2 Kings 3:14

KJV

And Elisha said, [As] the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elisha {H477} said {H559}, As the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} liveth {H2416}, before {H6440} whom I stand {H5975}, surely, were it not that {H3884} I regard {H5375} the presence {H6440} of Jehoshaphat {H3092} the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, I would not look {H5027} toward thee, nor see {H7200} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha said, "As ADONAI-Tzva'ot lives, before whom I stand, if I didn't respect the fact that Y'hoshafat the king of Y'hudah is here, I wouldn't even look in your direction or take notice of you.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Elisha said, “As surely as the LORD of Hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not for my regard for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or acknowledge you.

American Standard Version

And Elisha said, As Jehovah of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Kings 3:14, the prophet Elisha delivers a severe and unvarnished declaration to King Jehoram of Israel, who, alongside King Jehoshaphat of Judah and the King of Edom, desperately seeks divine intervention during a military campaign against Moab. Stranded in the wilderness without water, the allied kings turn to Elisha, but the prophet's words reveal his profound disdain for Jehoram's persistent idolatry, making it clear that his willingness to engage is solely out of respect for the righteous King Jehoshaphat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of 2 Kings 3, which details a military alliance between Israel (under Jehoram), Judah (under Jehoshaphat), and Edom against Moab, who had rebelled against Israelite tribute. The allied armies find themselves in a dire situation, facing dehydration in the wilderness. Earlier in the chapter, Jehoram, despite having removed a pillar of Baal (a step away from his parents' extreme idolatry, as noted in [2 Kings 3:2-3](/2_kings/3-2 "2 Kings 3:2-3 - Jehoram's Partial Reforms")), still "clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat." When he seeks Elisha's counsel, the prophet initially rebuffs him, suggesting he consult the prophets of his father and mother ([2 Kings 3:10-13](/2_kings/3-10 "2 Kings 3:10-13 - Elisha's Initial Rebuke of Jehoram")). Elisha's harsh words in verse 14 serve as a direct response to Jehoram's spiritual hypocrisy and a stark contrast to his respectful demeanor towards Jehoshaphat. This sets the stage for the miraculous provision of water and subsequent victory, highlighting God's power and His selective favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Omride dynasty in Israel (including Ahab, Ahaziah, and Jehoram) was marked by deep-seated idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah, largely influenced by Jezebel, Ahab's Phoenician wife. This religious apostasy often led to divine judgment and national instability. Judah, under kings like Jehoshaphat, generally maintained a more faithful adherence to Yahweh, though not without its own challenges. The alliance described in [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - The Moabite Campaign") reflects the complex geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, where military campaigns often involved multiple kingdoms forming temporary alliances. Prophets like Elisha served as crucial conduits of divine will, often challenging royal authority and speaking truth to power, even at personal risk. The concept of "standing before" a king or deity signified a position of service, ready to receive and execute commands, emphasizing Elisha's direct accountability to God alone.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores **Prophetic Authority and Integrity**, as Elisha, like his predecessor Elijah ([1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Oath to Ahab")), asserts his unwavering allegiance to the "LORD of hosts" above any earthly monarch, demonstrating that true prophets derive their authority solely from God. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Disfavor Towards Idolatry**, vividly illustrating God's profound contempt for Israel's persistent spiritual unfaithfulness under the Omride kings, even when faced with national crisis. Elisha's refusal to acknowledge Jehoram directly apart from Jehoshaphat's presence serves as a potent symbol of the spiritual barrier that sin creates between humanity and God's favor, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic literature concerning Israel's apostasy, such as in [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Sin Separates from God"). Lastly, the verse emphasizes the **Value of Godliness and Righteousness**, as Jehoshaphat's genuine piety—he "walked in the first ways of his father David" ([2 Chronicles 17:3](/2_chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3 - Jehoshaphat's Piety"))—is the sole reason Elisha agrees to intervene. This demonstrates that God honors those who honor Him, and that the presence of righteous individuals can indeed mediate divine attention and blessing, even in the midst of unrighteous company.