2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
וִיהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
And Jehoshaphat
H3092
וִיהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
And Jehoshaphat
Strong's:
H3092
Word #:
2 of 13
jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
יֵ֥שׁ
is
H3426
יֵ֥שׁ
is
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
3 of 13
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
אוֹת֖וֹ
H854
אוֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
דְּבַר
The word
H1697
דְּבַר
The word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיֵּֽרְד֣וּ
went down
H3381
וַיֵּֽרְד֣וּ
went down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
7 of 13
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- 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?
Analysis & Commentary
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.
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.