◄ 2 Kings 3:13 ►
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."
Study Bible
Elisha, however, said to the king of Israel
The prophet Elisha stands as a pivotal figure in the narrative, representing God's voice and authority. The Hebrew root for "Elisha" means "God is salvation," which is significant as Elisha often acts as a conduit for God's saving power. His address to the "king of Israel" is notable, as it reflects the tension between the prophet and the northern kingdom's leadership, which often strayed from God's commandments. Historically, the kings of Israel were frequently at odds with the prophets, who called them back to covenant faithfulness.

What have we to do with each other?
This phrase is a rhetorical question that underscores the disconnect between Elisha and the king. The Hebrew idiom here suggests a separation or a lack of common purpose. Elisha's question highlights the spiritual divide between the prophet, who serves Yahweh, and the king, who has been influenced by idolatrous practices. This reflects a broader biblical theme of the tension between God's holiness and human sinfulness.

Go to the prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother
Elisha's directive to seek the "prophets of your father and the prophets of your mother" is a pointed reference to the idolatrous prophets of Baal and Asherah, whom the king's parents, Ahab and Jezebel, had promoted. This historical context is crucial, as it reminds the reader of the spiritual corruption that had permeated Israel due to the influence of these false prophets. Elisha's words serve as a rebuke, calling the king to recognize the futility of seeking guidance from those who do not serve the true God.

No, replied the king of Israel
The king's response, "No," indicates a moment of desperation and acknowledgment of the true source of power. Despite his previous reliance on false prophets, the king recognizes that only Yahweh, through His prophet Elisha, can provide the deliverance they seek. This moment reflects a recurring biblical theme where human leaders, in times of crisis, are brought to the realization of their need for divine intervention.

for it is the LORD who has summoned these three kings
The king's acknowledgment that "it is the LORD" who has orchestrated the events underscores the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. The Hebrew name for God used here, "Yahweh," emphasizes His covenantal relationship with Israel. This statement reflects a theological truth that God is actively involved in history, guiding and directing the outcomes according to His divine purposes.

to deliver them into the hand of Moab
The phrase "to deliver them into the hand of Moab" speaks to the immediate threat facing the coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom. Historically, Moab was a frequent adversary of Israel, and this conflict is part of the larger narrative of Israel's struggles with surrounding nations. Theologically, this situation serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for reliance on God for deliverance. The king's fear of being delivered into Moab's hand highlights the urgency of seeking God's intervention through His prophet.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elisha
A prophet of God, successor to Elijah, known for his miracles and guidance to the kings of Israel and Judah.

2. King of Israel
Jehoram, son of Ahab and Jezebel, who continued in the idolatrous practices of his parents.

3. Prophets of your father and mother
Refers to the false prophets of Baal and Asherah, whom Ahab and Jezebel worshipped.

4. Moab
A neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel, led by King Mesha during this time.

5. Three Kings
The alliance of the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab.
Teaching Points
Discernment in Leadership
Elisha's response to the king of Israel highlights the need for discernment in whom we seek guidance from. We must prioritize seeking God's wisdom over worldly counsel.

Consequences of Idolatry
The king's predicament is a direct result of Israel's idolatry. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the king's unfaithfulness, God remains sovereign and uses even flawed leaders to accomplish His purposes. This reassures us of God's control over all situations.

Repentance and Seeking God
The king's acknowledgment of the LORD's role in their situation is a step towards repentance. We are encouraged to turn back to God in times of trouble.

The Role of Prophets
Elisha's role underscores the importance of listening to God's messengers. We should value and heed the teachings of those who faithfully proclaim God's Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Elisha's response to the king of Israel challenge us to evaluate the sources of guidance we rely on in our lives?

2. In what ways can the account of the alliance against Moab teach us about the importance of seeking God's will in our decisions?

3. How does the king of Israel's situation illustrate the consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God?

4. What can we learn from Elisha's boldness in confronting the king about the importance of standing firm in our faith?

5. How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we face difficult or seemingly insurmountable challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 18
The confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the worship of Yahweh and Baal.

2 Kings 2
The transition of prophetic leadership from Elijah to Elisha, establishing Elisha's authority and role.

Deuteronomy 18
The role of a prophet in Israel, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's true prophets.

Jeremiah 2
The theme of Israel's unfaithfulness and reliance on false gods, paralleling the king's initial reliance on false prophets.

James 1
The call to seek wisdom from God, contrasting with seeking guidance from false sources.
Sermons
Man's Extremity is God's OpportunityJ. Orr 2 Kings 3:9-17, 20
Elisha and the MinstrelC.H. Irwwin 2 Kings 3:13-15
Aspects of a Godly ManSpurgeon, Charles Haddon2 Kings 3:13-17
Minstrelsy and InspirationJ. Trapp.2 Kings 3:13-17
MusicWalter Besant.2 Kings 3:13-17
The Church's Use of Secular AidsGeorge Matheson, D. D.2 Kings 3:13-17
Aspects of a Godly ManD. Thomas 2 Kings 3:13-27
People
Ahab, Aram, Elijah, Elisha, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Mesha, Moabites, Nebat, Shaphat
Places
Edom, Kir-hareseth, Moab, Samaria
Topics
Deliver, Elisha, Eli'sha, Got, Hands, Kings, Moab, Nay, Prophets
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 3:11-19

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Library
Sight and Blindness
'Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 9. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that them pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 10. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 11. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Minstrel
ELISHA needed that the Holy Spirit should come upon him to inspire him with prophetic utterances. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We need that the hand of the Lord should be laid upon us, for we can never open our mouths in wisdom except we are under the divine touch. Now, the Spirit of God works according to his own will. "The wind bloweth where it listeth," and the Spirit of God operates as he chooseth. Elisha could not prophesy just when he liked; he must wait until …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 27: 1881

The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's Answer, Briefly Considered.
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with, thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?--He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good: And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" As mankind are …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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