2 Kings 3:17

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֣ה׀ H3541
כֹ֣ה׀
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 2 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אָמַ֣ר For thus saith H559
אָמַ֣ר For thus saith
Strong's: H559
Word #: 3 of 18
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֗ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֗ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִרְא֣וּ Ye shall not see H7200
תִרְא֣וּ Ye shall not see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 6 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
ר֙וּחַ֙ wind H7307
ר֙וּחַ֙ wind
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 7 of 18
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִרְא֣וּ Ye shall not see H7200
תִרְא֣וּ Ye shall not see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 9 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
גֶ֔שֶׁם rain H1653
גֶ֔שֶׁם rain
Strong's: H1653
Word #: 10 of 18
a shower
וְהַנַּ֥חַל yet that valley H5158
וְהַנַּ֥חַל yet that valley
Strong's: H5158
Word #: 11 of 18
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
הַה֖וּא H1931
הַה֖וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 12 of 18
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִמָּ֣לֵא shall be filled H4390
יִמָּ֣לֵא shall be filled
Strong's: H4390
Word #: 13 of 18
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
מָ֑יִם with water H4325
מָ֑יִם with water
Strong's: H4325
Word #: 14 of 18
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וּשְׁתִיתֶ֛ם that ye may drink H8354
וּשְׁתִיתֶ֛ם that ye may drink
Strong's: H8354
Word #: 15 of 18
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
אַתֶּ֥ם H859
אַתֶּ֥ם
Strong's: H859
Word #: 16 of 18
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
וּמִקְנֵיכֶ֖ם both ye and your cattle H4735
וּמִקְנֵיכֶ֖ם both ye and your cattle
Strong's: H4735
Word #: 17 of 18
something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition
וּֽבְהֶמְתְּכֶֽם׃ and your beasts H929
וּֽבְהֶמְתְּכֶֽם׃ and your beasts
Strong's: H929
Word #: 18 of 18
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

Analysis & Commentary

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.

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

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