But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.
But Jehoshaphat said, 'Isn't there a prophet of the LORD here, so we can ask the LORD what to do through him?' One of the king of Israel's servants answered, 'Elisha the son of Shaphat is here—he was Elijah's personal assistant.'
The writer is showing how Jehoshaphat sought God's guidance through a prophet during a military crisis, and they found Elisha, who had served as Elijah's assistant.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred during a military campaign where three kings (Israel, Judah, and Edom) were facing a water shortage in the desert while fighting against Moab. Jehoshaphat, the godly king of Judah, wanted to consult God before proceeding. Elisha had recently taken over Elijah's prophetic ministry after Elijah was taken up to heaven.
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