2 Kings 3:18

And this is [but] a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand.

And this is but a light thing {H7043} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}: he will deliver {H5414} the Moabites {H4124} also into your hand {H3027}.

That's an easy thing to do, from ADONAI's perspective. He will also hand Mo'av over to you.

This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.

And this is but a light thing in the sight of Jehovah: he will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.

Commentary

2 Kings 3:18 is a powerful declaration of God's limitless power and His willingness to intervene on behalf of His people, even in the most dire circumstances. It comes as a direct prophecy from Elisha, assuring the allied kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom of a decisive victory over Moab.

Context

This verse is part of a dramatic narrative in 2 Kings Chapter 3. The kings of Israel (Jehoram), Judah (Jehoshaphat), and Edom had formed an alliance to suppress a rebellion by Mesha, king of Moab. However, during their campaign through the wilderness of Edom, they faced a severe crisis: their armies and livestock had no water, and they were on the verge of perishing. In their desperation, they sought out the prophet Elisha. Initially, Elisha was reluctant to prophesy for Jehoram, due to his idolatry, but for the sake of the righteous King Jehoshaphat of Judah, he agreed to inquire of the Lord. The prophecy begins with a promise of miraculous water provision (2 Kings 3:16-17), and then, with verse 18, extends to an even greater promise of military triumph.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Omnipotence: The phrase "a light thing in the sight of the LORD" profoundly emphasizes God's boundless power. What seemed an insurmountable challenge to the kings – providing water in a parched desert and delivering a formidable enemy – is presented as utterly trivial for the Almighty. This highlights that no problem is too great for God.
  • Divine Favor and Intervention: God's decision to intervene was not based on the merit of all the kings, but specifically for the sake of Jehoshaphat's faithfulness. This illustrates how God's grace and intervention often flow through the presence of one righteous individual, bringing blessing upon others.
  • Prophetic Assurance: Elisha, as God's mouthpiece, delivers a clear and certain promise of victory. This underscores the reliability of God's Word spoken through His chosen prophets, providing hope and direction in times of crisis.
  • Complete Victory: The promise "he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand" assures the kings of a complete and decisive victory, not just relief from the immediate water shortage. God's provision is often comprehensive, addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "a light thing" is qal (קַל), which literally means "light," "insignificant," or "easy." When applied to God, it signifies that the act of providing water and delivering the Moabites is not a strenuous or difficult task for Him. It's a powerful contrast to human limitations and anxieties, emphasizing God's effortless ability to achieve what is impossible for man. This echoes the sentiment found in Jeremiah 32:27, "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?"

Practical Application

This verse offers immense encouragement for believers today. When faced with overwhelming circumstances – whether personal, financial, or spiritual – we can remember that our "impossible" situations are but "a light thing" in the sight of the Lord. Just as God provided water in the desert and delivered the Moabites, He is able to provide for our needs and grant victory over our challenges. It calls us to:

  • Trust God's Power: Recognize that God's capabilities far exceed our understanding or the limitations of our circumstances.
  • Seek Divine Guidance: Like the kings who sought Elisha, we should seek God's will and counsel through His Word and prayer, especially when life seems bleak.
  • Have Faith in His Promises: Hold onto the assurances found in Scripture, knowing that if God promises, He will surely perform it. His faithfulness is unwavering, and He provides the strength to face all things through Christ.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 1:37

    For with God nothing shall be impossible.

  • Jeremiah 32:27

    Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

  • Jeremiah 32:17

    Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

  • 2 Kings 20:10

    And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

  • Mark 10:27

    And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

  • Isaiah 49:6

    And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

  • Ephesians 3:20

    Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,