This verse reminds us that when earthly strategies fail, genuine reliance on God remains the ultimate source of wisdom.
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” (v.11)
Here, King Jehoshaphat (who reigned over Judah approximately from 873-849 BC) voices a profound need for genuine guidance from God. The backdrop is a volatile alliance in which the king of Israel joins with Jehoshaphat, and they also gain support from Edom (though Edom often viewed Israel as an enemy, they occasionally cooperated for mutual benefit, as in 2 Kings 3:9). When King Jehoshaphat inquires, “Is there not a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” (v.11), it reveals that neither political strategy nor military might could replace divine instruction. This question underscores Jehoshaphat’s desire to return to a covenant relationship with the LORD by seeking guidance in the midst of uncertain circumstances.
In response, a servant of the king of Israel points them toward Elisha, calling him “the son of Shaphat…who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah” (v.11). This detail describes Elisha’s humble background and his close association with Elijah, the renowned prophet of the 9th century BC. In the ancient Near East, pouring water over another person’s hands was a servant’s task, illustrating Elisha’s history of faithful service before God called him to step into Elijah’s prophetic role. By emphasizing this servant-hearted foundation, the text highlights a pattern frequently reflected in Scripture, where the greatest calling often emerges from a posture of humility (Mark 10:43-44).
Elisha thus stands ready to speak on behalf of the LORD, offering the divine insight that Jehoshaphat craves. As God's chosen messenger, Elisha continues the ministry of Elijah in a tumultuous era, showing how God always provides prophets to guide His people (Amos 3:7). This moment anticipates the Lord’s salvation and His will to speak truth into the affairs of nations, just as believers ultimately see in Jesus, who was recognized by many as a prophet and more (John 6:14).
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2 Kings 3:11 meaning
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” (v.11)
Here, King Jehoshaphat (who reigned over Judah approximately from 873-849 BC) voices a profound need for genuine guidance from God. The backdrop is a volatile alliance in which the king of Israel joins with Jehoshaphat, and they also gain support from Edom (though Edom often viewed Israel as an enemy, they occasionally cooperated for mutual benefit, as in 2 Kings 3:9). When King Jehoshaphat inquires, “Is there not a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” (v.11), it reveals that neither political strategy nor military might could replace divine instruction. This question underscores Jehoshaphat’s desire to return to a covenant relationship with the LORD by seeking guidance in the midst of uncertain circumstances.
In response, a servant of the king of Israel points them toward Elisha, calling him “the son of Shaphat…who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah” (v.11). This detail describes Elisha’s humble background and his close association with Elijah, the renowned prophet of the 9th century BC. In the ancient Near East, pouring water over another person’s hands was a servant’s task, illustrating Elisha’s history of faithful service before God called him to step into Elijah’s prophetic role. By emphasizing this servant-hearted foundation, the text highlights a pattern frequently reflected in Scripture, where the greatest calling often emerges from a posture of humility (Mark 10:43-44).
Elisha thus stands ready to speak on behalf of the LORD, offering the divine insight that Jehoshaphat craves. As God's chosen messenger, Elisha continues the ministry of Elijah in a tumultuous era, showing how God always provides prophets to guide His people (Amos 3:7). This moment anticipates the Lord’s salvation and His will to speak truth into the affairs of nations, just as believers ultimately see in Jesus, who was recognized by many as a prophet and more (John 6:14).