Verses 18-19 are largely a repetition of what is described in verses 1-2 (see the comments there). The repeated words of Elisha in verse 18 are in chiastic order with his words in verse 1. Such chiastic structures are a part of Hebrew literature, but there seems to be no special significance or meaning to this reverse order here. Some interpreters suggest that verses 17b-20 are a later scribal addition to the text, but since they form part of the Masoretic Text, they should be translated. Translators should, however, pay careful attention to the verb forms had said and had answered, which introduce the quotations from the prophet and the officer. In some languages it will be necessary to begin verse 18 with a device that sets the stage for this flashback. New International Version attempts to do this by beginning with the words “It happened as the man of God had said…,” which follow the Hebrew closely. New Jerusalem Bible attempts to show that this is a break in the flow of the narrative by placing verses 18-20 in parentheses.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .