Elisha grants this audience solely because of the presence of a faithful king of Judah, highlighting God’s favor upon those who seek Him.
Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.” (v.14) In this moment, the prophet Elisha addresses the kings who have sought his counsel against Moab (2 Kings 3:6-12). By calling upon the name of _the LORD of hosts_, Elisha draws attention to God’s supreme power and authority, reminding everyone that his prophecies and pronouncements are governed by the One who commands the armies of heaven. Elisha’s bold stance reflects the legacy passed on by his mentor, the prophet Elijah, demonstrating unwavering commitment to speak only what God ordains 1 Kings 18:36).
“…were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.” (v.14) This statement acknowledges the special respect Elisha has for Jehoshaphat, who reigned circa 872-848 BC. Jehoshaphat, a king loyal to the worship of the true God, joined forces with Joram, the king of Israel, and the king of Edom. However, Joram’s lineage traced back to King Ahab of Israel, a notorious ruler who frequently led the northern kingdom astray into idolatry. Elisha makes it clear that it is solely out of respect for Judah’s godly leadership—a leadership linked with the rightful worship of God—that he consents to provide divine counsel in this dire military partnership.
By asserting that _“before whom I stand”_ (v.14), Elisha underscores his role as a devoted servant of God, reminiscent of how the New Testament portrays believers as ambassadors of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:20). His declaration calls for humility and dependence on God’s guidance, suggesting that no matter how powerful or influential earthly kings might be, their lasting success lies in depending on the God of Israel, whose steadfast love and strength are fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah Ephesians 1:19-21).
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2 Kings 3:14 meaning
Elisha said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.” (v.14) In this moment, the prophet Elisha addresses the kings who have sought his counsel against Moab (2 Kings 3:6-12). By calling upon the name of _the LORD of hosts_, Elisha draws attention to God’s supreme power and authority, reminding everyone that his prophecies and pronouncements are governed by the One who commands the armies of heaven. Elisha’s bold stance reflects the legacy passed on by his mentor, the prophet Elijah, demonstrating unwavering commitment to speak only what God ordains 1 Kings 18:36).
“…were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you.” (v.14) This statement acknowledges the special respect Elisha has for Jehoshaphat, who reigned circa 872-848 BC. Jehoshaphat, a king loyal to the worship of the true God, joined forces with Joram, the king of Israel, and the king of Edom. However, Joram’s lineage traced back to King Ahab of Israel, a notorious ruler who frequently led the northern kingdom astray into idolatry. Elisha makes it clear that it is solely out of respect for Judah’s godly leadership—a leadership linked with the rightful worship of God—that he consents to provide divine counsel in this dire military partnership.
By asserting that _“before whom I stand”_ (v.14), Elisha underscores his role as a devoted servant of God, reminiscent of how the New Testament portrays believers as ambassadors of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:20). His declaration calls for humility and dependence on God’s guidance, suggesting that no matter how powerful or influential earthly kings might be, their lasting success lies in depending on the God of Israel, whose steadfast love and strength are fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah Ephesians 1:19-21).