2 Kings 3:20

KJV

¶ And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the morning {H1242}, when the meat offering {H4503} was offered {H5927}, that, behold, there came {H935} water {H4325} by the way {H1870} of Edom {H123}, and the country {H776} was filled {H4390} with water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The next morning, around the time for making the offering, water came from the direction of Edom, and the countryside was filled with water.

Berean Standard Bible

The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the morning, about the time of offering the oblation, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Vividly recounts the dramatic, divinely orchestrated fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy, as water miraculously appeared from the direction of Edom, instantaneously filling the parched valley and providing crucial, life-sustaining relief to the allied armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom. This profound event powerfully underscores God's sovereign power to provide abundantly in dire circumstances, His unwavering faithfulness to His prophetic word, and His ability to work through unexpected and supernatural means, even in response to the faith of one righteous king amidst widespread unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of a desperate military campaign involving King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom, who had united to suppress Moab's rebellion against Israelite tribute. After a grueling seven-day journey through the arid wilderness, the allied armies face a catastrophic water shortage, threatening the lives of both soldiers and animals. In this existential crisis, the pious King Jehoshaphat, known for his devotion to Yahweh, proposes seeking divine counsel through a prophet. They approach Elisha, who, despite his disdain for the idolatrous King Jehoram, agrees to inquire of the Lord for Jehoshaphat's sake. Elisha then delivers a remarkable dual prophecy: water will miraculously appear without visible rain or wind, and God will subsequently deliver Moab into their hands (cf. [2 Kings 3:17-18](/2_kings/3-17-18 "2 Kings 3:17-18 - Elisha's Prophecy of Water and Victory")). Verse 20 marks the immediate, awe-inspiring fulfillment of the first part of this prophecy, providing the essential resource for survival and setting the stage for the subsequent divine victory over Moab, which unfolds in the verses that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this event is the tumultuous period of the Divided Monarchy in ancient Israel. King Jehoram, son of the infamous Ahab and Jezebel, ruled Israel, perpetuating some of his parents' idolatrous practices, though notably removing the pillar of Baal (cf. [2 Kings 3:2](/2_kings/3-2 "2 Kings 3:2 - Jehoram's Partial Reforms")). In stark contrast, King Jehoshaphat of Judah was celebrated for his righteousness and steadfast devotion to Yahweh, consistently seeking divine guidance. The military campaign against Moab was a common occurrence, as Moab had rebelled against Israelite suzerainty following King Ahab's death (cf. [2 Kings 3:4-5](/2_kings/3-4-5 "2 Kings 3:4-5 - Moab's Rebellion and Tribute")). Water scarcity was a perpetual and deadly threat for armies traversing the arid regions of the ancient Near East, making divine provision not merely desirable but absolutely essential for survival. The "meat offering" mentioned in the verse refers to the *minchah*, a daily grain offering typically presented in the morning and evening, signifying a regular, prescribed time of worship and devotion within Israelite religious practice. Edom, situated to the southeast of Judah, is a mountainous and often barren region characterized by numerous wadis (dry riverbeds) that are highly susceptible to rapid flash floods from distant rainfall, making the "way of Edom" a geographically plausible, yet divinely orchestrated, source for the miraculous water.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent and overarching theme in this passage is God's direct, supernatural intervention to meet a desperate and seemingly impossible need. The miraculous appearance of water from an unseen source, without local rain or wind, powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His boundless ability to provide abundantly in the most dire circumstances. This echoes and reinforces earlier instances of God's miraculous provision for His people in the wilderness, such as providing water from a rock (cf. [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim") and [Numbers 20:11](/numbers/20-11 "Numbers 20:11 - Moses Strikes the Rock at Meribah")). The immediate and precise arrival of the water serves as a powerful validation of Elisha's prophetic word, confirming his role as God's authentic messenger and underscoring God's unwavering reliability and control over all events. This event profoundly reinforces the trustworthiness of God's word spoken through His prophets. Despite the presence of the ungodly King Jehoram, God honored the faith of Jehoshaphat and faithfully kept His promise, illustrating that His faithfulness endures even when surrounded by widespread unfaithfulness. This highlights God's profound grace and His willingness to act for the sake of even a remnant of righteousness (cf. [Genesis 18:22-33](/genesis/18-22-33 "Genesis 18:22-33 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom")). The water coming "by the way of Edom" implies a distant, possibly unseen source or a flash flood orchestrated by God from afar, rather than direct rainfall over their location. This emphasizes God's boundless creativity and His ability to work in ways that transcend human expectations or natural processes, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His capacity to provide in astonishing and unexpected ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From H1242, properly meaning "dawn (as the break of day)," and generally referring to "morning." The mention of "morning" here is a precise temporal marker, anchoring the miracle to a specific time of day. It is significant because it aligns with the customary hour for the daily "meat offering" (grain offering), suggesting that God's miraculous intervention arrived precisely at a time associated with worship and divine appointment, highlighting God's punctuality and responsiveness.
