Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Kings 3:15

15 But now bring me a minstrel . And it came to pass when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.

One that can Sing and Play upon a Musical Instrument. This he requires, that his mind which had been disturbed and inflamed with Holy anger at the [illegible: 1+ letters]ight of wicked Iehoram, might be composed, and cheered, and united within it self, and that he might be excited to the more servent prayer to God, and joyfully praising him; whereby he was prepared to receive the Prophetical Inspiration. For although Prophecy be the Gift of God, yet men might do something either to hinder or further the reception of it: for which cause Paul bids Christians study to get the Gift of Prophecy, 1 Cor. 14. 1. And for this very end the Colledges of the Prophets were erected, wherein the Sons of the Prophets did use divers means to procure this Gift, which also they did sometimes receive, as we see 2 King. 2. 3, 5. and, amongst other means, they used Instruments of Musick to exhilerate their spirits, &c. 1 Sam. 10. 5. Of the great power of Musick upon the affections, see the Notes on 1 Sam. 16. 17.

i. e. The Spirit of Prophecy, so called, to note that it was not from Elisha's temper of body or mind; that it was no natural nor acquired vertue inherent in him; but a singular Gift of God, given to whom and when he pleased. This Phrase is used also Ezek. 1. 8. and 3. 14, 22. and 8. 1.

Marginal references: Heb. was.