2 Kings Chapter 3 · Verse 15

Authorized King James Version

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But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.

Original Language Analysis

וְעַתָּ֖ה H6258
וְעַתָּ֖ה
Strong's: H6258
Word #: 1 of 11
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
קְחוּ But now bring H3947
קְחוּ But now bring
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 2 of 11
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
לִ֣י H0
לִ֣י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 3 of 11
הַֽמְנַגֵּ֔ן And it came to pass when the minstrel H5059
הַֽמְנַגֵּ֔ן And it came to pass when the minstrel
Strong's: H5059
Word #: 4 of 11
properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
וְהָיָה֙ H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 5 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַֽמְנַגֵּ֔ן And it came to pass when the minstrel H5059
הַֽמְנַגֵּ֔ן And it came to pass when the minstrel
Strong's: H5059
Word #: 6 of 11
properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
הַֽמְנַגֵּ֔ן And it came to pass when the minstrel H5059
הַֽמְנַגֵּ֔ן And it came to pass when the minstrel
Strong's: H5059
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
וַתְּהִ֥י H1961
וַתְּהִ֥י
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 8 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עָלָ֖יו H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 9 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יַד that the hand H3027
יַד that the hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 10 of 11
a 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
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Cross References

1 Samuel 16:23And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.Ezekiel 1:3The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.1 Samuel 10:5After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:1 Kings 18:46And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.Acts 11:21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.Ezekiel 3:14So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.Ezekiel 8:1And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me.Ezekiel 3:22And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.1 Samuel 18:10And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.

Analysis & Commentary

But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon 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 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.

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