The answer is: Bow and arrows

2 Ki 13:15

Elisha’s interaction with King Joash contains a beautiful blend of symbolism and divine instruction. When Elisha, weakened by illness, instructs Joash to "take hold of the bow and arrows," it’s more than a mere call to action; it’s a passing of the baton of leadership and spiritual warfare. The bow represents strength, courage, and the desire to fight against adversaries—both physical and spiritual.

Moreover, this request reflects the ancient practice, where bows and arrows were crucial for battle preparation. Besides being a symbol of conflict, archery requires precision and aim—qualities that Joash needed as a ruler. In this moment, Elisha was guiding Joash to envision archery as a way to teach him about having faith in God’s promises. When Joash shoots the arrows toward the ground, it signifies a declaration of intent against their enemies, the Arameans, highlighting a vivid visual of divine decree.

Fun trivia: The bow was renowned in major ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with gods of war. It’s interesting to note that many stories throughout the Bible echo themes of battle and deliverance; for example, David’s slingshot fight against Goliath emphasizes that humble beginnings can lead to great victories with divine support.

Elisha's act here draws parallels to prophetic utterances, where actions accompanied by faith can propel one toward destiny! Such a reminder invites us to reflect on how we might aim our “arrows”—our thoughts, actions, and intentions—toward fulfilling our goals and mission.