2 Kings 3:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Jehoshaphat {H3092} said {H559}, Is there not here a prophet {H5030} of the LORD {H3068}, that we may enquire {H1875} of the LORD {H3068} by him? And one {H259} of the king {H4428} of Israel's {H3478} servants {H5650} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Here is Elisha {H477} the son {H1121} of Shaphat {H8202}, which poured {H3332} water {H4325} on the hands {H3027} of Elijah {H452}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Y'hoshafat said, "Isn't there a prophet of ADONAI here through whom we can consult ADONAI?" One of the servants of the king of Isra'el answered, "Elisha the son of Shafat is here, the one who used to pour water on Eliyahu's hands."

Berean Standard Bible

But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.”

American Standard Version

But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of Jehovah, that we may inquire of Jehovah by him? And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 3:11 marks a crucial turning point in a desperate military campaign, where the allied kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom face imminent defeat due to a severe water shortage in the wilderness. Amidst the despair of King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah demonstrates profound spiritual discernment by immediately seeking divine counsel, asking for a prophet of the LORD. This pivotal verse introduces Elisha, identified by a servant through the humble yet significant detail of his devoted service to Elijah, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention and highlighting the indispensable role of prophetic guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of a joint military expedition undertaken by King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom against Moab. Moab had rebelled against Israel's suzerainty following the death of Ahab, Israel's previous king ([2 Kings 3:4-5](/2_kings/3-4 "2 Kings 3:4-5 - Moab's Rebellion")). The allied forces, after a circuitous seven-day march through the wilderness of Edom, found themselves in a dire predicament: their water supply was completely depleted, endangering the entire army and their livestock ([2 Kings 3:9](/2_kings/3-9 "2 Kings 3:9 - The Army's Desperate Thirst")). King Jehoram, in his distress, expressed fatalistic despair, attributing their plight to the LORD's intention to deliver them into Moabite hands ([2 Kings 3:10](/2_kings/3-10 "2 Kings 3:10 - Jehoram's Despair")). In stark contrast, Jehoshaphat, known for his general faithfulness to the LORD despite his problematic alliances, immediately inquired about the presence of a prophet, demonstrating his reliance on divine guidance over human strategy or despair. This sets up the dramatic intervention of Elisha, who, though initially reluctant due to Jehoram's idolatry, eventually provides a prophetic word that leads to miraculous provision.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the divided monarchy period in Israel, with Judah in the south and Israel in the north. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, maintained a complex relationship with the northern kingdom, often entering into alliances with the Omride dynasty despite their idolatrous practices, as seen in his previous alliance with Ahab ([1 Kings 22:1-4](/1_kings/22-1 "1 Kings 22:1-4 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab")). Moab, a long-standing neighbor and often an antagonist, had been a vassal state to Israel since the time of David, paying tribute. Their rebellion signaled a significant challenge to Israel's regional dominance. Culturally, prophets like Elijah and Elisha served as crucial intermediaries between God and His people, including kings. They were consulted for divine guidance, especially in matters of war, famine, and national crisis. The phrase "poured water on the hands of Elijah" is a significant cultural idiom, denoting the humble, intimate service of a personal attendant or disciple, a role typically performed by a servant for their master. This detail would have immediately conveyed Elisha's close apprenticeship and succession to Elijah's powerful ministry.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **necessity of seeking divine guidance** in times of crisis, contrasting Jehoshaphat's spiritual initiative with Jehoram's despair and self-reliance. This underscores the principle that true wisdom and deliverance come from God alone, not from human strength or strategy ([Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **indispensable role of the prophet** as God's chosen messenger, through whom His will is revealed and His power demonstrated ([Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants the Prophets")). The presence of a true prophet was a sign of God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. Thirdly, the introduction of Elisha through his humble service to Elijah establishes the theme of **faithful preparation and succession** in ministry. Elisha's readiness for his own powerful prophetic ministry was forged in the crucible of dedicated, unassuming service to his mentor, illustrating that God often prepares His chosen vessels through periods of humility and obedience ([1 Kings 19:19-21](/1_kings/19-19 "1 Kings 19:19-21 - Elisha's Call and Discipleship")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nāḇî’_):** This term refers to an individual called by God to speak on His behalf, acting as an intermediary between the divine and humanity. A `nāḇî’` was not merely a foreteller of the future but primarily a "forth-teller" of God's word, delivering messages of warning, judgment, comfort, and instruction. Jehoshaphat's inquiry specifically for a "prophet of the LORD" (Yahweh) indicates his desire for authentic divine communication, distinguishing such a prophet from those serving Baal or other deities.
