Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Kings 2:20

"And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him." — 2 Kings 2:20 (ASV)

A new cruse. — Vessel; either dish, bowl, or cup (çĕlôhîth); it occurs only here. (Compare to çĕlâhôth from 2 Chronicles 35:16, and the Targum with çĕlûhîthâ.) A new one was used because the holy purpose demanded an instrument uncontaminated by use. (Compare to Numbers 19:2 and 2 Samuel 6:3.)

Salt. —As an antiseptic, an appropriate sacramental medium of the Divine influence which was to expel the corruption of the spring.