2 Kings 3 11

2 Kings 3:11 kjv

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.

2 Kings 3:11 nkjv

But Jehoshaphat said, "Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?" So one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, "Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah."

2 Kings 3:11 niv

But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?" An officer of the king of Israel answered, "Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah."

2 Kings 3:11 esv

And Jehoshaphat said, "Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?" Then one of the king of Israel's servants answered, "Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah."

2 Kings 3:11 nlt

But King Jehoshaphat of Judah asked, "Is there no prophet of the LORD with us? If there is, we can ask the LORD what to do through him." One of King Joram's officers replied, "Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to be Elijah's personal assistant. "

2 Kings 3 verses

2 Kings 3 11 Meaning

2 Kings 3:11 describes King Jehoshaphat's crucial question during a military campaign, seeking to inquire of the LORD through a prophet. It reveals his spiritual priority amidst political and military alliances. The verse then introduces Elisha, uniquely identified by his former humble service to Elijah, signaling his established prophetic lineage and readiness for ministry.

2 Kings 3 11 Context

The setting of 2 Kings 3 is the rebellion of Moab against Israel after the death of King Ahab. His son, Jehoram, became king of Israel, joining forces with Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and the king of Edom to put down the rebellion. Their march through the wilderness of Edom led to a severe water shortage, putting their army in dire peril. Jehoram's despairing cry, blaming the LORD for their plight, stands in stark contrast to Jehoshaphat's unwavering trust and immediate call to inquire of the LORD. This moment is pivotal, shifting the narrative's focus from the kings' military strategies to God's divine intervention through His prophet, a common theme in the book of Kings where the prophet serves as God's spokesperson and often His instrument in the lives of kings and nations.

2 Kings 3 11 Word analysis

• But: (Hebrew: vav) This conjunction serves to contrast Jehoshaphat’s response with King Jehoram’s despairing and unfaithful lament (2 Kgs 3:10), highlighting Jehoshaphat’s distinct spiritual priority.

• Jehoshaphat: (Hebrew: יְהוֹשָׁפָט, Yehoshafat, "YHWH has judged") King of Judah, known for generally walking in the ways of the LORD, despite some questionable alliances. His character is consistently shown as one who seeks divine counsel.

• said: Indicative of a significant declaration, not merely casual speech.

• Is there not here a prophet of the LORD: (Hebrew: הֲאֵין פֹּה נָבִיא לַיהוָה, Ha'ein po navi la-YHWH) This rhetorical question expresses Jehoshaphat's core belief that guidance should be sought from God. "Prophet" (navi) signifies God's appointed spokesman. "Of the LORD" (la-YHWH) is crucial, emphasizing he seeks a prophet loyal to the covenant God of Israel, not a false prophet or idol diviner. This reflects his ongoing commitment to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

• that we may inquire: (Hebrew: וְנִדְרְשָׁה, ve'nidreshah) From the root דָּרַשׁ (darash), meaning "to seek," "to consult," "to frequent a place for advice." It implies a formal seeking of divine guidance or a legal/religious ruling from a spiritual authority, especially in times of crisis or for understanding God's will. This term is used frequently for seeking God.

• of the LORD by him?: Again, specifying the source of inquiry (the LORD, YHWH) and the channel (the prophet). This directly challenges the reliance on human wisdom or pagan deities prevalent at the time.

• And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said: This nameless servant, possibly one who had previously seen Elijah or was aware of prophetic movements, acts as the immediate link, indicating God’s provision for the seeking king.

• Here is Elisha: (Hebrew: אֵלִישָׁע, Elisha, "God is salvation") The prophet's formal introduction into this narrative. His name itself points to God's saving power.

• the son of Shaphat: Identifies his family background. Shaphat was likely a landowner in Abel-meholah (1 Kgs 19:16).

• who poured water on the hands of Elijah: (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר יָצַק מַיִם עַל־יְדֵי אֵלִיָּהוּ, asher yatsak mayim al-yedey Eliyahu) This unique and somewhat enigmatic identifier points to Elisha's previous humble and dedicated service to Elijah. It implies being a personal attendant or disciple, performing tasks considered menial for a master. It signifies his full devotion and apprenticeship under Elijah's authority. This phrase served as Elisha's 'credential,' showcasing his deep connection and loyalty to Elijah, signifying his legitimate succession to the prophetic office. This was more than just physical service; it denoted his spiritual apprenticeship and qualification.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "But Jehoshaphat said, 'Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?'": This phrase captures Jehoshaphat's exemplary faith and understanding of how God intervenes in human affairs. In a critical moment, his first thought is not military strategy or despair, but seeking divine counsel through the appointed channel. This stands as a stark contrast to Jehoram's response, highlighting the spiritual divide between the two kings despite their alliance. It emphasizes that true victory and guidance come from God, not from human might or despair.
  • "And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, 'Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.'": The servant's prompt knowledge points to the visibility of Elisha's discipleship and the recognition of his association with Elijah, the preeminent prophet. The identification "poured water on the hands of Elijah" is highly significant. It acts as Elisha's "resume," demonstrating his training, humility, and the direct continuity of the prophetic office from Elijah to Elisha. This simple act represents years of devoted, intimate service and discipleship, underscoring Elisha's readiness to receive and operate in the prophetic mantle. It's a testament to the value of humble service and apprenticeship in spiritual development.

2 Kings 3 11 Bonus section

The seemingly mundane act of "pouring water on the hands" can be understood as a cultural idiom for intimate personal service, akin to being a personal assistant or disciple. This would involve preparing meals, serving, assisting with ablutions, and generally catering to the master's needs. Such service implies proximity, observation, and an immersion in the master's teachings and ways. Elisha’s readiness to perform such a task for Elijah despite his own prosperous background (owning oxen for plowing, 1 Kgs 19:19-21) speaks to his absolute commitment and self-denial for the sake of following the prophet and, by extension, God's call. This dedication laid the groundwork for the extraordinary power he would wield as God's prophet, demonstrating that spiritual authority is often preceded by a humble spirit of service. It highlights God's way of raising leaders: not from self-promotion, but from faithful and humble service.

2 Kings 3 11 Commentary

2 Kings 3:11 serves as a critical junction in the narrative, revealing the differing spiritual conditions of the kings and formally introducing Elisha, who will dominate the subsequent accounts. Jehoshaphat, representing true faith, immediately points the failing military alliance towards the only legitimate source of help: the God of Israel, accessed through His prophet. His question is a rebuke to secular solutions and a beacon of hope amidst despair. The subsequent identification of Elisha is unique and telling. Instead of focusing on miracles or status, the identifying phrase, "who poured water on the hands of Elijah," speaks volumes about his character: humility, dedication, and years of faithful service as Elijah's apprentice. This seemingly menial act symbolizes profound discipleship and qualification. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine anointing often follows a season of humble and unseen service. This prepares the reader for Elisha's powerful ministry as a legitimate successor to Elijah's prophetic mantle.