2 Kings 13:16
And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.
2 Kings 13:16 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the Bible, we see a powerful interaction between the prophet Elisha and the king of Israel. When Elisha instructs the king to put his hand upon the bow, it symbolizes a transfer of power and authority. By physically placing his hand on the bow, the king is demonstrating his willingness to receive the guidance and blessing of Elisha. And when Elisha puts his hands upon the king's hands, it signifies a spiritual connection and unity between them. This act of laying on of hands was a common practice in biblical times and was believed to convey divine energy and blessing. Through this symbolic gesture, Elisha is communicating his support and assistance to the king in his endeavors. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking guidance and authority from God through his chosen servants.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from 2 Kings 13:16 highlights the significance of the act of Elisha putting his hands upon the king's hands. This gesture symbolizes the transfer of power and authority from Elisha to the king of Israel. By placing his hands on the king's hands, Elisha is showing his support and guidance in the upcoming battle. This act demonstrates the spiritual connection between the prophet and the king, symbolizing the divine guidance and intervention in the affairs of the kingdom. In addition, this act of laying on of hands is a common practice in the Bible, often associated with the impartation of blessings, authority, or healing. In this context, it signifies the empowerment and enablement of the king to effectively lead his troops into battle with the support and blessing of Elisha.
2 Kings 13:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he said to the king of Israel, Put thy hand upon the bow; and he put his hand [upon it] . And Elisha laid his hands upon the king's hands.
World English Bible
He said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow”; and he put his hand on it. Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands.
Douay-Rheims
He said to the king of Israel: Put thy hand upon the bow. And when he had put his hand, Eliseus put his hands over the king's hands,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he sayde 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,