2 Kings 2:21 “Then he went out to the spring and threw the salt into it, saying, ‘This is what the Lord says: I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.'”
Extended Explanation:
In this verse, Elisha follows through with the instructions given earlier, throwing salt into the spring that supplied Jericho’s water. As he does this, he declares that it is God who is healing the water, and from that point forward, the water would no longer bring death or barrenness to the land. Elisha makes it clear that this healing is not due to any special properties of the salt but is an act of divine intervention. By proclaiming “This is what the Lord says,” Elisha emphasizes that it is God’s power, not his own, that brings about the miracle.
Historical Context:
Jericho’s water supply was essential for the well-being of the city. However, due to the bad condition of the water, the land was barren and unproductive, likely leading to sickness and hardship for the people. This event occurs early in Elisha’s ministry, and it demonstrates that he has inherited the prophetic authority of his mentor, Elijah. By healing the water, Elisha not only solves a practical problem but also shows the people of Jericho that God is still actively involved in their lives, working through His chosen servant to bring blessing and healing.
Salt in the ancient world was often seen as a symbol of purification and preservation. Its use here in the water is symbolic rather than medicinal, representing the purification that God is bringing to the land. Elisha’s declaration that the water will no longer cause death or make the land unproductive speaks to the reversal of the curse that had previously plagued Jericho (Joshua 6:26).
Theological Implications:
This verse demonstrates God’s ability to bring life and restoration where there is death and barrenness. The people of Jericho had been suffering due to the bad water, but God steps in to heal the source of their trouble. This miracle reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s power to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually. The use of salt as part of the miracle also reinforces the idea that God can use simple, everyday things to accomplish His divine purposes. Ultimately, this healing miracle points to God’s desire to bring life and blessing to His people.
Literary Analysis:
The phrase “This is what the Lord says” is significant in this passage because it highlights the prophetic authority of Elisha. Throughout the Bible, this phrase is used by prophets to communicate a direct message from God. By using this phrase, Elisha makes it clear that the healing of the water is God’s work, not his own. The contrast between death and life, barrenness and productivity, emphasizes the complete transformation that God brings when He intervenes. The throwing of the salt into the spring is a symbolic act, representing the purification and restoration that only God can provide.
Biblical Cross-References:
- Exodus 15:22-25 – God turns bitter water sweet for the Israelites, showing His ability to purify and make water drinkable through miraculous means.
- Leviticus 2:13 – The use of salt in offerings, symbolizing purity and preservation, connecting to its role in Elisha’s miracle.
- John 4:13-14 – Jesus offers living water that will never run dry, symbolizing the spiritual life and healing that He provides, much like the healing of the water in Jericho.
Application for Today’s Christian:
This verse offers a powerful reminder of God’s ability to bring healing and restoration to the broken areas of our lives. Just as the water in Jericho was healed, God can heal the areas in our lives that seem barren or unproductive. Christians today can take comfort in knowing that no situation is too difficult for God to restore. Elisha’s reliance on God and the clear message that the healing came from the Lord challenges believers to trust in God’s power rather than relying on their own strength or resources. This passage encourages us to bring our needs to God, believing that He can bring life and renewal.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God:
God’s love is demonstrated in His willingness to heal what is broken. The people of Jericho were suffering due to the bad water, but God, through Elisha, steps in to restore life and fertility to the land. This act of healing shows that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people; He desires to bring restoration and blessing. God’s love is seen in His willingness to intervene and bring healing, even to a city like Jericho, which had been under a curse. His love reaches beyond judgment and into restoration.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ:
This miracle of healing water connects to Jesus Christ in His role as the one who offers living water. In John 4:13-14, Jesus speaks of the water He gives, which leads to eternal life and satisfies the deepest thirst. Just as Elisha healed the physical water that caused death and barrenness, Jesus offers spiritual water that brings life and salvation. Both acts of healing point to God’s ultimate desire to bring life where there is death and to restore what has been broken.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
- What areas of your life feel barren or unproductive? How can you bring these before God, trusting in His power to bring healing and restoration?
- How does Elisha’s confidence in God’s power challenge you to trust in God’s ability to work through ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary things?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s healing and restoration, either physically or spiritually? How can you share that testimony with others to encourage their faith?