2 Kings 3:13
“And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Elisha told Jehoram to consult the Baal prophets instead, but when Jehoram pleaded that the Lord had called the three kings together in judgment, Elisha relented because of Jehoshaphat.
Context
Elisha's rebuke of Jehoram reflects Jehoram's idolatry and spiritual unfaithfulness; only Jehoshaphat's righteousness moved the prophet to act.
What Does 2 Kings 3:13 Mean?
And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab, the prophet's words are harsh and just. Jehoram has no claim on a prophet of Israel's God when he worships the golden calves. Yet in Jehoram's plea lies a crack of truth: something grave is happening; the three are bound together in this crisis.
Grace does not excuse sin, but it can work through the righteousness of another. Jehoshaphat's presence, his faith, his clean record before God, these become the channel through which mercy flows, even to Jehoram.
Application
Our faithfulness can open doors not only for ourselves but for those around us. We are connected; righteousness has a ripple.