This verse inspires confidence that when God’s people look to Him, His power to save far exceeds any earthly challenge.
“This is but a slight thing in the sight of the LORD; He will also give the Moabites into your hand.” (v.18) When the prophet Elisha delivered this promise in the ninth century BC, he spoke to the allied forces of Israel, Judah, and Edom who feared defeat in their campaign against the kingdom of Moab, located to the east of the Dead Sea. Moab had long been a frequent enemy of Israel, dating back to the days when its ruler Balak hired the prophet Balaam in an attempt to curse God’s people (Numbers 22-25), and later during the time of the Judges (Judges 3). Nevertheless, God assured King Jehoram of Israel (reigning circa 852-841 BC) and King Jehoshaphat of Judah that He would bring miraculous relief from their drought-stricken journey and ultimate triumph over their foe.
Elisha followed the ministry of Elijah as God’s prophet in Israel, active during a period marked by political turmoil and conflict in the region. By stating that providing water was “but a slight thing in the sight of the LORD,” Elisha emphasized God’s infinite power over creation. Just as God would fill the desert valley with water for His people, so too would He give their enemies into their hand. This underscores God’s ability to provide both physical sustenance and victory against overwhelming odds, foreshadowing Jesus’ words that “All things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).
In this verse, God’s promise of deliverance reminds believers that faith in the LORD includes trust in His provision, even in the midst of dire circumstances. It points toward the larger biblical narrative where God’s sovereign hand guides and defends those who rely on Him, an assurance ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who overcame the greatest enemy—sin and death—on behalf of all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:57).
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2 Kings 3:18 meaning
“This is but a slight thing in the sight of the LORD; He will also give the Moabites into your hand.” (v.18) When the prophet Elisha delivered this promise in the ninth century BC, he spoke to the allied forces of Israel, Judah, and Edom who feared defeat in their campaign against the kingdom of Moab, located to the east of the Dead Sea. Moab had long been a frequent enemy of Israel, dating back to the days when its ruler Balak hired the prophet Balaam in an attempt to curse God’s people (Numbers 22-25), and later during the time of the Judges (Judges 3). Nevertheless, God assured King Jehoram of Israel (reigning circa 852-841 BC) and King Jehoshaphat of Judah that He would bring miraculous relief from their drought-stricken journey and ultimate triumph over their foe.
Elisha followed the ministry of Elijah as God’s prophet in Israel, active during a period marked by political turmoil and conflict in the region. By stating that providing water was “but a slight thing in the sight of the LORD,” Elisha emphasized God’s infinite power over creation. Just as God would fill the desert valley with water for His people, so too would He give their enemies into their hand. This underscores God’s ability to provide both physical sustenance and victory against overwhelming odds, foreshadowing Jesus’ words that “All things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).
In this verse, God’s promise of deliverance reminds believers that faith in the LORD includes trust in His provision, even in the midst of dire circumstances. It points toward the larger biblical narrative where God’s sovereign hand guides and defends those who rely on Him, an assurance ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who overcame the greatest enemy—sin and death—on behalf of all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:57).