מלכים ב, פרק ב׳, פסוק כ״ב

Following the departure of his master, Elisha retraces their shared route in reverse, traveling from the Jordan River to Jericho, then to Bethel, and finally to Gilgal. While his initial splitting of the Jordan River served as a personal test to confirm that the prophetic spirit had truly transferred to him, his subsequent actions serve a public purpose. The miracles performed in these cities, such as the healing of Jericho's waters, are directed at the local disciples of the prophets, providing clear proof that God is with him [אברבנאל].

The successful sweetening of the local water supply stands as a major milestone in cementing Elisha's authority, demonstrating how the natural world submits to a prophet's decree. The waters are completely healed, remaining sweet and safe to drink from that moment onward [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The specific method used to cure the spring is carefully chosen to prove the event is entirely supernatural. Elisha deliberately uses salt, a substance that typically ruins drinking water rather than purifying it. He also requests that the salt be brought in a brand-new flask. This detail prevents anyone from arguing that the water was naturally altered by the leftover residue of something previously cooked in the vessel. Moreover, a small amount of salt cannot naturally purify a continuously flowing spring, making it clear that a complete miracle has taken place [רלב״ג].

Although Elisha publicly declares that God is the one healing the waters, the event is also credited directly to the prophet's own words. This highlights a profound aspect of his new spiritual authority. Even though the miracle is executed through God's power, Elisha issues the decree on his own initiative, without receiving a prior divine command. The natural world simply responds and transforms in the presence of his holiness [אברבנאל].