* **Enquire (Hebrew, _dāraš_):** This verb means "to seek," "to consult," or "to inquire of," often with a religious or spiritual connotation. When applied to the LORD, it signifies seeking His will, guidance, or revelation, typically through a priest (via Urim and Thummim), a prophet, or through prayer and meditation on His law. Jehoshaphat's use of `dāraš` highlights his understanding that in times of crisis, human wisdom is insufficient, and divine counsel is paramount.
* **Poured water on the hands (Hebrew, _yāṣaq mayim ‘al yādayim_):** This is a specific idiom describing the role of a personal attendant or disciple. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a servant would pour water over the hands of their master for washing, a task that was intimate and indicative of close, dedicated service. By identifying Elisha in this manner, the servant not only confirms his identity but also subtly conveys his deep discipleship, humility, and the intimate training he received under Elijah, marking him as Elijah's legitimate successor and one prepared for significant prophetic authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Jehoshaphat said, [Is there] not here a prophet of the LORD, that we may enquire of the LORD by him?":** This clause reveals Jehoshaphat's spiritual priority and discerning leadership. Unlike Jehoram, who expressed despair and saw their predicament as divine judgment without seeking a solution, Jehoshaphat instinctively turned to the LORD. His question underscores the established role of prophets as conduits for divine revelation and guidance in ancient Israel, particularly for kings facing national crises. It also highlights his faith that God would still speak and intervene, even in a seemingly hopeless situation.
* **"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.":** This response is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it's a servant, not King Jehoram, who knows of Elisha's presence and significance, perhaps indicating the king's spiritual detachment. Secondly, it identifies Elisha by his lineage ("son of Shaphat") but, more importantly, by his unique relationship with Elijah. The descriptive phrase "which poured water on the hands of Elijah" serves as a powerful, culturally understood identifier, immediately signaling Elisha's status as Elijah's personal attendant, closest disciple, and therefore, his legitimate spiritual heir. This humble description paradoxically elevates Elisha, confirming his anointing and readiness for the prophetic mantle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, setting Jehoshaphat's spiritual initiative and faith against Jehoram's despair and lack of spiritual insight. This highlights the differing spiritual conditions of the two kings and their respective kingdoms. The phrase "poured water on the hands of Elijah" functions as a powerful **idiom**, conveying a wealth of information about Elisha's character, training, and relationship with Elijah in a concise manner. It is a form of **metonymy**, where a humble action represents a profound spiritual apprenticeship and succession. Furthermore, the servant's specific identification of Elisha serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, indicating that Elisha is the divinely appointed successor to Elijah and will be the instrument of God's power in the ensuing narrative, fulfilling the promise of a double portion of Elijah's spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the enduring theological truth that in times of human desperation, God remains the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and provision. Jehoshaphat's immediate impulse to seek a prophet of the LORD underscores the principle that true leadership, especially in the face of overwhelming challenges, must prioritize divine counsel over human despair or self-reliance. It affirms God's commitment to communicate with His people, often through chosen vessels, and highlights the spiritual authority vested in those who faithfully serve Him. Elisha's introduction, rooted in his humble service to Elijah, teaches that faithfulness in seemingly small or menial tasks often serves as the essential preparation for greater responsibilities and anointing in God's kingdom. God values humility and dedicated service as foundational for effective ministry, demonstrating that true spiritual power is built upon a character shaped by obedience and submission.

