In Second Kings, chapter thirteen, verses seventeen through eighteen, the shooting arrow toward the east was a symbolic action predicting that Israel was to overthrow the oppression of Syria. It was a pledge that God would keep Israel safe. By striking the ground with arrows only three times, King Joash demonstrated that he lacked the zeal, commitment, and faith necessary for the Lord to fulfill His promise. Consequently, he would not effectively defeat the Syrians.
Jehoash, a king, came to Elisha to receive his dying counsel and blessing. It may turn much to our spiritual advantage to attend the sick beds and deathbeds of good men that we may be encouraged in religion by the living comforts they have from it in a dying hour. Elisha assured the king of his success. Yet he must look up to God for direction and strength, reckon his hands not enough, but go on, in dependence upon Divine aid. The trembling hands of the dying prophet, as they signified the power of God, gave this arrow more force than the hands of the king in his full strength. By despising the sign, the king lost, which signified the grief of the dying prophet. It is a trouble for good men to see those to whom they wish well forsake their mercies and to see them lose advantages against spiritual enemies.
Today, many potential people born in godly backgrounds eventually forsake the righteous upbringing to pursue dreams and goals that do not involve God. However, some do remember, especially when they encounter difficult experiences that remind them of their childhood, which prompt them to ask their parental guidance or turn to God for help. Believers should keep praying for those they look after to allow God to bring them to the remembrance of the godly values that will eventually turn to God and depend upon Him.