2 kings 3:11 - But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of Yahweh here, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him?” One of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah, is here.”
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What does "2 kings 3:11" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 3:11 is part of a larger narrative about a military campaign involving three kings: Jehoram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom, who were allied to fight against Moab. They were in a dire situation due to a lack of water for the armies and their animals.
Let's break down the verse:
"But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of Yahweh here, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him?” This is the key part of the verse. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is portrayed as the most pious of the three kings. He recognizes their predicament and suggests consulting a prophet of Yahweh (the Lord) to seek divine guidance. He understands that their military power alone is not enough and that they need God's help. He believes a prophet can act as an intermediary to receive a message from God.
"One of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah, is here.”" A servant of Jehoram, king of Israel, responds to Jehoshaphat's question by mentioning Elisha. Crucially, the servant identifies Elisha not just by his name, but by his previous role: "who poured water on the hands of Elijah." This is a significant detail because:
Elisha was Elijah's successor. Elijah was a major prophet in Israel. Elisha had served as his assistant, effectively being his apprentice. The act of "pouring water on the hands" was a sign of service, humility, and discipleship.
It establishes Elisha's prophetic credentials. The servant is essentially saying, "There's Elisha here, the one who was close to the great prophet Elijah. He's the one who served him, implying he has some of Elijah's prophetic power and authority." It shows Elisha has prophetic authority.
It serves to show his humble beginnings. Despite his status as a prophet, Elisha came from humble beginnings and was the assistant of Elijah.
In summary, the verse shows:
Jehoshaphat's piety: He is the only one who remembers to seek God's guidance in a difficult situation.
Elisha's presence: Elisha is available and can provide guidance.
Elisha's legitimacy: His past service to Elijah validates his role as a prophet. It emphasizes that Elisha is not just any prophet, but one who has been trained and has learned from the most revered prophet of the time.
The verse sets the stage for Elisha's role in the narrative and highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of crisis. The servant's specific description of Elisha is crucial in establishing his authority and credibility as a prophet. It also emphasizes the connection between the past and present prophetic leadership in Israel.
2 kings 3:11 - But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of Yahweh here, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him?” One of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah, is here.”
What does "2 kings 3:11" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 3:11 is part of a larger narrative about a military campaign involving three kings: Jehoram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom, who were allied to fight against Moab. They were in a dire situation due to a lack of water for the armies and their animals.
Let's break down the verse:
"But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of Yahweh here, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him?” This is the key part of the verse. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is portrayed as the most pious of the three kings. He recognizes their predicament and suggests consulting a prophet of Yahweh (the Lord) to seek divine guidance. He understands that their military power alone is not enough and that they need God's help. He believes a prophet can act as an intermediary to receive a message from God.
"One of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah, is here.”" A servant of Jehoram, king of Israel, responds to Jehoshaphat's question by mentioning Elisha. Crucially, the servant identifies Elisha not just by his name, but by his previous role: "who poured water on the hands of Elijah." This is a significant detail because:
Elisha was Elijah's successor. Elijah was a major prophet in Israel. Elisha had served as his assistant, effectively being his apprentice. The act of "pouring water on the hands" was a sign of service, humility, and discipleship.
It establishes Elisha's prophetic credentials. The servant is essentially saying, "There's Elisha here, the one who was close to the great prophet Elijah. He's the one who served him, implying he has some of Elijah's prophetic power and authority." It shows Elisha has prophetic authority.
It serves to show his humble beginnings. Despite his status as a prophet, Elisha came from humble beginnings and was the assistant of Elijah.
In summary, the verse shows:
Jehoshaphat's piety: He is the only one who remembers to seek God's guidance in a difficult situation.
Elisha's presence: Elisha is available and can provide guidance.
Elisha's legitimacy: His past service to Elijah validates his role as a prophet. It emphasizes that Elisha is not just any prophet, but one who has been trained and has learned from the most revered prophet of the time.
The verse sets the stage for Elisha's role in the narrative and highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of crisis. The servant's specific description of Elisha is crucial in establishing his authority and credibility as a prophet. It also emphasizes the connection between the past and present prophetic leadership in Israel.