8. Jehoshaphat asked, “Which way should we go to attack?”Joram answered, “Through the Desert of Edom.”
9. So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. They marched seven days. There was no more water for the army or for their animals that were with them.
10. The king of Israel said, “How terrible this is! Has the Lord called us three kings together so the Moabites can defeat us?”
11. But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there a prophet of the Lord here? We can ask the Lord through a prophet.”An officer of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He was Elijah’s servant.”
12. Jehoshaphat said, “He speaks the Lord’s truth.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to see Elisha.
13. Elisha spoke to the king of Israel. He said, “I have nothing to do with you! Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother!”The king of Israel said to Elisha, “No. The Lord has called us three kings together to let the Moabites defeat us.”
14. Elisha said, “I serve the Lord of heaven’s armies. As surely as he lives, I tell you the truth. I wouldn’t even look at you or notice you if Jehoshaphat king of Judah were not here. I respect him!
15. Now bring me someone who plays the harp.”While the harp was being played, the Lord gave Elisha power.
16. Then Elisha said, “The Lord says to dig holes in the valley.
17. He says that you won’t see wind or rain. But the valley will be filled with water. Then you, your cattle and other animals will drink.
18. This is easy for the Lord to do. He will also let you defeat Moab.
19. You will destroy every strong, walled city and every important town. You will cut down every good tree. You will stop up all springs of water. You will ruin every good field with rocks.”
20. The next morning, about the time the sacrifice was offered, there was water! It came from the direction of Edom and filled the valley.