King James Version
2 Kings 3:15 in the King James Version says “But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.”
2 Kings 3:15 · King James Version
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.
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.
But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.
And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches.
For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“And it came to pass when the minstrel”
H5059properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“And it came to pass when the minstrel”
H5059properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
“And it came to pass when the minstrel”
H5059properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“that the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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.
2 Kings 3:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 2 Kings 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge