King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 3:12 Mean?
“And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.”
2 Kings 3:12 · KJV
Context
10
And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!
11
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.
12
And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
13
And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.
14
And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 3: God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 3 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Moabite Rebellion and God's Deliverance) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 3 regarding god's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוִיהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט2 of 13
“And Jehoshaphat”
H3092jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
יֵ֥שׁ3 of 13
“is”
H3426there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
אוֹת֖וֹ4 of 13
H854properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
דְּבַר5 of 13
“The word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֑ה6 of 13
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיֵּֽרְד֣וּ7 of 13
“went down”
H3381to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל10 of 13
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וִיהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט11 of 13
“And Jehoshaphat”
H3092jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
אֱדֽוֹם׃13 of 13
“of Edom”
H123edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Kings 3:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Kings 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge