Holman Christian Standard Bible

2 Kings 3:9-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

9. So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out. After they had traveled their indirect route for seven days, they had no water for the army or their animals.

10. Then the king of Israel said, “Oh no, the Lord has summoned three kings, only to hand them over to Moab.”

11. But Jehoshaphat said, “Isn’t there a prophet of the Lord here? Let’s inquire of Yahweh through him.” One of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat, who used to pour water on Elijah’s hands, is here.”

12. Jehoshaphat affirmed, “The Lord’s words are with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went to him.

13. However, Elisha said to King Joram of Israel, “We have nothing in common. Go to the prophets of your father and your mother! ” But the king of Israel replied, “No, because it is the Lord who has summoned these three kings to hand them over to Moab.”

14. Elisha responded, “As the Lord of Hosts lives, I stand before Him. If I did not have respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, I would not look at you; I wouldn’t take notice of you.

15. Now, bring me a musician.” While the musician played, the Lord’s hand came on Elisha.

16. Then he said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Dig ditch after ditch in this wadi.’

17. For the Lord says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the wadi will be filled with water, and you will drink — you and your cattle and your animals.’

18. This is easy in the Lord’s sight. He will also hand Moab over to you.