2 kings 2:20 - He said, “Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it.” Then they brought it to him.
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What does "2 kings 2:20" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Elisha purifying the water source of Jericho. Let's break down the meaning:
"He said, “Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it.”
"He" refers to Elisha, the prophet.
"Bring me a new jar" - The "new jar" is significant. It implies a fresh start, untouched and clean. This highlights that the solution is not about some magical property of an old or used container, but rather about a divine intervention in a clean vessel.
"Put salt in it" - Salt, in ancient times, had a variety of uses:
Preservation: It was used to preserve food.
Seasoning: It added flavor.
Covenant: It symbolized an unbreakable covenant.
Purification: It had symbolic use in cleansing.
Barrenness: Ironically, salt could also symbolize barrenness or a cursed land (Deuteronomy 29:23; Judges 9:45).
In this context, the salt is not being used for preservation. The water source is already bad. Elisha is using the salt in a symbolic way, acting under divine instruction, to signify cleansing, healing, and a new covenant between God and the people. It's the vehicle through which God will demonstrate his power to purify and restore.
"Then they brought it to him."
This shows the obedience of the people of Jericho to Elisha's instructions. They followed his request without question. Their willingness to obey is a crucial part of the miracle that is about to occur.
In Summary:
The verse is about obedience and divine action. Elisha requests a new jar and salt. The new jar and salt themselves aren't inherently magical. They are symbolic elements used under God's direction to represent a cleansing and a fresh start for the city's water supply. The people's obedience in bringing the jar and salt demonstrates their willingness to participate in the divine healing. This sets the stage for the miraculous purification of the water that follows in the subsequent verses. It is an act of faith demonstrated by the people being blessed by Elisha’s obedience to God.
2 kings 2:20 - He said, “Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it.” Then they brought it to him.
What does "2 kings 2:20" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Elisha purifying the water source of Jericho. Let's break down the meaning:
"He said, “Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it.”
"He" refers to Elisha, the prophet.
"Bring me a new jar" - The "new jar" is significant. It implies a fresh start, untouched and clean. This highlights that the solution is not about some magical property of an old or used container, but rather about a divine intervention in a clean vessel.
"Put salt in it" - Salt, in ancient times, had a variety of uses:
Preservation: It was used to preserve food.
Seasoning: It added flavor.
Covenant: It symbolized an unbreakable covenant.
Purification: It had symbolic use in cleansing.
Barrenness: Ironically, salt could also symbolize barrenness or a cursed land (Deuteronomy 29:23; Judges 9:45).
In this context, the salt is not being used for preservation. The water source is already bad. Elisha is using the salt in a symbolic way, acting under divine instruction, to signify cleansing, healing, and a new covenant between God and the people. It's the vehicle through which God will demonstrate his power to purify and restore.
"Then they brought it to him."
This shows the obedience of the people of Jericho to Elisha's instructions. They followed his request without question. Their willingness to obey is a crucial part of the miracle that is about to occur.
In Summary:
The verse is about obedience and divine action. Elisha requests a new jar and salt. The new jar and salt themselves aren't inherently magical. They are symbolic elements used under God's direction to represent a cleansing and a fresh start for the city's water supply. The people's obedience in bringing the jar and salt demonstrates their willingness to participate in the divine healing. This sets the stage for the miraculous purification of the water that follows in the subsequent verses. It is an act of faith demonstrated by the people being blessed by Elisha’s obedience to God.