Joash stopped too soon. He had been told to strike the ground, but it was for him to decide how often he would strike. This would determine the results achieved. If he were aggressive and determined, persevering in his task till every objective had been achieved, he could gain a victory over his enemy so complete that Syria would never again be a threat to Israel.

A further symbolical act to indicate that victory over Syria would not be easy. Complete deliverance would not come except as the result of long and sustained effort. The king was being tested.