Bring me a minstrel. — Mĕnaggçn — i.e., a harper, player on a stringed instrument (nĕgînâh). Elisha called for music as a natural means of calming his perturbed spirit (2 Kings 3:13-14). Composure and serenity of soul were essential, if the prophet was to hear the voice of God within. Cicero tells us that the Pythagoreans were wont to tranquillise their minds after the strain of thought with’ harp music and singing (Tusc. Iv. 2). (Comp. 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Chronicles 25:1, Note.) The incident is a striking mark of the historical truth of the narrative.
And it came to pass. — Perfect with weak waw: a later idiom. (Comp. 1 Samuel 17:48.)
The hand of the Lord came upon him. — Targum and some MSS., “the Spirit of the Lord;” but comp. 1 Kings 18:46.