2 Kings 3:13-20 | The Way of Scripture

2 Kings 3:13-20

How does the promised water answer the kings’ helplessness?

Berean Standard Bible

13 Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel, “What have we to do with each other? Go to the prophets of your father and of your mother!” “No,” replied the king of Israel, “for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” 14 Then Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you. 15 But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha 16 and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ 17 For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ 18 This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. 19 And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.” 20 The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land.

What is the context?

Elisha confronts the king of Israel and says he would not regard him were it not for Jehoshaphat. He then asks for a musician, and as the musician plays, the hand of the Lord comes upon him.

The announced word tells them to fill the valley with ditches. Although they will see neither wind nor rain, the valley will fill with water for the army and animals. Victory over Moab is also announced, including destruction of fortified cities, trees, springs, and fields.

At the time of the morning offering, water comes from the direction of Edom and fills the land. The narrative attributes the provision to the Lord’s word. It does not teach that music mechanically produces prophecy or that worship can purchase a desired answer.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains the announced devastation as judgment on Moab. The USCCB notes direct attention to the law concerning fruit trees in Deuteronomy 20:19. The tension between that instruction and the destruction narrated here should be acknowledged; the passage does not establish a general rule permitting the destruction of civilian resources whenever a modern party claims divine support.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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