2 kings 2:21 - He went out to the spring of the waters, and threw salt into it, and said, “Yahweh says, ‘I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more death or barren wasteland.’”
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What does "2 kings 2:21" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 2:21 describes a miracle performed by the prophet Elisha. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
Context: This passage occurs right after Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha inherits his mantle as prophet. The people of Jericho come to Elisha and complain that the water source is bad, causing death and barrenness (miscarriages or infertile land). This would be a severe problem for the community, as a reliable water source is essential for survival and agriculture.
"He went out to the spring of the waters": Elisha is taken to the source of the problem, the spring that supplies water to Jericho. This emphasizes that he's addressing the root of the issue, not just a symptom.
"and threw salt into it": This is a symbolic action. Salt, in that time, was sometimes associated with barrenness and destruction (see Deuteronomy 29:23, where destroying a city involved sowing it with salt). However, it also had purifying properties and could be used as a preservative. Elisha uses it in a seemingly paradoxical way, using something associated with barrenness to bring healing. This highlights that the miracle is not about the salt itself, but about God's power working through a physical act.
“Yahweh says, ‘I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more death or barren wasteland.’”: This is the crucial part. Elisha speaks a prophetic word, directly from God (Yahweh, often translated as "LORD"). This clarifies that the healing is not Elisha's own power, but God's. The promise is clear: the water is now healed, and the negative consequences (death and barrenness) will cease.
Meaning and Significance:
God's Power over Creation: The miracle demonstrates God's power to heal and restore the natural world. The water, previously a source of suffering, is transformed into a source of life and prosperity.
Elisha's Authority as a Prophet: This miracle, one of Elisha's first acts as a prophet, validates his role as Elijah's successor. It shows that he is a true prophet with God's power and blessing.
Restoration and New Beginnings: The healing of the water symbolizes a fresh start for the people of Jericho. The curse of death and barrenness is lifted, paving the way for a more abundant and fruitful life.
Symbolic Act of Purification: The salt, though often linked to barrenness, can also be seen as a purifying agent. Elisha's use of it symbolically purifies the water source, removing the cause of the death and barrenness.
God's Compassion and Care: The verse illustrates God's concern for the well-being of his people. He responds to their needs and uses Elisha to bring healing and restoration.
In essence, 2 Kings 2:21 is about God's power to transform a source of death into a source of life and blessing. It highlights the role of the prophet as a messenger of God and demonstrates God's compassion for his people. The use of salt is a symbolic act that emphasizes the miracle is from God, not a natural process.
2 kings 2:21 - He went out to the spring of the waters, and threw salt into it, and said, “Yahweh says, ‘I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more death or barren wasteland.’”
What does "2 kings 2:21" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 2:21 describes a miracle performed by the prophet Elisha. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
Context: This passage occurs right after Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha inherits his mantle as prophet. The people of Jericho come to Elisha and complain that the water source is bad, causing death and barrenness (miscarriages or infertile land). This would be a severe problem for the community, as a reliable water source is essential for survival and agriculture.
"He went out to the spring of the waters": Elisha is taken to the source of the problem, the spring that supplies water to Jericho. This emphasizes that he's addressing the root of the issue, not just a symptom.
"and threw salt into it": This is a symbolic action. Salt, in that time, was sometimes associated with barrenness and destruction (see Deuteronomy 29:23, where destroying a city involved sowing it with salt). However, it also had purifying properties and could be used as a preservative. Elisha uses it in a seemingly paradoxical way, using something associated with barrenness to bring healing. This highlights that the miracle is not about the salt itself, but about God's power working through a physical act.
“Yahweh says, ‘I have healed these waters. There shall not be from there any more death or barren wasteland.’”: This is the crucial part. Elisha speaks a prophetic word, directly from God (Yahweh, often translated as "LORD"). This clarifies that the healing is not Elisha's own power, but God's. The promise is clear: the water is now healed, and the negative consequences (death and barrenness) will cease.
Meaning and Significance:
God's Power over Creation: The miracle demonstrates God's power to heal and restore the natural world. The water, previously a source of suffering, is transformed into a source of life and prosperity.
Elisha's Authority as a Prophet: This miracle, one of Elisha's first acts as a prophet, validates his role as Elijah's successor. It shows that he is a true prophet with God's power and blessing.
Restoration and New Beginnings: The healing of the water symbolizes a fresh start for the people of Jericho. The curse of death and barrenness is lifted, paving the way for a more abundant and fruitful life.
Symbolic Act of Purification: The salt, though often linked to barrenness, can also be seen as a purifying agent. Elisha's use of it symbolically purifies the water source, removing the cause of the death and barrenness.
God's Compassion and Care: The verse illustrates God's concern for the well-being of his people. He responds to their needs and uses Elisha to bring healing and restoration.
In essence, 2 Kings 2:21 is about God's power to transform a source of death into a source of life and blessing. It highlights the role of the prophet as a messenger of God and demonstrates God's compassion for his people. The use of salt is a symbolic act that emphasizes the miracle is from God, not a natural process.