What does 2 Kings 3:12 mean?
"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." - 2 Kings 3:12
In 2 Kings 3:12, the verse states, "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 is part of the narrative that recounts the story of the three kings seeking the prophet Elisha's advice and guidance.
In order to understand the full meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to first provide some context. The three kings in this passage are the kings of Israel, Judah (Jehoshaphat), and Edom. The kings of Israel and Judah were often at odds, but in this instance they united to fight against the Moabites. They needed water for themselves and their animals, and so they sought the prophet Elisha's help, as he was known to have a close connection with God.
In this verse, Jehoshaphat's statement, "The word of the Lord is with him," demonstrates his recognition and acknowledgment of Elisha as a true prophet of God. This attitude of respect and reverence towards Elisha indicates a belief in the power of God working through him. Additionally, this verse reveals the unity between the kings in their decision to consult Elisha, which suggests a willingness to seek divine guidance and adhering to the word of the Lord rather than relying on their own strategies and plans.
One of the key themes in this verse is the concept of faith and trust in God's word and guidance. The three kings turned to Elisha because they believed in the power of God and in his ability to speak truth through his prophets. This demonstrates their recognition of the authority and sovereignty of God, and their willingness to submit to his will.
Another theme that is evident in this verse is the importance of seeking wise counsel and guidance from spiritual leaders. The kings recognized the need for divine intervention and sought the advice of Elisha, who was known as a man of God. This highlights the significance of seeking wisdom and direction from those who are connected to God and have a deeper understanding of his will.
Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the unity and cooperation between the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom. Despite their differences and past conflicts, they set aside their disagreements and united in seeking God's guidance through Elisha. This demonstrates the power of unity and the ability to come together in pursuit of a common goal, particularly when seeking God's intervention.
Symbolically, the verse conveys the importance of humility and submission to God's will. The kings did not rely solely on their own strength and wisdom, but rather surrendered their plans to seek God's guidance. This symbolizes the posture of humility and reliance on God's sovereignty, acknowledging that true wisdom and power come from him alone.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 3:12 conveys important themes of faith, unity, humility, and the significance of seeking divine guidance. It highlights the importance of trusting in God's word as conveyed through his prophets and seeking wisdom from spiritual leaders. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek his guidance in all aspects of life.
Have questions about 2 Kings 3:12?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 3:12 Artwork
2 Kings 3:12 - "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."
"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." - 2 Kings 3:12
1 kings 3:12
2 Kings 12:3 - "But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places."
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 3:16-19
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
"But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places." - 2 Kings 12:3
2 Kings 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
1 Kings 12:3 - "That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,"
2 Kings 3:10 - "And the king of Israel said, Alas! that the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab!"
2 Kings 25:12 - "But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen."
2 Kings 3:23 - "And they said, This is blood: the kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil."
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
2 Kings 12:12 - "And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
2 Kings 3:6 - "¶ And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the same time, and numbered all Israel."
2 Kings 12:2 - "And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him."
2 Kings 10:12 - "¶ And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,"
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 12:6 - "But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house."
2 Kings 3:16 - "And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches."
2 Kings 12:8 - "And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house."
2 Kings 16:12 - "And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon."
2 Kings 3:3 - "Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom."
1 Kings 2:12 - "¶ Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly."
2 Kings 12:15 - "Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully."
2 kings 2:12 in which elisha is kneeling down while receiving brown old cloak