2 Kings 3:9

9 So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out. After they had traveled their indirect route for seven days, they had no water for the army or their animals.

2 Kings 3:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 3:9

So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah
The way of the wilderness of Edom, proposed by the latter:

and the king of Edom;
whom they took with them in their way, who was not properly a king, but a viceroy or deputy, see ( 1 Kings 22:47 )

and they fetched a compass of seven days journey;
they went round the Dead Sea, and through the wilderness of Edom, and so to the borders of Moab:

and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed
them;
neither for the soldiers in the army, nor the cattle that drew the carriages, being in a wilderness.

2 Kings 3:9 In-Context

7 Then he sent [a message] to King Jehoshaphat of Judah: "The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?" Jehoshaphat said, "I will go. I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses."

8 Then he asked, "Which route should we take?" Joram replied, "The route of the wilderness of Edom."

9 So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out. After they had traveled their indirect route for seven days, they had no water for the army or their animals.

10 Then the king of Israel said, "Oh no, the Lord has summoned us three kings, only to hand us over to Moab."

11 But Jehoshaphat said, "Isn't there a prophet of the Lord here? Let's inquire of the Lord through him." One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, "Elisha son of Shaphat, who used to pour water on Elijah's hands, is here."