2 Kings 2:22

22 So the water has been wholesome to this day, according to the word that Elisha 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 the salt into it, and said, "Thus says the Lord, I have made this water wholesome; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it."
22 So the water has been wholesome to this day, according to the word that Elisha 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 away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!"
24 When he turned around and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.