And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.
This command was given as part of Elisha's final counsel and encouragement to King Joash as his work as a prophet was coming to a close. Elisha directed Joash to take bow and arrows as the first step in a prophetic act concerning deliverance from Syria, and Joash obeyed the direction. That taking up of the weapons opened a symbolic test of Joash's faith, giving opportunity to reveal that Israel could be delivered from its enemy, with the extent of Syria's defeat to match Joash's persistence.
Joash struck the ground only three times, and therefore he would defeat Syria only three times. The episode shows that when God promises success and opens the way for a task, those entrusted with it must press forward with energy and perseverance.
This command was given as part of Elisha's final counsel and encouragement to King Joash as his work as a prophet was coming to a close. Elisha directed Joash to take bow and arrows as the first step in a prophetic act concerning deliverance from Syria, and Joash obeyed the direction. That taking up of the weapons opened a symbolic test of Joash's faith, giving opportunity to reveal that Israel could be delivered from its enemy, with the extent of Syria's defeat to match Joash's persistence.
Joash struck the ground only three times, and therefore he would defeat Syria only three times. The episode shows that when God promises success and opens the way for a task, those entrusted with it must press forward with energy and perseverance.