* **Meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** From H4503, this term in the King James Version is an archaic translation for the Hebrew word *minchah*, which refers specifically to a grain or meal offering, not an animal sacrifice. These bloodless offerings were typically presented daily in the morning and evening as a regular act of worship, devotion, and dependence on God (e.g., [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Daily Burnt Offering and Grain Offering")). Its inclusion in this verse emphasizes that God's dramatic intervention occurred at a moment consecrated to worship, suggesting a divine response aligned with a posture of devotion or expectation.
* **Water (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** From H4325, this word refers to "water" in its literal sense. In this context, it signifies the miraculous provision that directly addresses the armies' dire thirst. The repetition of "water" (came water... filled with water) emphasizes the abundance and completeness of the divine supply, transforming a parched landscape into one overflowing with life-sustaining liquid, a direct fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered":** This opening clause establishes the precise timing of the miracle. The "morning" (Hebrew: *bôqer*) signifies the break of day, a time often associated with new beginnings and divine activity. The "meat offering" (Hebrew: *minchâh*, a grain offering) was a daily ritual in Israelite worship, signifying devotion and dependence on God. Its mention here suggests that God's intervention occurred at a divinely appointed moment, perhaps in response to the faith of Jehoshaphat, or simply to underscore God's perfect timing in aligning His supernatural provision with the rhythms of His people's worship.
* **"that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom":** The interjection "behold" (KJV) serves as a dramatic literary marker, drawing the reader's attention to the sudden, unexpected, and awe-inspiring nature of the event. The water's arrival "by the way of Edom" (Hebrew: *derekh 'edōm*) is crucial. It indicates the geographical direction from which the water flowed, implying a flash flood originating from distant rainfall in the mountainous region of Edom, channeled through dry riverbeds directly to the valley where the armies were encamped. This underscores the non-local and miraculous nature of the event, as no rain was observed by the armies themselves, fulfilling Elisha's prophecy that water would come "without wind or rain" ([2 Kings 3:17](/2_kings/3-17 "2 Kings 3:17 - Elisha's Prophecy of Water")).
* **"and the country was filled with water."** This concluding phrase emphatically confirms the complete and abundant fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy. The parched land, which had been devoid of water for seven days, was now entirely inundated, providing not just enough, but ample supply for the men and animals. This dramatic transformation from desolation to abundance sets the stage for the next phase of God's plan, demonstrating His overwhelming power to provide and His faithfulness to His word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Dramatic Irony** is subtly present in the contrast between the armies' desperate, life-threatening thirst and the sudden, abundant, and unexpected divine provision. This irony is further amplified in the subsequent verses where the Moabites tragically mistake the sun-reflected water for blood, leading to their fatal miscalculation and defeat (cf. [2 Kings 3:22-23](/2_kings/3-22-23 "2 Kings 3:22-23 - Moabites Mistake Water for Blood and are Defeated")). The narrative also utilizes **Divine Intervention** as a central plot device, where God directly alters natural circumstances (orchestrating a distant flash flood) to achieve His purposes, emphasizing His omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness. The phrase "behold" acts as a **Literary Marker** or an exclamation, serving to draw the reader's immediate attention to the sudden, astonishing, and miraculous nature of the event, underscoring its significance within the narrative. Furthermore, the miraculous provision of water functions as **Foreshadowing**, not only saving the armies but also directly contributing to the subsequent victory over Moab, as the water itself becomes a key element in the enemy's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over all creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when His people are in dire straits and some among them are unfaithful. The miraculous provision of water demonstrates that God is not limited by natural circumstances, human limitations, or the visible absence of solutions; He can provide in ways utterly beyond our comprehension and expectation. It underscores the profound principle that God often works in response to the faith of His servants, as seen in Jehoshaphat's insistence on seeking a prophet and trusting God's word. The precise timing of the miracle, "in the morning, when the meat offering was offered," subtly connects divine provision to the rhythms of worship and dependence on God, reminding us that God is attentive to the cries and customs of His people. This event serves as a powerful testament to God's character as the ultimate Provider, Deliverer, and Fulfiller of His prophetic word.

