2 Kings 3:14

14 Elisha answered, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD of Armies whom I serve lives, I wouldn't even bother to look at you or notice you if it weren't for my respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

2 Kings 3:14 Meaning and Commentary

2 Kings 3:14

Elisha said, as the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand,
&c.] Whose minster and prophet he was, to whom he prayed, and whose service he was ready to perform:

surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king
of Judah;
revere him not only as a king, but as a pious prince, and a worshipper of the true God:

I would not look toward thee, nor see thee;
give him no countenance at all, pay no regard to his request, not so much as to look at him in a civil way; but turn away his face from him with contempt and disdain, as unworthy to be conversed with by a prophet of the Lord.

2 Kings 3:14 In-Context

12 Jehoshaphat said, "The LORD's word is with him." So King Jehoshaphat of Judah, the king of Israel, and the king of Edom went to Elisha.

13 Elisha asked the king of Israel, "Why did you come to me? Go to your father's prophets or your mother's prophets." The king of Israel answered him, "No. The LORD has called the three of us in order to put us at Moab's mercy."

14 Elisha answered, "I solemnly swear, as the LORD of Armies whom I serve lives, I wouldn't even bother to look at you or notice you if it weren't for my respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

15 But get me someone to play some music." While the musician was playing, the LORD's power came over Elisha.

16 He said, "This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches.