He said, “Open the window eastward;” and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot!” and he shot. He said, “The LORD’s arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for you will strike the Syrians in Aphek until you have consumed them.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 17. East, looking towards Galgaad, ( Bible.) which the Syrians occupied. Menochius.—These actions were all significative and prophetical. The throwing of a dart was formerly the mode of declaring war. Virg. Æneid ix. Justin (ii.) says, “Alexander first threw a javelin, as against a hostile country.” Thus also the ancients took possession. Varro. V. Max. iii. and so forth The people of Andros and Chalicis, sent each a deputy to seize Acanthos, when it had been abandoned by its inhabitants. The man from Andros, perceiving the other before him, threw his dart at the gate, and it was decided that he had thus lawfully obtained possession. Plutarch, q. Græc. Selden, Mare. Claus. iv.—The action of Joas may be considered in both lights.—Them. We do not read the particulars of this battle: but it must have been very bloody. One of the three victories (verse 25.) of Joas was probably obtained at Aphec, ( Calmet.) a place memorable for the victory of Achab, over the same Syrians. 3 Kennicott. 20:26. Menochius.