* [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim")
* [Isaiah 41:17-18](/isaiah/41-17-18 "Isaiah 41:17-18 - God Promises Water in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 78:15-16](/psalm/78-15-16 "Psalm 78:15-16 - God Provides Water from the Rock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in [2 Kings 3:20](/2_kings/3-20 "2 Kings 3:20 - Miraculous Water Provision") offers profound and enduring lessons for believers navigating the "wildernesses" of their own lives. Just as the allied armies faced a seemingly insurmountable crisis of thirst, we too encounter situations where resources seem depleted, solutions are invisible, and hope dwindles. This verse profoundly encourages us to trust in God's unseen and unconventional provision, reminding us that His power is not constrained by our natural expectations or the visible circumstances of our lives. It calls us to cultivate a posture of expectant faith, believing that God can work in extraordinary, even unconventional, ways to meet our deepest needs, often when we least expect it. Furthermore, King Jehoshaphat's insistence on seeking godly counsel through Elisha highlights the critical importance of spiritual wisdom, prophetic guidance, and seeking God's will in times of crisis, rather than relying solely on human strategies. The precise timing of the miracle, at the hour of the morning offering, also serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder of the significance of consistent devotion, faithful worship, and seeking God's presence, for it is often in these moments of faithful waiting and spiritual discipline that God chooses to reveal His mighty hand and unleash His miraculous provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "desert" areas of your life are you currently experiencing a significant lack or desperate need, and how might this passage encourage you to trust in God's unseen and unconventional provision?**
* **How does the timing of God's intervention ("in the morning, when the meat offering was offered") speak to the significance of consistent devotion, worship, and seeking God's presence in your daily life, especially during challenging times?**
* **When faced with seemingly impossible circumstances, how can you cultivate a posture of expectant faith for God to work in ways that are beyond your natural understanding or conventional solutions, and what practical steps can you take to seek His guidance?**

### FAQ
**Why did the water come "by the way of Edom" and not from direct rain?**

Answer: The phrase "by the way of Edom" (Hebrew: *derekh 'edōm*) indicates the geographical direction from which the water flowed, implying a source distant from the armies' immediate location. This was likely a flash flood originating from heavy rainfall in the mountainous region of Edom, to the southeast of the armies' position. God orchestrated this meteorological event, channeling the water through wadis (dry riverbeds) directly to the valley where the armies were encamped. This method highlights God's supernatural power and creativity, demonstrating that His provision is not limited to conventional means (like direct rainfall over their camp) but can come from unexpected sources and directions. This unique approach emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event, precisely as Elisha prophesied that water would come "without wind or rain" (cf. [2 Kings 3:17](/2_kings/3-17 "2 Kings 3:17 - Elisha's Prophecy of Water")), underscoring God's absolute control over creation.

**What is the significance of the "meat offering" being offered at the time the water came?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation for the Hebrew *minchah*, which refers to a grain or meal offering, not an animal sacrifice. These were part of the daily temple rituals, offered both in the morning and evening (e.g., [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Daily Sacrifices")). The mention of the morning offering here is significant for several reasons. First, it grounds the miracle in a specific, known time, adding to its historical veracity and demonstrating God's precise timing. Second, it suggests God's intervention occurred at a customary time of worship and devotion, perhaps implying a divine response to the spiritual posture of Jehoshaphat and the armies, or simply marking a divinely appointed moment. It underscores God's perfect timing and His attentiveness to the rhythms of His people's worship and their expressions of dependence upon Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous provision of water in [2 Kings 3:20](/2_kings/3-20 "2 Kings 3:20 - Miraculous Water Provision"), saving a desperate army from perishing in the wilderness, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as the physical water came from an unexpected source "by the way of Edom" to satisfy a dire thirst, so too does Christ offer living water to quench the deepest spiritual thirst of humanity. He declared, "[If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Invitation to Drink Living Water")," and promised that "[whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus Offers Living Water to the Samaritan Woman")". This divine intervention, orchestrated by God for the sake of His people, points to God's ultimate act of provision in sending His Son, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Christ is the true "meat offering" (grain offering), the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who offers Himself as the complete and sufficient sacrifice, satisfying our spiritual hunger and thirst, leading us to eternal life (cf. [John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")). The water filling the country symbolizes the overflowing grace and life that flow from Christ, bringing life and renewal to a parched and dying world, demonstrating that God's ultimate and most profound provision is always found in His Son, who is the source of eternal life and spiritual satisfaction.

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

Exodus 29:39

The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:

Exodus 29:40

And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine [for] a drink offering.

1 Kings 18:36

And it came to pass at [the time of] the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am] thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word.

Isaiah 35:6

Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 35:7

And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, [shall be] grass with reeds and rushes.

Psalms 78:15

He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave [them] drink as [out of] the great depths.

Psalms 78:16

He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.