry as one characterized by divine healing and restoration, echoing the earlier ministry of Elijah and affirming the continuity of God's redemptive work. It teaches that God can use ordinary objects and obedient individuals to accomplish extraordinary acts of grace and transformation, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation and His desire to bring flourishing where there is decay.

* [Exodus 15:23-25](/exodus/15-23-25 "Exodus 15:23-25 - The Waters of Marah")
* [Ezekiel 47:8-9](/ezekiel/47-8-9 "Ezekiel 47:8-9 - The River from the Temple")
* [Matthew 5:13](/matthew/5-13 "Matthew 5:13 - Salt of the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Elisha purifying the waters of Jericho, beginning with the simple command in [2 Kings 2:20](/2_kings/2-20 "2 Kings 2:20 - Elisha's Command for Salt"), offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is deeply concerned with the practical and physical realities of our lives and communities, not just our spiritual state. Like the people of Jericho, we often face "bad water" in our world—whether it's social injustice, environmental degradation, relational brokenness, or spiritual barrenness. This passage calls us to approach God, through His chosen servants and through prayer, with our real-world problems. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider how God might use seemingly ordinary means or even paradoxical actions to bring about His purposes. Our role is to be obedient to His leading, even when the instructions seem unconventional or illogical from a human perspective. Just as Elisha was an agent of God's healing, we are called to be instruments of His transformative power in our spheres of influence, bringing His life and restoration to a world desperately in need of healing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "bad waters" or sources of barrenness in my own life or community that I need to bring before God?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to act in obedience, even if His instructions seem counter-intuitive or require me to use "ordinary" means?**
* **How can I be an agent of God's healing and restoration in my sphere of influence, reflecting His transformative power to those around me?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha ask for a "new cruse" and "salt" specifically?**

Answer: Elisha's request for a "new cruse" (a small jar) and "salt" was divinely inspired and highly symbolic. The "new" cruse likely signified the fresh, untainted nature of the miracle God was about to perform, emphasizing a new beginning and a pure act of divine intervention, rather than a continuation of old practices. The "salt" is particularly significant due to its paradoxical use. While salt was commonly used for preservation (e.g., [Leviticus 2:13](/leviticus/2-13 "Leviticus 2:13 - Salt in Offerings")) and associated with covenants, in high concentrations, it makes water undrinkable and land barren (e.g., [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "Deuteronomy 29:23 - Land of Salt and Sulphur")). Elisha's use of salt to purify the water highlights that the power was not in the natural properties of the salt, but in God's supernatural intervention, reversing the natural order to bring life and health. It demonstrates God's ability to use even seemingly contradictory means to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing His omnipotence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miracle of purifying Jericho's waters, initiated by Elisha's command in [2 Kings 2:20](/2_kings/2-20 "2 Kings 2:20 - Elisha's Command for Salt"), points forward to the ultimate and perfect healing found in Jesus Christ. Just as the "bad water" of Jericho caused barrenness and death, humanity's sin has corrupted the springs of life, leading to spiritual barrenness and death. Jesus, the true and greater Prophet, comes not merely to purify a physical water source but to offer living water that eternally quenches spiritual thirst ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). He is the one who reverses the curse of sin and death, bringing true spiritual life and fruitfulness where there was only barrenness. The "new cruse" and "salt" can be seen as faint shadows of the new covenant established in Christ's blood, which brings about a radical new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) and purifies us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). He is the ultimate source of healing, making all things new, and transforming the bitter waters of our fallen existence into springs of eternal life ([Revelation 21:5-6](/revelation/21-5-6 "Revelation 21:5-6 - He Makes All Things New")).

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

Zephaniah 2:9

Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

Judges 9:45

And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that [was] therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.

Ezekiel 47:11

But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.