2 Kings 13:16

And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand vpon the bowe. And he put his hand vpon it: and Elisha put his hands vpon the kings hands. 2 Kings 13:16 (KJV)

In 2 Kings 13 we encounter the account of the king of Israel in Samaria who did evil in the sight of the Lord, resulting in oppression by the king of Syria. During this turbulent period the prophet Elisha, successor of Elijah, was a prominent spiritual advisor who performed many miracles through God’s power.

Elisha instructs the king to “put thine hand upon the bow.” In the ancient Near East the bow symbolized power, strength, and victory in warfare. By placing his hand on the bow the king signals his readiness for battle and his desire for divine assistance against the Syrians.

After the king’s hand rests on the bow, Elisha places his own hands upon the king’s hands. This physical act represents the transfer of God’s authority, blessing, and empowerment from the prophet to the monarch, preparing him for the forthcoming conflict.

The passage illustrates a key spiritual principle: human cooperation with God’s power is essential for victory. The king’s gesture acknowledges God’s role in triumph, while Elisha’s laying on of hands signifies God’s active empowerment of the king’s endeavors.

For believers today, the text urges us to seek God’s guidance, strength, and blessing. Just as the king turned to the prophet for divine support, we are called to pursue a close relationship with God, recognize our need for His direction, and invite His involvement in the battles of life, trusting that He equips us for spiritual victory.

Thus 2 Kings 13:16 portrays the interaction between Elisha and the king, emphasizing the transfer of power, authority, and divine assistance. It encourages us to depend on God’s involvement, confident that He can equip us for the challenges we face.