1)
Why did he command him to take a bow and arrows?
1.
Malbim: Chaza'el's power was based on Elisha's words (prophecy about him). Words do not nullify words! Therefore, an action needed to accompany this Nevu'ah in order to nullify the first Nevu'ah 1 .
1
Any Nevu'ah for bad can be annulled through Teshuvah and merits! Do not say that the first Nevu'ah was good for Chaza'el. When he heard the atrocities that he would do to Yisrael, he said (8:14) "Mah Avdecha ha'Kelev?!" (PF)
