Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 13:16. It’s a really significant moment in biblical history! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a powerful and decisive act of God protecting King David’s army. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he said to the king of Israel…” – This tells us who is involved. It’s about a powerful, possibly hostile force, attacking Israel. “…Put thine hand upon the bow.” – This is the key part. “Bow” refers to a large, heavily fortified siege tower or structure built by the enemies. It was meant to be impenetrable. The king of Israel was instructed to put his hand upon it. “And he put his hand [upon it]: and Elisha put his hands upon the king’s hands.” – This is where it gets really dramatic. Elisha, a prophet, stepped forward and placed his hands on top of the bow. So, what does this all mean? It's a clear message of protection . God is directly intervening to defend Israel from imminent danger. Here’s the bigger picture: The Threat: The verse describes a large army of enemies attacking Israel. Elisha’s Intervention: Elisha, a prophet, bravely stepped in and physically secured the bow – essentially stopping the enemy's advance. Symbolic Significance: This isn’t just about physical protection; it represents God’s power to overcome evil and defend His people. It shows that even when things look bleak, God can act decisively to ensure victory. In essence, this verse is a story of divine intervention and protection. It's a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives and will always protect those who belong to Him. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse further? For example, would you like to know: The context of the story it’s part of? What does it symbolize in a broader biblical narrative?