* [1 Kings 19:19-21](/1_kings/19-19 "1 Kings 19:19-21 - Elisha's Call and Discipleship")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants the Prophets")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Kings 3:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating life's inevitable crises. Like the kings facing a parched wilderness, we often encounter situations where our resources, wisdom, and strength are utterly insufficient. In such moments, our first instinct should not be despair or reliance on human ingenuity, but an immediate turning to God, just as Jehoshaphat sought a prophet of the LORD. This means prioritizing prayer, immersing ourselves in God's Word for guidance, and seeking counsel from godly leaders and mentors within the community of faith. Furthermore, Elisha's introduction serves as a powerful reminder that God often prepares His servants for significant roles through periods of humble, faithful service. The "pouring of water on hands" symbolizes dedication, submission, and a willingness to learn and serve in obscurity. We are called to embrace every opportunity for service, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, trusting that God uses our faithfulness in the present to equip us for the greater callings He has prepared for us. Our spiritual authority and effectiveness are often forged not in the spotlight, but in the quiet, consistent discipline of humble obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing a "wilderness" moment in my life, is my first instinct to despair or to seek God's counsel?**
* **What "hands" am I called to "pour water on" in humble service, and how might that prepare me for future responsibilities God has for me?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a greater reliance on God's wisdom through His Word and the guidance of spiritual mentors?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jehoshaphat present on this military campaign, given his previous warnings?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was known for his generally righteous reign and devotion to the LORD. However, he often entered into problematic alliances with the idolatrous kings of Israel, particularly the Omride dynasty. He had previously allied with Ahab, Jehoram's father, in a disastrous campaign against Ramoth-Gilead ([1 Kings 22:1-38](/1_kings/22-1 "1 Kings 22:1-38 - Ahab and Jehoshaphat at Ramoth-Gilead")). Despite being rebuked by a prophet for such alliances ([2 Chronicles 19:1-3](/2_chronicles/19-1 "2 Chronicles 19:1-3 - Jehoshaphat Rebuked")), Jehoshaphat continued this policy, likely for political stability, shared defense interests, or perhaps a misguided sense of national unity. His presence in this campaign against Moab underscores his persistent, though flawed, attempt to maintain diplomatic ties with the northern kingdom, even when it led him into spiritually compromising situations.

**What does "poured water on the hands of Elijah" really mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a significant Hebrew idiom that conveys much more than a simple biographical detail. In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary for a servant or apprentice to pour water over the hands of their master for washing, especially before or after a meal. This was a task of intimate, personal service. Therefore, to say Elisha "poured water on the hands of Elijah" signifies that Elisha was Elijah's personal attendant, his closest disciple, and his devoted servant. It speaks volumes about Elisha's humility, his commitment to learning from Elijah, and the intensive, hands-on training he received. This detail served as a clear indicator to those familiar with the custom that Elisha was Elijah's legitimate successor, having undergone a period of faithful and dedicated apprenticeship under the great prophet.

**Why did the servant know about Elisha when Jehoram didn't seem to?**

Answer: The fact that a servant, rather than King Jehoram himself, identified Elisha is telling. It highlights Jehoram's spiritual apathy and detachment from the true prophetic movement in Israel. As an Omride king, Jehoram likely continued the idolatrous practices of his parents, Ahab and Jezebel, and would have been less inclined to seek out or even acknowledge a prophet of Yahweh. In contrast, the servant's knowledge suggests that Elisha's presence and reputation were known among the common people or perhaps within a segment of the royal court that still held reverence for the LORD. This subtly underscores the spiritual blindness of the king compared to the awareness of those around him, and it sets the stage for Elisha's prophetic authority to be recognized despite the king's spiritual failings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate search for a prophet in 2 Kings 3:11, prompted by Jehoshaphat's spiritual discernment, ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Prophet, the very embodiment of God's revelatory word. Just as the kings sought an intermediary to "enquire of the LORD," humanity, lost in the wilderness of sin and despair, needed a divine voice. Jesus fulfills the promise of a Prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")), being the One through whom God has spoken His final and most complete word to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). He is the true "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate solution to humanity's spiritual drought. Furthermore, Elisha's humble introduction as one who "poured water on the hands of Elijah" beautifully foreshadows Christ's own servant leadership. Jesus, though God, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), washing the feet of His disciples ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")) and ultimately giving His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). In Christ, we no longer need to seek a human prophet for direct access to God's will; through Him, we have bold access to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), and His Spirit guides us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 22:7

And Jehoshaphat said, [Is there] not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?

1 Kings 19:21

And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.

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.

Psalms 74:9

We see not our signs: [there is] no more any prophet: neither [is there] among us any that knoweth how long.

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

1 Chronicles 15:13

For because ye [did it] not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

2 Kings 2:25

And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.