2 Kings 2:22

22 So the water has been wholesome to this day, according to the word which Eli'sha spoke.

2 Kings 2:22 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 2:22

So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the
saying of Elisha which he spake.
] In the name of the Lord; and not only they remained so unto the time of the writer of this history, but to the times of Josephus, as he testifies F19, and even to ours; for there is a spring now called Elisha's spring or fountain, of which Mr. Maundrell says F20,

``its waters are at present received in a basin about nine or ten paces long, and five or six broad; and from thence issuing out in good plenty, divide themselves into several small streams, dispersing their refreshment to all the field between this and Jericho, and rendering it exceeding fruitful.''

So some other travellers F21 say of it, that the water is very clear and cool, and issues in a copious steam. Pliny F23 gives it the name of "Calirroe", the beautiful stream, and speaks of it as hot, wholesome, and medicinal, and of great note.


FOOTNOTES:

F19 De Bello Jud. l. 4. c. 8. sect. 3.
F20 Journey from Aleppo p. 80.
F21 Egmont and Heyman's Travels, vol. 1. p. 331.
F23 Nat. Hist. l. 5. c. 16.

2 Kings 2:22 In-Context

20 He said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him.
21 Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it, and said, "Thus says the LORD, I have made this water wholesome; henceforth neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it."
22 So the water has been wholesome to this day, according to the word which Eli'sha spoke.
23 He went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!"
24 And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the LORD. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.