Elisha’s Stick

Question

What was Eliza trying to achieve by placing his stick on the woman’s son? Was it a ritual, a healing act, or something else entirely? What is the meaning of Eliza’s act?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    The commentaries explain that the stick had no supernatural powers whatsoever. Rather, Elisha wanted to use it as a camouflage for the real miracle that would take place through Elisha’s actions and prayers. There are a few places in Tanach where the same concept is utilized to give a miracle a certain sense that there might be a physical explanation for what happened.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team