2 Kings 3:10-20

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."[a] 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."
12 Jehoshaphat affirmed, "The Lord's words are with him." So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went to him.
13 However, Elisha said to King [Joram] of Israel, "We have nothing in common. Go to the prophets of your father and your mother!"[b] But the king of Israel replied, "No, because it is the Lord who has summoned us three kings to hand us over to Moab."
14 Elisha responded, "As the Lord of Hosts lives, I stand before Him. If I did not have respect for[c] King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I would not look at you; I wouldn't take notice of you.
15 Now, bring me a musician." While the musician played,[d] the Lord's hand came on Elisha.
16 Then he said, "This is what the Lord says: 'Dig ditch after ditch in this wadi.'
17 For the Lord says, 'You will not see wind or rain, but the wadi will be filled with water, and you will drink-you and your cattle and your animals.'
18 This is easy in the Lord's sight. He will also hand Moab over to you.
19 Then you must attack every fortified city and every choice city. You must cut down every good tree and stop up every spring of water. You must ruin every good piece of land with stones."
20 About the time for the grain offering the [next] morning, water suddenly came from the direction of Edom and filled the land.

2 Kings 3:10-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 3

This chapter gives the character of Jehoram king of Israel, 2Ki 3:1-3, relates the rebellion of the king of Moab against him, 2Ki 3:4,5, the war that he and his allies entered into on that account, 2Ki 3:6-9 the distress the combined army were in for want of water, their application upon this to Elisha, who promised them water, and they had it in a wonderful manner, 2Ki 3:10-20 and the chapter is concluded with the rout of the Moabites, and the barbarity of their king to his eldest son, 2Ki 3:21-27.

Footnotes 4

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