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
2 Kings 3:20 marks the dramatic, divinely orchestrated fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy, where water miraculously appeared from the direction of Edom, filling the parched valley and providing crucial relief to the allied armies of Israel, Judah, and Edom. This event underscores God's sovereign power to provide in dire circumstances, His faithfulness to His word, and His ability to work through unexpected means, even in response to the faith of one righteous king amidst unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of a desperate military campaign. King Jehoram of Israel, allied with King Jehoshaphat of Judah and the king of Edom, marches against Moab, who had rebelled against Israelite tribute. After a seven-day journey through the wilderness, the allied armies face a dire crisis: their water supply is completely depleted, threatening the lives of both soldiers and animals. Faced with this existential threat, the pious King Jehoshaphat suggests seeking the Lord through a prophet. They consult Elisha, who, despite his disdain for the idolatrous Jehoram, agrees to inquire of the Lord for Jehoshaphat's sake. Elisha then delivers a dual prophecy: water will come without visible rain or wind, and God will also deliver Moab into their hands ([2 Kings 3:17-18](/2_kings/3-17 "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, setting the stage for the subsequent divine victory over Moab.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Divided Monarchy period in ancient Israel. Jehoram, son of Ahab and Jezebel, ruled Israel, continuing some of his parents' idolatrous practices, though he did remove the pillar of Baal ([2 Kings 3:2](/2_kings/3-2 "2 Kings 3:2 - Jehoram's Reign")). Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was renowned for his righteousness and devotion to Yahweh, often seeking divine counsel. The campaign against Moab was a common occurrence, as Moab had rebelled after King Ahab's death ([2 Kings 3:4-5](/2_kings/3-4 "2 Kings 3:4-5 - Moab's Rebellion")). Water scarcity was a constant and deadly threat for armies traversing the arid regions of the ancient Near East, making divine provision essential for survival. The "meat offering" refers to the *minchah*, a daily grain offering, typically presented in the morning and evening, signifying a regular time of worship. Edom, to the southeast of Judah, is a mountainous region characterized by wadis (dry riverbeds) that are prone to flash floods from distant rainfall, making the "way of Edom" a plausible, though divinely orchestrated, source for the water.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme is God's direct, supernatural intervention to meet a desperate need. The water's appearance from an unseen source, without local rain, powerfully demonstrates God's ability to provide abundantly in the most dire and seemingly impossible circumstances. This echoes earlier instances of God's miraculous provision for His people in the wilderness, such as providing water from a rock ([Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock at Rephidim")). The immediate and precise arrival of the water validates Elisha's prophetic word, confirming his role as God's messenger and underscoring God's sovereignty over creation and events. This event reinforces the reliability of God's word spoken through His prophets. Despite the presence of the ungodly King Jehoram, God honored the faith of Jehoshaphat and kept His promise, proving that His faithfulness endures even when surrounded by unfaithfulness. This illustrates God's grace and His willingness to act for the sake of even a remnant of righteousness (cf. [Genesis 18:22-33](/genesis/18-22 "Genesis 18:22-33 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom")). The water came "by the way of Edom," implying 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat offering (Hebrew, _minchah'_):** In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation for the Hebrew word *minchah*, which refers to a grain or meal offering, not an animal sacrifice (which would be a 'burnt offering' or 'sin offering'). These *minchah* offerings were typically offered daily in the morning and evening as a regular act of worship and devotion (e.g., [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Daily Burnt Offering and Grain Offering")). The mention of this specific timing signifies that God's miraculous provision arrived precisely at the customary hour of morning worship, suggesting a divine response aligned with a moment of devotion or expectation, or simply a divinely appointed time for the miracle to occur.
* **By the way of Edom (Hebrew, _derekh 'edōm'_):** This phrase indicates the geographical direction from which the water flowed. Edom was a region to the southeast of the armies' location, characterized by wadis (dry riverbeds) that could rapidly fill with water during flash floods, even if the rain fell far away. This emphasizes the non-local and miraculous nature of the event, as no rain was observed by the armies themselves, yet God orchestrated a distant meteorological event to bring water directly to their parched valley, 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")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered":** This precise temporal marker grounds the miracle within a specific, sacred time. The "meat offering" (grain offering) was a regular morning ritual in Israel, signifying devotion and dependence on God. Its mention here suggests God's intervention occurred at a time of anticipated worship or a moment of divine appointment, highlighting God's punctuality and responsiveness to the needs of His people.
* **"that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom":** The exclamation "behold" (KJV) emphasizes the suddenness and wonder of the event, drawing the reader's attention to the miraculous. The water's arrival "by the way of Edom" points to its unexpected source and supernatural nature. It implies a flash flood originating from distant rainfall in the Edomite mountains, channeled through dry riverbeds directly to the valley where the armies were encamped, without any rain falling directly on their location.
* **"and the country was filled with water."** This concluding phrase 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 ample supply for the men and animals and setting the stage for the next phase of God's plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** and **Dramatic Irony**. The miraculous provision of water not only saves the armies but also foreshadows the subsequent victory over Moab, as the water itself becomes a key element in the Moabites' downfall. **Dramatic Irony** is present in the contrast between the armies' desperate need and the unexpected, abundant supply. This irony is further amplified in the subsequent verses where the Moabites mistake the sun-reflected water for blood, leading to their fatal miscalculation ([2 Kings 3:22-23](/2_kings/3-22 "2 Kings 3:22-23 - Moabites Mistake Water for Blood")). The narrative also utilizes **Divine Intervention** as a central plot device, where God directly alters natural circumstances to achieve His purposes, emphasizing His omnipotence and faithfulness. The phrase "behold" acts as a **Literary Marker** to draw the reader's attention to the sudden and astonishing nature of the miracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when His people are in dire straits. The miraculous provision of water demonstrates that God is not limited by natural circumstances or human limitations; He can provide in ways utterly beyond our comprehension. It underscores the principle that God often works in response to the faith of His servants, as seen in Jehoshaphat's insistence on seeking a prophet. The 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 testament to God's character as the ultimate Provider and Deliverer.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in 2 Kings 3:20 offers profound 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 encourages us to trust in God's unseen provision, reminding us that His power is not constrained by our natural expectations or the visible circumstances. 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. Furthermore, Jehoshaphat's insistence on seeking godly counsel highlights the importance of spiritual wisdom and prophetic guidance in times of crisis. The precise timing of the miracle, at the hour of the morning offering, also serves as a gentle reminder of the significance of consistent devotion and seeking God's presence, for it is often in these moments of faithful waiting that God chooses to reveal His mighty hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "desert" areas of your life are you currently experiencing a lack or desperate need, and how might this passage encourage you to trust in God's unseen 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 and seeking God's presence in your daily life?**
* **When faced with seemingly impossible circumstances, how can you cultivate a posture of expectation for God to work in ways that are beyond your natural understanding or conventional solutions?**

### FAQ
**Question?** 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. 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, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event, just as Elisha prophesied 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")).

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

Answer: In the KJV, "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 "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. 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous provision of water in 2 Kings 3:20, saving a desperate army from perishing, 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, who offers Himself as the complete and sufficient sacrifice, satisfying our spiritual hunger and thirst, leading us to eternal life (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). 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 provision is always found in His Son.

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.