Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Kings 3:12
And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
12. is with him ] This expression seems to imply a more than ordinary participation of the divine Spirit. The more usual phrase is ‘The word of the Lord came to’ (cf. Gen 15:1; 1Sa 15:10 &c.). And even the ‘sons of the prophets’ recognized that Elijah and after him Elisha were preeminently endowed with gifts from God.
went down to him ] Such a man was not to be lightly summoned, and at such a crisis all reverence would be shewn to one on whose words it seemed that the chance of relief greatly depended. It may be that the phrase ‘go down’ is used here also because the tents of the kings would stand above the host. Josephus tells us that the tent of Elisha was outside the camp, which is very improbable. Bp Hall remarks here: ‘It was news, to see three kings going down to the servant of him who ran before the chariot of Ahab. Religion and necessity have both of them much power of humiliation. I know not whether more. Either zeal or need will make a prophet honoured’.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 12. The word of the Lord is with him.] He has the gift of prophecy.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The word of the Lord is with him; we may inquire the mind of God by him, for he is a true prophet; which Jehoshaphat might easily understand, because being a good man, and a great favourer of the Lords prophets, he would diligently inquire, and many persons would be ready to inform him, of all things of that nature, and, amongst others, of Elijahs calling of Elisha by casting his prophetical mantle over him, 1Ki 19:19, and of Elijahs translation and Elishas substitution in his place, and of the proof of it, 2Ki 2:8,14.
Down to him; to his tent; which was either in the camp, or not far from it; for he went along with the army by the impulse of Gods Spirit for this very occasion. They did not send for him, but went to him, that by giving him this honour they might more effectually engage him to give them his utmost assistance; and because they had heard that he was a man of a rugged temper and carriage, who therefore was to be sweetened, and so disposed to pity and relieve them.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
8-12. Which way shall we go up? Andhe answered, The way through the wilderness of EdomThis was along and circuitous route, by the southern bend of the Dead Sea.Jehoshaphat however preferred it, partly because the part of theMoabite territory at which they would arrive, was the mostdefenseless; and partly because he would thereby enlist, in theexpedition, the forces of the king of Edom. But, in penetrating thedeep, rocky valley of Ahsy, which forms the boundary between Edom andMoab, the confederate army was reduced, both man and beast, to thegreatest extremities for want of water. They were disappointed byfinding the wady of this valley, the brook Zered (De2:13-18) [ROBINSON],dry. Jehoram was in despair. But the pious mind of Jehoshaphatinquired for a prophet of the Lord; and, on being informed thatElisha was at hand, the three kings “went down to him”;that is, to his tent, which was either in the camp, or close by it.He had been directed thither by the Spirit of God for this specialpurpose. They went to him, not only as a mark of respect, but tosupplicate for his assistance.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And Jehoshaphat said, the word of the Lord is with him,…. To give them an answer, which he concluded from his being a servant and disciple of Elijah, whom he succeeded in his office, and of whom he had, doubtless, heard; and from his following the camp, and being in it, which he easily imagined was not to fight, but to assist by his advice and counsel, and by his prophecies, as there might be occasion for them:
so the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him; descended from their chariots, and went to the tent in the camp where he was; they did not send for him to come to them, but, in honour of him, went to him themselves.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(12) The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat.All the versions except the Targum add, the king of Judah. Jehoshaphat said what follows either on the ground of Elijahs reputation, or because the news of Elishas succession had already reached Judah.
The proper names, Shaphat and Jehoshaphat, are identical (He judgeth, i.e., Jah judgeth). (Comp. Ahaz and Jehoahaz.)
Went down to him.From the royal tents, which were probably pitched on an eminence, so as to overlook the camp. The three kings go to consult the prophet as persons of ordinary station might do. This shows the estimation in which he was held. Keil says they were humbled by misfortune.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
12. Went down to him They do not presume to summon Elisha into their presence, but, humbled in spirit, all three of the kings go down to him, thereby showing their respect and reverence for him, and their confidence in his gift of prophecy. He probably sat waiting for them in some neighbouring valley.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Ki 3:12 And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
Ver. 12. So the king of Israel. ] By Jehoshaphat’s persuasion likely, and the present necessity. Either zeal or need will make a prophet honoured. These three kings sent not for Elisha, but went unto him.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Jehoshaphat. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, add “king of Judah”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
The word: 2Ki 2:14, 2Ki 2:15, 2Ki 2:21, 2Ki 2:24, 1Sa 3:19-21
Israel: 2Ki 2:25, 2Ki 5:8, 2Ki 5:9, 2Ki 5:15, Isa 49:23, Isa 60:14, Rev 3:9
Reciprocal: Pro 14:19 – General Mar 6:20 – feared
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ki 3:12. The word of the Lord is with him He is a true prophet, and the Lord declares his will by him. Undoubtedly he had been informed how Elijah had chosen him his successor; how he had attended him till he was taken up into heaven, and what wonders he had already done. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, &c., went down to him To his tent, which was either in the camp or not far from it. They did not send for him, but went to him, that by paying him this respect, and thus honouring him, they might engage him to give them his utmost assistance.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
3:12 And Jehoshaphat said, {g} The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
(g) He is able to instruct us what God’s will is in this point.