2 Kings 3:8

KJV

And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Which way {H1870} shall we go up {H5927}? And he answered {H559}, The way {H1870} through the wilderness {H4057} of Edom {H123}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Which route should we take?" he added. "The road through the desert of Edom," answered Y'horam.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he asked, “Which way shall we go up?” “By way of the Desert of Edom,” replied Joram.

American Standard Version

And he said, Which way shall we go up? And he answered, The way of the wilderness of Edom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 3:8 captures a critical moment of strategic inquiry during the allied military campaign of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab, where King Jehoram seeks prophetic guidance from Elisha regarding the optimal route. Elisha's concise response, directing them through the arduous wilderness of Edom, underscores the divine hand in military strategy and the often-unconventional paths God chooses to lead His people, even when human logic might suggest otherwise, setting the stage for a demonstration of His miraculous provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of a joint military expedition initiated by King Jehoram of Israel, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom (a vassal of Judah) against Mesha, the rebellious king of Moab. The campaign, detailed from [2 Kings 3:4](/2_kings/3-4 "2 Kings 3:4 - Mesha's Rebellion") onwards, was undertaken to suppress Moab's revolt against Israelite tribute. After a seven-day march through a desolate and arid region, the allied forces and their livestock faced a severe and life-threatening water shortage ([2 Kings 3:9](/2_kings/3-9 "2 Kings 3:9 - Water Shortage")). In their desperation, King Jehoshaphat, known for his devotion to the Lord, insisted on consulting a prophet of Yahweh ([2 Kings 3:11](/2_kings/3-11 "2 Kings 3:11 - Jehoshaphat Seeks a Prophet")). Elisha, the prophet, was summoned. Jehoram's question in [2 Kings 3:8](/2_kings/3-8 "2 Kings 3:8 - Jehoram's Question") reflects the immediate tactical dilemma, while Elisha's answer confirms the divinely ordained, albeit challenging, route, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Moab had been a tributary state to Israel since the time of David, but after the death of Ahab, King Mesha of Moab rebelled, as recorded on the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone), a significant extra-biblical artifact. This rebellion prompted the allied campaign. Edom, situated to the south of Moab, was also a vassal state, often under the control of Judah. The "wilderness of Edom" refers to the arid, uncultivated region to the east of the Arabah, south of the Dead Sea, known for its harsh conditions and lack of water sources. For ancient armies, water was the most critical resource, and its scarcity could quickly lead to collapse, making the kings' predicament dire. Culturally, consulting a prophet before major undertakings, especially military campaigns, was a common practice in ancient Israel and Judah, reflecting the belief in divine involvement in national affairs and the prophet's role as God's mouthpiece.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes converging in this verse include the **necessity of divine guidance** in all human endeavors, particularly in matters of national security and warfare. The kings, despite their military might, find themselves utterly dependent on God's direction, highlighting that human strategy alone is insufficient. It also powerfully illustrates **God's unconventional methods**; rather than providing an easy path, God directs them through the "wilderness of Edom," a notoriously difficult and waterless terrain. This underscores the theme that God often leads His people through challenging "wilderness" experiences, not to abandon them, but to test their faith, humble them, and ultimately demonstrate His power and provision in ways that glorify Him. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **faith amidst adversity**, as the kings are called to trust Elisha's word—God's instruction—even when their immediate circumstances (a severe water shortage) seem to contradict the wisdom of continuing on that arduous path. Their obedience, despite the apparent difficulty, becomes crucial for the miraculous intervention that follows ([2 Kings 3:17](/2_kings/3-17 "2 Kings 3:17 - Miraculous Water Provision")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **go up (Hebrew, _‘alah'_):** The Hebrew verb עָלָה (_‘alah_) literally means "to ascend" or "to go up." While it can refer to physical elevation, in military contexts, it frequently denotes "to advance," "to attack," or "to go on a campaign." Here, it carries the dual nuance of physically traversing higher ground towards Moab and initiating a military offensive. Jehoram's question is therefore about the strategic direction of their advance.
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbar'_):** The term מִדְבַּר (_midbar_) typically refers to an uncultivated, sparsely populated, and often arid region, distinct from a fertile plain or cultivated land. While it can sometimes denote pastureland, in this context, "the wilderness of Edom" specifically points to a desolate, waterless, and challenging terrain, emphasizing the harsh conditions the armies were enduring and the seeming illogic of continuing through such a region without water.
* **Edom (Hebrew, _‘edom'_):** Edom refers to the land and people descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Geographically, it lay southeast of the Dead Sea, characterized by rugged mountains and arid plateaus. The "wilderness of Edom" would be the eastern, more desolate part of this territory, bordering the Arabah valley. Its inclusion highlights the specific, difficult geographical challenge presented by the divinely appointed route.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Which way shall we go up?":** This clause captures King Jehoram of Israel's direct question to the prophet Elisha. Faced with a dire water shortage and the potential collapse of his allied military campaign, Jehoram seeks immediate and practical strategic guidance. The question "Which way shall we go up?" reflects his desperation for a viable route to continue their advance against Moab, implying a need for a path that would lead to success, or at least survival, in their current predicament. It highlights the human tendency to seek a clear, actionable plan when facing overwhelming obstacles.
* **"And he answered, The way through the wilderness of Edom.":** This is Elisha's terse, yet profound, response, delivered as the voice of God. It is not a suggestion but a definitive declaration of the divinely appointed route. The "wilderness of Edom" was the very path they were already on, or at least the general direction. This answer confirms that despite the current hardships and the apparent lack of water, they were on God's chosen path. It underscores God's sovereignty over military strategy and His willingness to lead His people through challenging, seemingly illogical circumstances to achieve His purposes and demonstrate His power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. There is a strong element of **Irony** in Elisha's answer; the "way through the wilderness of Edom" is precisely the route that has led them to their current, desperate water shortage. Human logic would suggest a change of course, yet the divine directive confirms the most arduous path, highlighting God's ways as often contrary to human expectation. The direct **Dialogue** between King Jehoram and Elisha serves to heighten the dramatic tension, immediately presenting the human plea for direction and the concise, authoritative divine response. This direct exchange underscores the prophet's role as a clear conduit for God's will. Furthermore, the "wilderness of Edom" functions as **Symbolism**, representing a place of testing, extreme dependency on God, and purification. Just as Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years, this barren land symbolizes a crucible where faith is forged and divine provision is made manifest, proving that God's power is most evident in human weakness and impossible situations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty, even over military campaigns and strategic decisions. It underscores the critical importance of seeking divine counsel in all matters, recognizing that human wisdom and logistical planning, no matter how sophisticated, are ultimately insufficient without God's direction. The "wilderness of Edom" serves as a potent theological symbol of a place of testing, purification, and profound dependence on God. It is often in such barren and challenging circumstances that God chooses to reveal His power and faithfulness most clearly, forcing His people to rely solely on Him rather than on their own resources or strength. This divine leading through hardship is not punitive but redemptive, designed to cultivate deeper faith and demonstrate God's miraculous provision.
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")
* [Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - Wilderness Testing and Dependence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Kings 3:8 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating their own "wilderness" experiences. In a world that often prioritizes efficiency, logical solutions, and immediate gratification, this verse reminds us that God's ways are frequently counter-intuitive and may lead us through paths of apparent difficulty and scarcity. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of radical dependence, seeking God's guidance through prayer, His Word, and godly counsel, even when the circumstances seem overwhelming or the divine direction seems illogical from a human perspective. Our call is not to understand every step of God's plan, but to trust His character and obey His voice, persevering through the "wilderness" with the conviction that His ultimate purpose is good and His provision is sure. Just as the allied kings had to continue on the arduous path, we too must press on in faith, knowing that God often uses our seasons of weakness and impossibility to display His glorious strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wilderness" or challenging path might God be calling you to walk through right now, despite your desire for an easier route?**
* **How does your immediate reaction to difficulty align with or diverge from the kings' decision to seek divine counsel?**
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely more on human logic and strategy than on God's unconventional guidance?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha direct the kings through the wilderness of Edom, especially given their severe water shortage?**