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _YHWH Sabaoth'_):** This is a majestic and highly significant title for God, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty and power. "YHWH" is the covenant name of God, revealing His personal, relational nature. "Sabaoth" (צְבָאוֹת) means "armies" or "hosts," referring to the celestial armies (angels) and, by extension, all the forces of creation—heavenly bodies, natural phenomena, and even human armies. When Elisha swears by "the LORD of hosts," he is invoking the God who commands all power, underscoring the absolute truth and authority of his words. It signifies God's universal dominion and His role as the divine warrior.
* **Before whom I stand (Hebrew, _asher anochi omed'_):** This phrase is a powerful declaration of Elisha's prophetic identity and subservience. It signifies his position as a faithful servant and messenger, always in the immediate presence of God, ready to receive and deliver His word. It implies a direct, intimate relationship with the Almighty, much like a trusted minister stands before a king. This reinforces that Elisha is not speaking his own opinion but delivering a divine oracle, and his loyalty is exclusively to God, not to any earthly ruler.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand":** This opening clause functions as a solemn oath, a common prophetic formula (cf. Elijah in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Oath")). By swearing by the living God, Elisha affirms the absolute truth and divine origin of his subsequent declaration. His statement "before whom I stand" underscores his direct accountability to God, establishing his prophetic authority and integrity independent of human kings. It sets a tone of divine judgment and unwavering commitment.
* **"surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah":** Here, Elisha introduces the critical condition for his willingness to engage. His disdain for King Jehoram is so profound that only the presence of the righteous King Jehoshaphat, who walked in the ways of the Lord, compels Elisha to offer any assistance or even acknowledge their request. This highlights God's favor towards the righteous and His willingness to extend mercy or attention through them, even to the undeserving. It also serves as a public rebuke to Jehoram, emphasizing his spiritual unworthiness.
* **"I would not look toward thee, nor see thee":** This final, stark declaration expresses Elisha's utter contempt and refusal to acknowledge King Jehoram. "Not look toward thee, nor see thee" is a strong idiom for complete disregard, rejection, and a refusal to grant an audience or show any respect. It signifies Elisha's abhorrence of Jehoram's idolatry and spiritual compromise, making it clear that Jehoram's presence alone would have been insufficient to elicit a prophetic response. It underscores the severity of God's disfavor towards those who persist in rebellion against Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in literary devices that amplify its impact. Elisha employs an **Oath Formula** ("As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand"), which lends immense weight and divine authority to his words, signaling that what follows is not merely human opinion but a divinely sanctioned declaration. This is immediately followed by a **Conditional Statement** ("were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat"), which starkly contrasts the spiritual standing of the two kings and reveals the true motivation behind Elisha's action. The use of **Hyperbole** or extreme language in "I would not look toward thee, nor see thee" powerfully conveys Elisha's profound disdain and the depth of God's displeasure with Jehoram's idolatry. This dramatic **Contrast** between Jehoram's spiritual state and Jehoshaphat's righteousness serves to highlight the consequences of apostasy versus faithfulness, making the divine favor shown through Jehoshaphat even more pronounced. The entire interaction is framed within the context of **Divine Authority**, as Elisha functions as God's mouthpiece, demonstrating that God's favor is not dispensed indiscriminately but according to His righteous character and covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the principle that God's favor is not automatically extended to all, but is often mediated through the righteous and withheld from the persistently unrighteous. Elisha's disdain for Jehoram, rooted in God's own abhorrence of idolatry, underscores the seriousness of spiritual compromise and the barriers it erects between humanity and divine blessing. Conversely, Jehoshaphat's piety serves as a conduit for divine attention, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who honor Him, even when they are in compromised company. This passage reveals a God who is holy and just, whose presence cannot be presumed upon by those who disregard His commands, yet who is also gracious to respond to the faithful.

