מלכים ב, פרק ג׳, פסוק ט״ו

Receiving a message from God requires a person to be in a state of deep calm and joy, as emotional storms block the ability to prophesy. Elisha the prophet was filled with intense anger toward Jehoram, the king of Israel, for continuing the sins of his predecessors. Because of this deep frustration, Elisha lost his peace of mind. To regain his composure, he asked for a skilled musician to be brought to him [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The primary approach among commentators is that Elisha's anger caused the Divine Presence to leave him. Prophecy cannot take root in a mind clouded by anger or sadness. Instead, it requires joy and a relaxed, open mental state. Anger floods the mind with troubling thoughts, stripping away the focus and quiet reflection necessary to connect with God [רש״י, רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, חומת אנך]. Offering a different perspective, another view suggests that Elisha was actually in deep mourning over the departure of his teacher, Elijah, and this lingering sadness had prevented the spirit of prophecy from resting upon him from that time until this very moment [רד״ק].

As the musician began to play, the melody worked its effect. The music washed away the prophet's negative emotions, opening his heart and filling him with joy. With his peace of mind fully restored, the spirit of prophecy returned to him [רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This event carries a sharp lesson about human emotions. If a leading prophet of his generation lost his connection to God because of anger that was entirely justified and for a holy purpose, an ordinary person who becomes angry or sad over regular worldly matters will certainly suffer harm as a result [חומת אנך].