Answer: Elisha's direction, being God's word, was purposeful. God often leads His people through challenging "wilderness" experiences not to harm them, but to test their faith, humble them, and demonstrate His power in ways that leave no doubt about His divine intervention. The wilderness of Edom, with its extreme aridity, served as the perfect crucible to highlight the kings' utter dependence on God. By confirming this difficult route, God was setting the stage for a miraculous provision of water ([2 Kings 3:17](/2_kings/3-17 "2 Kings 3:17 - Miraculous Water Provision")) that could only be attributed to Him, thereby strengthening their faith and showing His sovereignty over nature and warfare. This path, though arduous, was part of God's plan to deliver them from Moab and teach them reliance on Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The journey through the "wilderness of Edom" in 2 Kings 3:8, a path of testing and divine provision, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "wilderness" journey undertaken by Christ and the spiritual wilderness of sin from which humanity needs deliverance. Just as the kings sought a way to ascend to victory, humanity's deepest need is for a way back to God. Jesus, the true and greater Elisha, is the definitive "way" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), guiding us not through physical deserts but through the spiritual wasteland of sin and death. His own forty days in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")) demonstrate His perfect obedience and reliance on God's Word, even in the face of extreme temptation and hardship. He is the ultimate provision in our spiritual wilderness, offering living water ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")) and the bread of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) to those who are spiritually parched and hungry. Through His sacrifice, He has opened a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")) for us to "go up" to God, not by military might or human strategy, but through faith in Him, who conquered the ultimate enemy and leads us to eternal victory.

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

Malachi 1:2

I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? [Was] not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,

Malachi 1:3

And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.

Numbers 21:4

¶ And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.