* [Proverbs 15:29](/proverbs/15-29 "Proverbs 15:29 - God is Far from the Wicked")
* [Psalm 34:15-16](/psalm/34-15-16 "Psalm 34:15-16 - The Eyes of the Lord are on the Righteous")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Holiness of the LORD of Hosts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elisha's bold declaration in 2 Kings 3:14 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound importance of spiritual integrity and the consequences of compromising one's faith. For believers today, this passage challenges us to examine our own allegiances: do we stand "before the LORD of hosts," prioritizing His will and character above all else, or do we allow worldly influences and personal convenience to dilute our devotion? The prophet's refusal to acknowledge Jehoram highlights God's unchanging nature—He is holy and cannot be trifled with. While we are called to love and serve all people, this verse subtly teaches us the spiritual weight of the company we keep and the profound impact of genuine righteousness, which can draw divine favor even into desperate situations. It calls us to cultivate a life of authentic piety, recognizing that our walk with God not only blesses us but can also, in His sovereign plan, become a channel of blessing for others, even those who may be far from Him. Our integrity matters, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of God's testimony in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "looking toward" things or people that God would not "see" or approve of?**
* **How does Elisha's unwavering allegiance to the "LORD of hosts" challenge my own priorities and commitments?**
* **Am I cultivating a life of genuine righteousness that might, like Jehoshaphat's, draw God's favor into challenging circumstances, even for those around me?**
* **What barriers might my own spiritual compromises be creating between me and a deeper experience of God's presence and guidance?**

### FAQ

**Why did Elisha treat King Jehoram so harshly?**

Answer: Elisha's harshness towards King Jehoram stemmed from Jehoram's spiritual hypocrisy and persistent idolatry. While Jehoram had removed a pillar of Baal worship ([2 Kings 3:2-3](/2_kings/3-2 "2 Kings 3:2-3 - Jehoram's Partial Reforms")), he still "clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat," meaning he maintained the calf worship established in Israel, which was a direct violation of God's law. Elisha, as a prophet of the true God, could not tolerate such a divided heart, especially from a king. His strong words were not personal animosity but a prophetic denunciation of sin, reflecting God's own righteous anger against apostasy. He was essentially telling Jehoram that he was unworthy of God's attention or a prophetic word, and only the presence of the righteous King Jehoshaphat made him willing to engage.

**What is the significance of Elisha saying "before whom I stand"?**

Answer: The phrase "before whom I stand" is a powerful declaration of Elisha's prophetic identity and his direct, unmediated relationship with God. It signifies that he is a servant always in the presence of the "LORD of hosts," ready to receive and execute divine commands. This phrase establishes his authority as a true prophet, emphasizing that his words are not his own but come directly from God. It also contrasts sharply with Jehoram's spiritual state, highlighting that Elisha's allegiance is solely to the Almighty, not to any earthly king, especially one who is unfaithful. This echoes similar declarations by his predecessor Elijah, such as in [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "1 Kings 17:1 - Elijah's Oath to Ahab"), reinforcing the continuity of prophetic authority and divine commission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elisha's stern declaration in 2 Kings 3:14, where he refuses to acknowledge Jehoram apart from the presence of the righteous Jehoshaphat, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate mediation of divine favor found in Jesus Christ. Just as Jehoshaphat's righteousness made it possible for God's prophet to engage with an undeserving king, so too does the perfect righteousness of Christ make it possible for sinful humanity to approach a holy God. We, like Jehoram, are inherently unworthy and our sin creates a chasm that no human effort can bridge. However, through Christ, who perfectly "stands before" God as our great High Priest and mediator ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), we gain access to divine grace. 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")), whose sacrifice and perfect obedience reconcile us to God. Elisha's conditional response underscores humanity's need for a righteous intercessor; in Christ, we find that perfect intercessor, through whom God not only looks upon us but welcomes us into His very presence, not based on our merit, but solely on the merit of His beloved Son ([Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")).

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

2 Kings 5:16

But he said, [As] the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take [it]; but he refused.

1 Kings 17:1

¶ And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

1 Kings 14:5

And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he [is] sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself [to be] another [woman].

1 Kings 14:18

And they buried him; and all Israel mourned for him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by the hand of his servant Ahijah the prophet.

2 Chronicles 19:3

Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

2 Chronicles 19:4

And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.