And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.
Elisha said to the king of Israel, 'What do I have to do with you? Go to your father's prophets and your mother's prophets.' But the king of Israel said to him, 'No! The LORD has brought these three kings together to hand us over to Moab.'
The prophet Elisha initially wants nothing to do with Israel's king because of his idolatry, but the king desperately pleads for help, believing God has set them up for defeat.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of 2 Kings 3, the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom were allied in a military campaign against Moab and sought the prophet Elisha for guidance from God. King Joram of Israel, who continued the idolatrous practices of his parents Ahab and Jezebel, was confronted by Elisha, who refused to help him directly and directed him to the false prophets he had been following. This event reflects the ongoing spiritual conflict in the divided kingdom of Israel, where true prophets like Elisha upheld God's standards amid widespread unfaithfulness.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.