“Draw the bow”; and he drew it …: As in the previous verse, a direct command is given here and its fulfillment is emphasized by the repetition of the words of the command. But it may be more natural in some languages to use indirect speech in the first part and a shorter summary statement for the second part (so Good News Translation). At this point in the story the bow is drawn and King Jehoash is ready to let the arrow go. But he has not yet done so. The prophet then places his hands over the hands of Jehoash who is holding the bow and arrow.

Draw the bow is literally “Make your hand ride on the bow.” The sense is probably that the king was to bend the bow in order to fasten the cord on the end of the bow.

Elisha laid his hands upon the king’s hands: The text does not indicate the significance of this action, but most likely this was a symbolic act indicating that God was with the king in his military undertakings.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .